Personal Statement

Juanma Trujillo stands as a musical polymath, praised by Arturo O'Farrill as `the complete musician,` a testament to his encyclopedic palette of skills, genres, and aesthetics. With a career spanning continents and genres, Trujillo's musical journey is a testament to his boundless creativity and unwavering commitment to artistic exploration. Born and raised in Venezuela, Trujillo's early exposure to the rich tapestry of Latin American music laid the foundation for his eclectic style. Moving to New York and later Spain, he immersed himself in the vibrant jazz and improvised music scenes, collaborating with luminaries such as Francisco Mela, Ras Moshe, and William Parker. Alongside his work as a guitarist and composer, Trujillo established himself as a sought-after producer and audio engineer, showcasing a versatility that transcends traditional boundaries. Cal Cashin of The Quietus paints a vivid picture of Trujillo's musical prowess, describing his guitar lines as `occasionally heavy, but with a calculated deftness,` reminiscent of a fusion between Sonny Sharrock and David Pajo. Trujillo's playing, Cashin notes, is both novel and utterly mesmerizing, effortlessly capturing moments of majesty amidst daring sonic landscapes. Notable achievements include his contribution as an Arranger for Silvana Estrada's `Marchita` (Glassnote Records, 2022), which earned the Latin Grammy for Best New Artist, as well as his work on Pasión Vega's `Todo Lo Que Tengo` (Universal, 2019) and Fon Román's `La Chispa, La Llama y el Humo` (Pequeñas Iluminaciones, 2019) where he arranged strings and horns. In addition to his work in music production, Juanma has also made significant contributions to the world of film and documentary, notably as a composer for the feature film `BronX BandA: Arturo O'Farrill & The Bronx` (Render Circus, 2023) and as a guitarist for Ted Reichman's original score in `Missing in Brooks County` (Sunlight Factory, 2020). Trujillo's transparent embrace of multiple influences, noting that amidst a rich tapestry of musical traditions, he injects his unique essence, creating a sound that is unmistakably his own. From his roots in Latin American music to his explorations of jazz, rock, and improvised music, Trujillo's artistic vision knows no bounds, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music production and performance. With a career marked by innovation and fearlessness, Juanma Trujillo stands as a testament to the transformative power of music. Across continents and genres, his music speaks to the universal language of creativity and expression, inspiring listeners and fellow musicians alike to embrace their own unique voices and embark on their own journeys of artistic exploration.

Juan Manuel T. Subjects

Guitar