We're always pleased to receive your memories, stories, photos to share on our members' page. Now for the first time, we have a sonnet to share. This sonnet was written by Omar Martinez (English translation by Roberto Lebron, Jr.)

Leyenda del virtuoso
(Tango soneto)
 
Como sombra felina se desliza,
penumbra londinense downtown de Buenos Aires,
saxofón revirado de sueños y de prisa,
en la noche tardía va cruzando las calles.
 
Una voz incansable que vive en su instrumento,
lo instiga a que haga el viaje, que se vaya al misterio
de nuevos escenarios a probar su talento,
cruzando el horizonte, llevándose el recuerdo.
 
En el norte del Jazz recala liberado,
a un sonido sublime su saxo va arribando,
y volcando en su música corazón y arrebato,
 
articulando el canto del sur de su pasado,
lleva su nombre escueto de Barbieri, Leandro,
del arte a la leyenda del virtuoso y del Gato.
 
~Omar Martinez (2005)

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Legend of the Virtuoso
(Tango Sonnet)
(Translation by R. Lebron, Jr.)

As the feline shadow slides
In the late night crosses the streets
a tireless voice that lives in his instrument
In the north of Jazz it penetrates freely
A sublime sound of his sax arriving
And overturning in his music, heart and surprise
Articulating the song of the south of his past
Taking his name simply as Barbieri, Leandro

~ Omar Martinez

My husband Conrad and I were in the front row at the Iridium in NYC on November 13, 2004.  What a soul rousing experience!  Gato Barbieri, muchas gracias!
- Grace Moy

(Click on the thumbnails to bring up larger views)

Click image to view movie clip
(mpg file, 3.6mb)

Aspiring saxophonist Adán Javier Ortiz (2 years), knows that Gato sound!
Courtesy of Angel and Veronica Ortiz

December 17, 2004

Gato's 4-day performance at Yoshi's was a tremendous holiday hit. The standing room only performances sold out weeks before his arrival, a testimony to the master saxophonist. Prior to his departure, Gato played a children's performance on Sunday, despite his conformed health, he had a serious bout of the flu. Notwithstanding the setback, his audience demanded encores and he graced them with some spectacular sets.

Many prominent people came to the San Francisco, Oakland-based show. Amongst them were:

Don Lee, film producer of acclaimed "Almost Famous" Charles Lee and wife, plastic surgeon of the Buncke Clinc, Cal-Pacific Medical Center of SF

Carole Kealy, Gato's sister-in-law and Lifestyle TV producer

People travelled from all parts; many flew in from Southern and Northern California to San Francisco, Gato being the centerpiece of their holiday stay.

Enjoy the photos and happy holidays!!

Carolina

These photos were taken at the Newport Jazz Fest a few years ago (upper left), and at Yoshi's in Oakland last year (2003). Richie and I go to Gato's web site to see when he is appearing in California. We have gone to Palm Springs, Redondo Beach, Oakland, Newport Beach, Sacramento,Santa Ana, San Fransico and of course we will be at the Queen Mary (July 8th, 2004). I guess you could say that we are great fans of Gato!!!! Richie also plays the sax & Gato has been a great inspiration to him. Thank you, Gato, for your beautiful music!!! We Love You...

Fran Trevino & Richie Perez