A PROFILE ON SERGIO LEAL “The incredible Sergio Leal. One of the finest guitar players I have seen in the Alamo City or anywhere else for that matter.” – David Munoz, Jazz Show Host, Soft Rock 101.9 Sergio Leal is a prolific instrumentalist, and founder and member of the group, Zamar. During his career, he has been part of various jazz festivals where he has shared the stage with such artists as Pieces of a Dream, the legendary Chico Hamilton, Gato Barbieri, David Sanborn, Dr. John, Kirk Whalum, Eddie Palmieri, Charlie Hunter, Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66, Spyro Gyra, Branford Marsalis, Bobby Caldwell and Wayne Shorter. In 2002, Sergio opened up for Paulina Rubio and Enrique Iglesias at the Verizon Theatre in San Antonio, Texas. He also collaborated with Paramount Events to open up for the internationally renowned Russ Freeman & The Rippingtons at Sunset Station in San Antonio. Additionally, in the summer of 2007, Sergio and his band opened up for Three Dog Night, who had sold nearly 50 million records by late ‘75, have twelve straight gold LPs, and twenty-one consecutive top 40 hits. In the summer of 2008, Sergio opened up for Blood, Sweat and Tears, who were part of the first Woodstock Festival. The release of Sergio’s first CD, The Blessing, has brought national exposure - “Mel’s Melody” was selected by Oasis for their CD Jazz sampler, which was distributed to over 500 radio stations nationwide, as well as “Emma” from the second CD, The Appointed Time. The CD has also been aired on public radio, such as KRTU 91.7 Jazz and the Sunday Morning Jazz Show, KQ101.9, with the Jazz Man, David Munoz of San Antonio. Sergio was a featured artist on a live telephone interview on the Sunday Morning Jazz Show to promote his second CD, The Appointed Time, as well as air play. His third CD, The Healer, has also received air play on the Sunday Morning Jazz Show, with compositions such as “Rainy Nights,” “Spanish Eyes,” and “Face to Face.” Sergio released his rendition of “White Christmas” as a single in December 2008, which was featured on Q101.9 FM radio station. In 2009, the singles, “Midnight at the Oasis,” from the upcoming solo CD was aired on Q101.9, as well as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” from his Christmas project. In 2010, “Always and Forever” was also released. Sergio was commissioned to perform his compositions as a featured artist by renowned Romanian artist George Draghici and Producers Alexander Draghici and Gustavo Stebner of NBC Universal for a television pilot entitled “Paint My Music.” Sergio also performed at the 2011 18th Annual Balcones Heights Jazz Festival in San Antonio, where he opened for Saxophonist, Mindy Abair. In 2013, Sergio headlined at the San Antonio Spring Jazz at The Falls at La Cantera. He also performed at the Absolute Jazz Festival in Schertz, Texas. At present, he is working on three solo projects. Sergio's music is a blend of Flamenco, Afro-Latin, Middle Eastern, Fusion, and Nu-Jazz forms.