Carlos Godinez songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Born in Oakland, California, Carlos Alejandro Godinez was raised in a traditional Mexican family with eight brothers and sisters. His parents came to Oakland in 1946, bringing with them a deep love of music. A songwriter and guitar player who built his own contracting company, Carlos' father was one of the original founders of Oakland's Spanish-speaking Unity Council which still offers support for Latinos coming to the US. Along with his siblings, Carlos grew up singing background as his mother sang lead and his father played guitar at the many neighborhood gatherings. Carlos began to play when his brother, Felipe, gave him his old bass. For almost seventeen years, Carlos played in the heart of the Bay Area music scene with many of the local salsa bands, developing his own unique style. In 1990, he picked up an acoustic guitar and began writing and performing his own music. Combining romantic lyrics and exquisite melodies with sensuous rhythms of Afro-Cuban songo, flowing bossa nova and exciting salsa flamenco, Carlos has created a passionate sound all his own. His original compositions, sung in both English and Spanish, stir emotions that touch the soul. His lyrics speak truths about love, loss and our search for peace and happiness in this turbulent world. Carlos' debut CD, "Take It To The Heart," brings together the many musical influences that have inspired him -- from Antonio Carlos Jobim to Sting to salsa great Sonora Poncena and the legendary Mexican balladeer Augustin Lara. Carlos' musical journey has led him to perform at California's premier jazz festivals and music venues with such noted musicians as Poncho Sanchez, Boney James, Calvin Keys, John Hardy, Ray Obiedo and the renowned Pete Escovedo Orchestra. Carlos remains close to his roots, living in the Bay Area and working on his upcoming CD "Only For A Moment/Nomas Por Un Momento" - which is dedicated to his baby daughter Brisa.