Carlos J. Saldaña is a member in good standing with JASRAC
(Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers & Publishers)

(Click On Logo Above For More Info On JASRAC)

~ Artist Profile ~

Nihongo / Japanese:  

Carlos Saldaña (Singer/Songwriter & Adult Contemporary Artist):  Blending a wide variety of musical influences, (to include Jazz, R&B, Rock and Latin genres), Carlos writes and performs his own original music in a wide variety of venues on Okinawa, Japan.  Most of his local Japanese fans know him best as a Solo Acoustic performer who blends his original music within a mix of popular “cover songs”.  However, in recent years he has also performed as a member of several Variety Bands that include both American and Japanese musicians.   

From 1993 through 2000, Carlos was a local fixture in Café shops, restaurants and small clubs throughout Okinawa, performing either Solo Acoustic, or as part of Acoustic Duets with friends.  His occasional partners at that time included local Okinawa musicians Steve Bradford, Akira Hiramoto, Doug Esterline, and David Ralston (www.davidralston.com).

In 1996, Carlos was invited to perform on a local Japanese radio show (87.3 FM Okinawa), where an “unplugged” version of his original song, “Only For You” was highlighted for the entire month of September 1996.  Accompanying him for this radio performance was local Okinawa musician, Akira Hiramoto.

In 1998, Carlos performed with friends in the popular variety band "Fast Forward", which included Michael Robles/Drums & Vocal;  Scott Carlisle/Guitar & Vocal (www.scottcarlisle.com);  and Yo Yasuda/Bass (www.yoyasuda.com).  Together, they entered an Island-wide talent show dubbed “The Urasoe City Music Festival”, where Carlos' original song “Okinawa Summer Nights” was entered for competition and placed third overall in a group of 15 Finalists from throughout Okinawa. 

From 1999 until 2004, Carlos again returned to his acoustic-based roots and performed either Solo Acoustic or as part of various Acoustic Duets, playing the local Resort Hotel circuit on Okinawa to include the Ramada Renaissance, the Buscena Terrace, the Kariyushi Beach Resort, the Laguna Gardens, and the Nikko Alivila resort hotels.  His occasional partners during that time include local Okinawa musicians Yutaka, Doug Esterline, Michael Robles, Scott Carlisle, and Roger Shelton.

During this same period, Carlos was also invited to join a few established variety bands on Okinawa, who’s names include “Full Circle”, "Fast Forward", “Prophecy” and “Motif”.  These variety bands mostly performed for the American military community on Okinawa and earned themselves a strong following of fans through their tight musical arrangements and solid vocal harmonies.  His partners for this period include Doug Esterline, Roger Shelton, Michael Robles, Scott Carlisle, Yo Yasuda, Terry Morris, Tom Inagawa, Appin Shinjo, Gene Kealoha, Ed Bates, and Josh Cook.

In 2005, Carlos was asked to provide Background Vocals & Harmony Support on a local CD that was recorded for the Japanese Rock group “JET”, (Takashi "Taki" Furugen;  Koji "Kochan" Nagahama;  and Atsushi "Appin" Shinjo).  Six of the nine songs recorded for that CD include Carlos providing vocal support, as well as songwriting credit on their lead single, "Tequila Rose".  Based on his efforts for those sessions, he was approached to sign-on as a Recording Artist and Composer for the popular Japanese independent record label, Sun & Fish Records.    

The first recording for Carlos Saldaña under this Label is titled “Nothing Else Feels So Right” and it contains 10 original songs that were written and composed by Carlos.  And while this debut effort reflects his talent, skill and versatility as a Songwriter, Lyricist, and Composer, it also provides Carlos an opportunity to further develop his talents as a Vocalist.  You'll find some great Jazz, R&B, Pop, Rock & Latin-based tunes to fit every musical taste, along with support from some of the BEST professional session artists out of Tokyo, Japan, to include Hirofumi Tokutake on Guitar (Dr. K Project);  Akio Suzuki on Saxophone (Misia;  Steely Dan;  Yoshihiro Kai;  George Yanagi & Rainy Wood);  "Pecker" on Latin Percussion (Minami Yoshitaka;  Orquesta Del Sol;  Bob Marley & The Wailers);  and Naoya Hamada on Drums (Dreams Come True;  Kinki-Kids;  Hi-Fi Set;  Garp;  and Junichi Inagaki).

If you get your hands on this CD and listen to it very closely, I’m sure you’ll understand why so many people view Carlos’ music as a tasteful resurrection of the classic format found in the late 70’s and early 80’s from such bands as Shakatak,  Michael Franks,  The Doobie Bros., and Steely Dan.  So pick up a copy today, then sit back, crank up your stereo and relax to the smooth, infectious grooves of:

Carlos J. Saldaña & The Style Band!

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All "portrait-style" photos on this page are by Master Photographer, Mr. Lloyd Wainscott (shootwme@yahoo.com)

Carlos ~ Charlie ~ Saldana