Albuquerque Artist And Musician, Claudio Tolousse

Claudio Tolousse, Then And Now

Claudio Tolousse at the Outpost Performance Space in July 2012.

The first time I heard Claudio Tolousse play guitar was at the Outpost Performance Space in 2012. He was twenty-two years old and his PR company hired me to shoot photos for their various campaigns to launch the young artist. I had no idea what to expect but, when the show started, my first thought was, "Oh.. he's the real deal." His music displayed a complexity and maturity that was well beyond his years.

In the time since, Claudio has distinguished himself as a unique voice in the Albuquerque art community and music scene. Not only has he earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University Of New Mexico in Music Performance & Jazz Studies (2013) but he has also released his first album, The Story Of Part One (2017)​

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A Family Tradition Of Art And Music

Claudio's parents moved to the United States from Colombia in 1985. They originally settled in Los Angeles, CA but his father, being an artist and musician, was drawn to New Mexico by the Santa Fe art scene.

As a child, Claudio lived and breathed the art and music created by his family. Being inspired by the work of his father and older brother, Claudio picked up the guitar at the age of eleven and has scarcely put it down since. His dad was the first in a long line of inspirational teachers.

Four years later, at the age of fifteen, Claudio began studying music with legendary jazz guitarist, Michael Anthony, who would later become one of his collage professors. The two continue to be close friends and to perform together to this day.

Recording Artist: The Story Of Part One

Last fall, Claudio released his first album, The Story Of Part One. The album was recorded at The Parlor Recording Studio in New Orleans and released worldwide on the independent record label, Bubble Bath Records. The Story Of Part One is the first of a trilogy, a musical autobiography so to speak, so stay tuned for parts two and three! 

The Story Of Part One is now available via CD or digital download and can be purchased through the following link:
Bubble Bath Records: Claudio Tolousse

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Heating Up Albuquerque

Claudio Tolousse with Ryan Montano (trumpet) and Richard Hall (bass guitar) at Ben Michael's Restaurant in Albuquerque.

Claudio is the regular host of the Wednesday night jam sessions at Ben Michael's Restaurant from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. 

Other upcoming performances include:

July 4th, 2018: July 4th Celebration With The Claudio Tolousse Band hosted by the Albuquerque Meadows Retirement Community. Claudio will be joined by a quintet to perform The Story Of Part One as well as other groovy tunes to celebrate our nation's independence.
For more information visit Claudiotolousse.com
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July 7th, 2018: The Lineage Concert featuring Michael Anthony, John Maestas and Claudio Tolousse at the Outpost Performance Space. Claudio is not only performing in this show but he is also the producer/promoter of the event!
More information and tickets available from Brown Paper Tickets.

August 16, 2018: Claudio Tolousse and Ryan Montano at the Outpost Performance Space
More information and tickets available from OutpostSpace.Org
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​For a full list of performances and upcoming events visit: Claudiotolousse.com​

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An Artist Of Many Voices

While speaking to Claudio Tolousse it becomes clear that, while he dearly loves the guitar, he does not see himself strictly as a musician and is firmly rooted in his sense of himself as a Being of expression. 

There are many ways to express oneself and Claudio is not limited by an attachment to any one of them. Rather, he sees himself as someone with many creative tools in his proverbial toolbox. Every time I talk to him, he is eager to share his new projects, all of which require him to be a perpetual student and a master of adaptation.

Most recently, Claudio has been working closely with his father to learn the art of metal sculpture and he has become an accomplished sculptor in his own right. His work is now being presented on a national level. In fact, it is one of Claudio's sculptures that appears on the cover of his album, The Story Of Part One.
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For more information, and to see more of Claudio's work visit the "Art" page on his website.

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Leaving Footprints Around The World

One of Claudio's great loves is getting to know the world around him and he has an amazing passion for travel.

While pursuing his music degree at the University Of New Mexico, Claudio was fortunate enough to do two semesters as an exchange student: one in Louisiana at the University of New Orleans and another one in South Africa at the University of Cape Town. He has also spent a lot of time in Nashville, TN and traveled extensively across the United States.

Yet with so much travel and opportunity, Claudio continues to call New Mexico home - and with good reason! Like his father; drawn to the Santa Fe art scene, New Mexico remains a prime location to create and sell art. Additionally, Claudio and his father frequently go on the road together, traveling to art fairs all over the country. On these trips, Claudio not only presents his own works but also acts as spokesperson and salesman for his father's art dealings.

When asked about his plans to stay in New Mexico, Claudio says:
     "You know, it really doesn't matter where you live. It's the effort you put in to that place. New Mexico is the best place to sell art and, as a musician, I am constantly traveling and I get to play in amazing venues all over the country, plus I can still get my green chili fix whenever I want! 
     I have lived in other places but none of them have my history, my community. I am able to accomplish more here because I have deep roots."

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The Definition Of Success

When asked what it means to be successful, Claudio has what is perhaps the best answer of all saying:
     "For me, success is doing what you love and finding a way to have what you love be your means to an end, and to live comfortably. I think when you're doing what you love, you're not working a day at all. And when you're doing what you love with as much passion and drive as you can then you are succeeding every day."

With Claudio Tolousse, there is always more yet to be discovered. Stay tuned for his new podcast called Art Talk Music with Claudio Tolousse, coming soon to airwaves near you!

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