Roger Espinoza

Roger Espinoza spent years mastering the Spanish nylon guitar before establishing himself as one of the Los Angeles area's leading practitioners, both as a session musician and solo artist. Born in Granada, Nicaragua, but raised in Los Angeles, where he continued to reside, Espinoza learned much about music from his father, who played piano. He enrolled in private lessons at a young age and first learned to play the trombone before eventually graduating to the Spanish nylon guitar. After years of practice, Espinoza studied with Costa Rican guitarist Jorge Strunz of Strunz & Farah fame and also studied with accomplished flamenco soloist Gino Di Auri. In addition to learning to play on his guitar such styles as rumba and flamenco, he learned to sing in these styles. Such talents led to work as a live performer and session musician. Some of his session work includes Luis Villegas' Cafe Ole and K.C.'s Aqui Estamos Todos. Next, Espinoza embarked on a solo career of his own with Café Fuego, his debut album. Released by New World Music, it showcases his command of the guitar along with many ethnic American instruments such as the cajon, dumbec, snake cocoon eggs, and more.