Chart topping pianist/composer/arranger
ARTHUR HANLONis the single most recognizable name in Latin instrumental music today. Although born in Detroit to Irish American parents, Hanlon has done what no one else has accomplished in Latin instrumental music.
The first and only pianist to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Latin charts and the only instrumentalist signed to a major Latin label, Hanlon plays a distinctive blend of Detroit street, classical virtuosity and Latin fusion.
His credibility in the industry is evidenced by the star power of his upcoming solo album on
Universal Latin Entertainment , “Sin Fronteras,” a set of all-original compositions where Arthur joins forces with some of the top names in pop and rock music today, including Laura Pausini, Juanes, Ricardo Montaner, Luis Fonsi, Alexandre Pires, Myriam Hernandez and Sergio Vallín of Maná.
Eight artists, representing eight different countries, together in a unique, creative journey that marries piano to some of the most distinctive voices and instruments of this generation.
“
Sin fronteras” (No Borders), was produced by Arthur with Colombian arranger, composer and also pianist Milton Salcedo, the man behind many of the hits by the likes of David Bisbal, Charlie Zaa and Alejandro Fernande, among others.
Arthur has collaborated with some of the biggest stars in Latin music, recording with trumpet virtuoso Arturo Sandoval, salsa star Tito Nieves and Mexican diva Ana Bárbara, who were all guest artists on his albums, and performing alongside Chayanne, Luis Fonis and Ricardo Montaner, among others.
A composer, performer and arranger, and a graduate of the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, Arthur was a multiple Billboard Latin Music Award finalist with his 2005 hit album “
“La Gorda Linda.”
.” His most recent recording, “Mecanomanía,” was hailed by critics as one of the best releases of 2006.
Born to Irish-American parents, Arthur Hanlon, hails from Detroit, Michigan (city that is most famous for its automobile plants) but found his calling in Latin music. Arthur’s talent was evident early in his life. He started playing the piano at six, and at 15, was already playing professional gigs with Detroit’s leading bands, hiding his real age in order to get into the clubs that were booking him.
Arthur’s music is a unique and distinctive blend of Detroit street and virtuosity, Latin fusion and bluesy vibes.
The Latin in him is the product of his life in New York City, where he completed postgraduate work in classical piano performance at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music and continued to obtain his Master’s Degree. Most importantly, while in New York, Arthur fell in love with Latin music, which irreversibly changed his life.
To this date he can’t explain it "I don’t know why or how but suddenly, I was surrounded by Latinos", remembers Arthur. "I became kind of like Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. I had a double personality. I was a classical musician by day and a Latin one by night."
Completely fluent in Spanish, Arthur traces his hard-to-pin accent on his many influences. "My teachers were Colombian, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Mexican, people from all over Latin America,” he says.
Arthur’s first album was an independent recording of purely original material, appropriately titled “Encuentros.” Licensed by Max Music and distributed by UMVD, “Encuentros” brought Arthur to the attention of Fonovisa, with whom he released three albums, including 2005’s critically acclaimed and commercially successful “La Gorda Linda,” featuring Tito Nieves, Ana Bárbara and Arturo Sandoval. The album was produced by Grammy winners Sergio George, Arturo Sandoval and Kike Santander, along with guitarist Manny Diaz.
In 2006, EMI sought Arthur out to record the music of Arthur discovered the music of Spanish pop group Mecano, and recrafted it with his distinctive touch and sound.
The resulting album, “Mecanomanía,” earned early raves from artists like Ricardo Montaner,
Luis Fonsi and
Juanes who invited Arthur to play at his landmark benefit concert, “Colombia Sin Minas.” Last summer, Arthur joined another Latin pop star, Chayanne, and opened several shows from his U.S. tour
Arthur’s spirit of collaboration culminates this year with the release of “Sin Fronteras” on Universal Music Latino. Release of the album has been preceded by a national campaign on the Univision Network, which chose Arthur’s new Christmas track, “Esta Navidad,” as its official song for the 2008 Christmas season, airing Arthur spots daily in key markets nationwide.
All tracks in “Sin Fronteras” were written or co-written by Arthur himself, with his friends.
English
Send a Blast Card
hi5 Coins