Donate | NPR Shop | NPR Community | Login | Register
An Argentine dad who loves Brazilian music, a Swedish childhood listening to Western pop, a stint in a hard-core metal band ... that['s the curious pedigree of singer-guitarist Jose Gonzalez, who can bring a hushed, haunting quality even to Kylie Minogue's pop hit "Hand on Your Heart." His music, well-known in Europe, is now finding an audience in the United States.
June 27, 2006Growing up in Sweden with Argentinian parents, Jose Gonzalez was just as likely to hear The Beatles in his home as bossa nova classics. These diverse influences are apparent in his songwriting and guitar playing on his debut album, Veneer.
Gonzalez plays original compositions on Veneer along with putting his own spin on songs such as Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" and Kylie Minogue's "Put Your Hand on Your Heart." His songs have gotten boosts from appearances on Fox's The OC and a popular commercial from Sony. Recently, he finished the U.S. leg of a world tour.
This segment originally aired on April 11, 2006.
Comments
Discussions for this story are now closed. Please see the Community FAQ for more information.