Oscar Cruz y Escape

Through a combination of rhythmic and song variety and virtuoso musicianship the Oscar Cruz y Escape band has become one of the most versatile and popular groups in Central and South Texas.
Led by music master/keyboardist/singer Oscar Cruz, Escape has played at many of Texas’ more prestigious nightclubs including: Ruffino’s, Rosario’s, Arjons International Club, Grahams Central Station, The Old San Francisco Steak House, Changos, The Old San Juan Restaurant/club. Through dedication and attention to detail, Cruz always ensures his group has remained a fan favorite around San Antonio since 1991. The group can switch effortlessly from the hottest in salsa, cumbia and merengue tunes to Latin Jazz, pop en espanol, disco, tejano and beyond.
Cruz & Escape is the group that will make any event standout and unforgettable. Escape’s stage dynamics, party time energy and smooth vocal harmonies always brings their dance mix alive. They inject new energy into disco and dance tunes, more sabor into salsa, and a spicy soul into their R&B.
“For almost two decades, Oscar Cruz/Escape has been one of the most in-demand groups around,” said Ramiro Burr, longtime music reporter and author of “Billboard Guide to Tejano & regional Mexican music” on Billboard Books. “Oscar not only knows what club fans like, he also has a keen sense of how to mix up the different styles to keep them on the dance floor.”
And now fans can enjoy Oscar Cruz at home and in their cars, thanks to a brand new sparkling production just released, titled “Con Sabor a Salsa.” The 10-track CD bristles with eight sizzling salsa numbers, one mambo and one cha cha cha.
Highlights include the sizzling instrumental opener, “Tampico Beach Samba,” whose piano leads set the crisp tone and pace for those who want to dance it. There’s also the engaging “Feel Like Making Love,” featuring Leslie Lugo, reinvented here in a fun salsa version, and the nostalgic, horn-driven “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” sung by Judi de Leon. The CD ends on a bright note, the hip-shaking original “Baila mi Cha Cha Cha,” which invites fans to the dancefloor.
Cruz wrote three of the CD tunes and special tunes/invited guests include “Déjà Vu,” featuring Stefani Montiel; “Pobre Diablo,” with Marcos Orozco; “Overjoyed,” featuring Rebecca Valadez’and “Algo Mas,” sung by Evelyn Molina. Cruz produced the CD with additional performances by Pete Ojeda, Henry Brun, Mike Baez, Alvaro Mendoza, Jaime Dela Rosa, Georgie Padilla, Bert Ybarra, Jason Jones, Ed Sherry, Gabriel Pintor, Val Maltos and Gilbert Garza.
Cruz & Escape did not become a top band overnight. Cruz and his group of professionals have jammed together and in other groups for years.
His other heroes include Dave Grusin, Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Papo Luca, Eddie Palmieri, Yellow Jackets, Irakere, Isaac Delgado and Sonora Poncena.
    Cruz is also an accomplished studio musician. He has played for and with a who’s who including Joe Lopez, Jimmy Gonzalez/Mazz, David Lee Garza, Marcos Orozco, Ram Herrera, Charlie Wood, George Morin, Milly Corretjer, Paul Vidal, Miles Pena, and Guianko.
Cruz’s main love is jazz, “most of the time jazz at any style, from fusion, bossa nova, smooth jazz, Latin jazz." However, he’s a keen bandleader who knows how to keep crowds not only entertained, but on their feet dancing.
Through the years Oscar Cruz has been hailed for his artistry. He’s been called a dynamic and passionate virtuoso, multitalented, versatile and inspirational artist and bandleader.
Here’s a sampling: 
“Oscar’s ability to compose, arrange and perform music is a talent that is a plus for anyone he plays with. He is more than a musician, composer or bandleader to me, he is family. Oscar excels in anything he does from his keyboard to arrangements. He always feels what's in my heart and that is a gift from God. He also is an excellent teacher. Through his love of music he has given back to the community by teaching piano and drums to his many students. He has touched many lives and I am very glad he has touched mine.”
Charlie Wood, jazz artist, educator

“One of the finest keyboard players and musicians in the industry with a wealth of knowledge in music to offer to both the aspiring student and avid listener.”
Percussionist/Drummer and Music educator Mike Baez

“I have been in the music business for 21 years and have seen Latin bands come and go. Oscar Cruz and his band is a group I have worked in several nightclubs. Now they are playing in my club, The Old San Juan. They are well known for their professionalism and charisma on stage. They keep the crowd alive and people enjoy coming out to see them.”
DJ Papote, owner Old San Juan nightclub
 
"Oscar G Cruz arrived in the U.S.A. as the lead keyboardist for one of the most incredible guitarist Paraguay had to offer, Nino Palacios. Oscar became one of the most prodigious elements desired by numerous bands in Texas. He persisted to create his own blend of salsa-jazz and made a unique sound that identifies him in the music industry.”
Jorge Flores, graphic designer/producer, GSM Discos

The Band members:
Oscar Cruz: Keyboards, Timbales, Vocals
Leslie Lugo: Lead Vocals, Percussion
Alvaro Mendoza: Lead Vocals, Congas, E. Bass
Mike Baez: Drums, Tambora,Timbales
Anthony Hernendez: Keyboards , Lead Vocals

Music by Artist:
India, Marc Anthony, Pat Benatar, Melina Leon, Giselle, Juanes, Mana, Celia Cruz, Elvis Crespo,The Sister Sledge, Hnos Rosario, Taste of Honey, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Oscar De Leon, Selena, Village People, Jennifer Lopez, Sade, Alicia Villarreal, Kumbia All Stars, Eddie Santiago, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Maddona, Brenda K. Starr, Luis Miguel, Sonora Carruseles, Kool & the Gang, Fito Olivares, The Cars, Maroon 5, Eddie Herrera, Puerto Rican Power, Juan Luis Guerra, Toros Band, Olga Tanon, Chic, Wild Cherry, Thalia, Aniceto Molina, Willie Chirino, Isaac Delgado, La Banda Gorda, Grupo Niche, Grupo Mania, Michael Jackson, Rey Ruiz, Tito Puente, Grupo Mazz, Santana, Jay Perez, Little Joe, Don Omar, Calle 13 and many more....

The newsletter features:
-Upcoming shows
-New songs
-New photos
-Our on-tour journal
-And much more!

Escape has shared the stage with bands such as India, Tony Vega, Miles Pena, Jose Alberto "El Canario", Ray Sepulveda, Guianko and La Sonora Dinamita.

E-mail: info@oscargcruz.com