Robert Gomez

Denton, Texas, is home to singer/songwriter Robert Gomez, whose skills on guitar extend to serious study and performance of Cuban styles under Nelson Gonzalez. In addition to his work with the son ensemble Septeto Habañero, he has traveled with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and joined Omar Faruk Tekbilek for shows across Spain, Turkey, and the United States. His own recordings, by contrast, blend literate, bittersweet songwriting with a moody Southwestern twang that echoes the approach of Calexico. Gomez issued his debut, the 2005 album Etherville, through his Basement Front imprint. Fellow Denton residents Midlake brought his material to the attention of their label, Bella Union, resulting in his signing to the roster in 2006. Matt Pence of Centro-Matic, another local, assisted with the sessions for Gomez’s follow-up, Brand New Towns, which appeared in early 2007.