Artist profile.

Described by Indian Country Today as, "a one-man symphony of sound", Gabriel Ayala (Yaqui) is anything but your typical Native American musician. For one thing, he's playing a non-Native instrument, namely the classical guitar. For another, he's taken up a musical style which, by any Native standard, is not what some in the Native community would consider, "traditional". Traditional or not, by any standard, Ayala is one of the finest Native musicians we've had the pleasure to hear in a long time.

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Part of a new wave of Native musicians, breaking stereotypes while breaking new ground, Ayala and his counterparts perform (and record) classical music on traditional western instrumentation. In Ayala's case, the classical guitar.

Ayala took up the guitar in his teens, thinking he was going to be a 'rock star' like his heroes on MTV. But, as fate would have it, a challenge from a music teacher, introduced the young man to classical music, and he knew what direction his musical journey would take him.

But this journey would be full of challenges. Going off to community college, the young musician found himself far behind his fellow classical guitarists (most classical guitarists begin playing around 5 or 6 years of age). His audition only warranted a teaching major, rather than the performance major he was anticipating. Discouraged and dejected, the audition only made Ayala more determined than ever. Practicing every moment he could (sometimes 8-10 hours a day), the aspiring artist would soon be rewarded. A musical opportunity would present itself at Texas A & M University. Ayala would find his 'voice' and his future in the Aggie music department.

After graduating, Ayala would continue his studies, garnering a full graduate scholarship for a Masters Degree at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Finishing with a 4.0 grade point average, the budding musician would win numerous competitions and accolades along the way.

After being bombarded by requests to put out his music, Ayala finally released his self-titled debut album in 2003. The CD was well-received, and was nominated in the, "Best Independent Recording" category at the Sixth Annual Native American Music Awards (the Native American version of the GRAMMYS). Two years later the talented guitarist would release his second CD, a Christmas album entitled, I'll Be Home for Christmas. Wanting to stretch musical muscles and challenge himself further, in 2007 Ayala released his most ambitious CD to date entitled, Tango. The album won him still more praise and was nominated in the "Best Instrumental" category at Canada's Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards.

Ayala then caught the ear of producers at Canyon Records. Ayala would be offered a contract and become part of their newly formed Canyon Explorer Series where the Phoenix-based label is stretching the music envelope beyond traditional Native America, emphasizing two specific genres: Classical and World Music. Ayala is a perfect fit!

A prolific performer, Ayala's schedule is packed with up to eighty dates a year. A role model for his tribe and the Native community, Ayala has traveled 'Indian Country' performing with the likes of fellow Native musicians, R. Carlos Nakai, Darryl Tonemah, Keith Secola and a host of others. The award-winning guitarist has appeared at the Kennedy Center and the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., the Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque and, in his home state, he's performed for Governor Napolitano as part of the Arizona Music Project.

In addition to his being a solo classical guitarist, Ayala promotes Native culture through traditional singing and dance. He's also going to be featured in Vincent Schilling's forthcoming book, Native American Musicians on the Go.

Ayala's latest release on Canyon Records is entitled, Portraits (see review below). Gabriel Ayala makes his home in Tucson, Arizona.

Contact info: www.ayalaguitarist.com and www.myspace.com.