Safe to say, local multi-instrumentalist Oscar Ornelas is overqualified to make his studio recording debut. Born in San Angelo, Ornelas originally learned to play the piano at age 7 and saxophone at 12. Following his experience with gospel groups and school-based jazz bands, Ornelas began playing regularly at clubs around San Angelo before graduating high school. After spending his 20s refining his act through numerous festival and club performances in West Texas, Ornelas now lends his talents to the live music capital, where you can see him play three to seven times a week.
In addition to his role as founding member of the Longbranch Jazz Quintet, Ornelas provides tenor saxophone for The Eastside Blues Syndicate, Hector Ward and the Big Time, Sly Curtis and other local acts but his debut EP primarily showcases his passion for piano and vocals. Check out the lead single from Oscar Ornelas debut studio album, a blues kicker called, “Fine World” – and don’t worry – there’s still plenty of sax.
Oscar Ornelas performs this Friday at the Skylark Lounge!
–Jack Anderson (Host Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)