Sammy Morales – It’s Never Too Late

I found Sammy Morales on an indie artist site late in 2008. I heard this entrancing, melodic voice and was moved. He said the cd was in the works and would be done later in 2009; I patiently waited, then contacted him again and was pleased to find out it was done. My teenager said his voice was “like magic.” My 23-year-old said he really liked the feel of his voice and his music.

I am a fan, but I don’t write reviews, my goal is to provide a platform for inspirational artists to share. When I was speaking to Sammy he told me he was in his early fifties. He just put out his first cd and plans to do more. That is inspiration! So, for anyone who feels it’s too late and that life has passed you by, take note of what Sammy says: “I’m still breathing…” So, if you’re still breathing, get to work. The rest of us are waiting for you to share what you have with us. It’s never too late. Sammy thanks much for being actual proof that talent has no age limit and it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and express yourself!

Click to hear clips from his What is Love CD

You’re a multi-instrumentalist – you play congas, drums, piano and you sing. What was your attraction to music and why did you choose to learn how to play different instruments? What was your goal at the various stages?

My inspiration was The Beatles on Ed Sullivan in 1964 ~ I wanted to play drums above anything in the world. I really enjoyed listening to jazz on the radio and everything that came out of Motown. I liked Eddie Harris and explored Miles Davis, Odel Brown and the Organizers, that was a sound that I really dug! I played drums and was inspired by Elvin Jones who I had the pleasure to meet! I did a stint on Tenor Saxophone. I played congas for years with a cool Cuban trio playing Cuban Classics. I studied piano, for orchestration. I studied voice.

Your father was a professional boxer and you did boxing when you were younger. Does anything that you learned from boxing apply to your path with music?

I really enjoy the discipline of boxing and I have a gym set-up at home. Music is about rhythm and boxing is very relative.

What have you done during your life’s music career? (Bands, local scene?)

I played sax and sang lead vocal in local groups in the early years. I played drums/vocals with various trios in L.A./Hollywood, Conga drums and percussion with a Cuban trio. Drums and was leader of the Impulse jazz group. Currently I play Piano, and am a Singer/Songwriter.

What made you decide to finally start doing original music and to release a CD?

About 3 years ago, I was called to do a reunion with a band called “SunBurst” I used to be their lead singer. I played that day with my childhood friend Albert Lucero, he had been writing with a production company for the late Barry White. Members of the production company were there that day. I got a call the following day to record songs meant for Barry. After about a year of studio work, I started picking at the piano and writing songs and discovered I could at last hear things like alternate bass notes and voicings that enabled me to write down what I was hearing. I started writing lyrics that are true to what I feel.

You’ve known Albert Lucero since the two of you were kids. Did you work together previously on recording projects, or is this the first?

We were both doing many other projects. Albert has been recording for over 35 yrs.

What made you decide to work together?

I met with Albert in his studio and brought songs that I had penned and he liked what he heard and we became partners. I laid down the piano/vocal. Albert plays Drums, Latin Percussion, Keyboards, Guitar, Bass, Brass instruments, sings and started playing the sax at the same time I did. He runs the studio using Cakewalk Sonar Producer DAW software and to the point of mastering the projects. He has always encouraged me to sing; he has always said I have a unique quality.

Again, back to the timing question, why are the two of you collaborating on original material for you now at this point in your life?

What got me started was a song that I wrote a couple of years ago for my late Uncle Leo who was my mentor. The song is titled “There Was A Man”. Albert liked the song and we recorded it. I was happy with the outcome and that inspired me to keep writing. That was the start of our collaboration.

Do you feel you’ve missed anything by waiting so long to do this project?

No this was my path. For me, I had to experience playing many instruments to inspire me to write music.. I love to play football and still box. It took almost a lifetime but I am very proud of the CD “What Is Love”.

During our conversation, you mentioned “finding your voice.” Exactly what does that mean and how did you begin to find it?

Writing original music and lyrics brought out the best in my voice, my lyrics are very personal and heartfelt. I found my authentic voice and that feels wonderful.

Are you shooting for any specific target audience when you create music?

No, but actually I was listening to Maroon five and was inspired to write “There Was A Girl”, I actually write very late at night, I sit at the piano and just start playing. I hear things as I go and just get inspired.

What inspires what you write?

That’s really a hard question, many times I don’t have a clue I just sit calmly and let my inner spirit guide me. If nothing comes that’s ok because I will be back tomorrow.

Do you feel that it’s ever too late for someone to start working on their own musical self-expression?

It’s Never too late!!! As long as you’re still breathing you can give the world a gift of your-self expression.

You’re in the woodshed phase at the present. What’s that all about?

jEWEL CASE SAMS WHAT IS LOVE.cdr I have been studying long hours to get ready to perform songs from the “What Is Love CD. (sammymorales.com) I am currently working with a fine Saxophone Player Ken Pace and planning to work with Albert Lucero/Bass and Steve Leon/Drums to complete a very cool trio and quartet playing songs from the “What Is love” CD and the 2^nd CD that myself and Albert are currently working on.