September 6, 2008 was an event like no other that stormed the Tampa Bay/St.Pete area! I was in complete shock as well as my family, friends, and sponsors. The amount of people that showed up to my CD release party "All About You" was truly unreal! For the first time in history, The Venue Club was overloaded with so many fans trying to get in to live and see what everyone was talking about. There was even a mile long traffic jam created by fans trying to park so they could see the show! I have to say this was a humbling experience, for I knew at that very moment the seriousness of how many people I would influence that night. All I could do is pray, play, and praise my God for blessing me with this wonderful opportunity to impact and shake the lives of people in search for their identity, purpose, and role in life. I can't go on without thanking The Rehnke's (an extraordinary family with a compassionate heart on a mission to spread love in all places).

The ambient was absolutely gorgeous. I can remember all the smiles and laughs that created an atmosphere of jubilee and happiness! As I approach my family, friends, and fans, inside I was focusing on the specific details of the show I would have to face on the stage. Now, Tampa's favorite MC comes up: Al Santana! As he hipes up the boiling crowd of 2,000 people, my stomach turns into knots. Don't worry, this alway happens and it is a constant reminder that I cannot depend on myself but on God, the One who I can put all my trust in! Within a blink of an eye I was on the second song and BAM....the crowd going absolutely crazy, The Grammy-studded band playing so tight, and well...as for me, trying to keep up with everything that's going on! Hahaha...Truly was a spectacular night with flashing lazer/lights, smoke, dancers, beautiful people in the audience; what a joy it created in each and everyone's heart! With one song after the other non-stop, the energy rested above the roofs and people were taking in a sonic trance of colors, emotions, story telling, history, the present, and the future!

This concert I decided to use a different instrumental setting. I had Grammy-award winners Lannie Battistini and Marcos Sanchez on the keyboards, Arturo Bermudez grooving so hard on the 4-string Electric Bass Guitar, JT Thomas keeping a strong pocket on the trap drums, Jay Puente and my father ornamenting the music with percussion, and Christina Valerie on vocals! As for me, I switched from flute to soprano sax and on occasion, played the djembe and did ethnic vocals. With the combination of all these musicians, I honestly have to say it inspired me to play like never before. Though I'm in a constant learning state of mind, I can admit that I felt most comfortable on that particular evening! Thank you to all of my musicians who helped me out. Special thanks to John Kelly and Alfredo Rivero for opening up the event! Thanks to all my family and friends who went out to support me! I'm so blessed to have you all in my life!

Jose