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Ralph Torres -- songwriter/vocalist/keyboardist -- is the purveyor of a distinguished brand of power pop with songs suspended on irresistible hooks, kinetic grooves and meticulously memorable choruses.
A native of the Inland Empire, Torres is well-known to Southern California audiences through his history with bands including ska/reggae favorites, The Sedans, and a subsequent chain of original pop and acoustic projects. In the late Nineties he founded (actual size), a duo whose solid songwriting and energetic performances won them resounding accolades, opening slots for The Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, and a nomination for the National Academy of Songwriters Acoustic Group of the Year.Following the group's dissolution, Torres, a multi-disciplinary artist who includes web design and photography among his talents -- retreated to write songs and reconfigure his musical future. An avid student of popular culture, his mastery of on-line media connected him to music makers worldwide. He was invited to participate in Music Bridges, a confab of international hit songwriters, in Goslar, Germany along with U.S. representatives including Motown legend, Lamont Dozier. In a 500 year-old hotel, Torres collaborated and produced songs, and was ultimately featured in a sold-out concert at the World's Fair. Returning stateside, he resumed work on a long-anticipated solo project and pledged his efforts to the Southern California and Inland Empire Songwriters Associations. Through these organizations, Torres met recording artist John McGill, with whom he now partners in select venues in a duo, Mostly Harmless, performing material by both artists as well as new songs the duo are writing in tandem. Solo, in a duo, or fronting a rocking band, Ralph Torres' calling card is his enthusiasm. Clearly not a shy guy or reticent performer, his masterful songwriting -- divined from his thesaurus of influences and sung with a fiery conviction -- illuminates a prime pop sensibility with joyous electricity. |