The Tears of the Bull

Gil Gutiérrez composed this haunting song Lagrima del Toro in 2006 after reading an article about the murders of women in Ciudad Juarez. To date 1000 women including students, factory workers, shop clerks and prostitutes have been murdered and their bodies dumped in the desert. Hundreds more have simply vanished.

Music, movies, art and books have demanded justice for these women and their families. Amnesty International believes that this pattern of violence against women is complex and Mexican authorities have failed to prevent and punish those responsible. Since the murders began in 1993 the families of the victims have struggled tirelessly for justice and brought national and international attention to the issue.

Gil described the idea for this song like a tapestry that was woven over the course of a year. He designed a map of where he wanted to go with the notes and built the melody slowly to communicate the frustration, grief and powerlessness many feel about this issue. Gil on guitar was joined by Doc Severinsen on trumpet, Charlie Bisharat on violin, Jimmy Branly playing percussion, Eugenio Toussaint on piano and Kevin Thomas on bass before a sold out crowd at the Teatro Angela Peralta in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Special thanks to Gonzalo Cabrera who put this video together.


Lagrima del Toro is dedicated to the lost women

of Ciudad Juarez.

We're off to Carnegie Hall in New York!

We are thrilled to let you know we will be playing at Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops, conducted by
the gifted Music Director Steven Reinecke
on Friday January 28, 2011 at 8:00pm.

Since its opening in 1891, this venue has been the premier classical music performance space in the United States featuring the world’s greatest soloists, conductors, and ensembles. It has also been home to important jazz events. With its striking curvilinear design and the Perelman stage as the focal point, it has five levels of seating for up to 2,804 people. Why not join Gil, Doc and El Ritmo de la Vida for a stellar evening of music including Argentine tango, Spanish flamenco and Gypsy jazz? The world famous acoustics of Carnegie Hall have made it a favorite of audiences and performers.

Doc and Gil & El Ritmo de la Vida Live in Concert Mexico City D.F.with ARTURO SANDOVAL

This invitation goes out to all our old and new friends.
Please join Doc and Gil & El Ritmo de la Vida concert,
in Mexico City D.F.

November 15th at 8:00 pm
Concert Hall Sala Ollin Yoliztli
Pereferico Sur 5141, Colonia Isidro Favela
Mexico D.F.

This very special concert is FREE so please join us for an unforgettable evening of music in Mexico City.

Amigo los esperamos en la sala Ollin Yoliztli en la Ciudad de Mexico el 15 de Noviembre a las 8:00pm
La entrada es libre.

Join El Ritmo de la Vida this October

Gil and Doc are pleased to announce a series of exciting performances this Fall. Please join us in October.

You can catch El Ritmo de la Vida in the following cities:

October 9 in Toledo, Ohio with the Symphony Orchestra
October 14 in Scottsdale, Arizona
October 15 in Northridge, California
October 16 Kirkland, Washington

Gil & Jaime Valle at The Restaurant

Gil and Jaime concoct an eclectic blend of music including the American songbook and Brazilian standards, flameno and gypsy jazz. Make sure to get reservations in advance by calling 415.154.7877.

El Farol at the Music in the Mountains Festival

Doc Severinsen [trumpet], Gil Gutierrez (guitar), Charlie Bisharat (violin), Jimmy Branly (percussion) and Kevin Thomas (bass) perform "El Farol" from the Gil & Cartas "El Ritmo De La Vida" CD.

These wonderful photos were taken on June 11, 2010 by Danny McNeal during a concert at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, CA, as part of the "Music in the Mountains" festival.

Doc and Gil & El Ritmo de la Vida in Ohio this Fall

Friends: Thanks for joining El Ritmo de la Vida in Ohio this past September. We enjoyed connecting with you and appreciated the amazing performances of violin player Charlie Bisharat, Jimmy Branly on percussion and Kevin Thomas on bass.