A member of the Yaqui people of southern Arizona, Gabriel Ayala is at the forefront
of a new generation of Native Americans making a career performing classical music.
He began playing the guitar as a child, and would later study with Philip Hii. He
earned a Master's Degree in Music Performance from the University of Arizona in 1997,
has taught at all educational levels from elementary through college, and serves
as a competition adjudicator.
Ayala performs regularly throughout the United States
and has appeared at the Kennedy Center for the Arts, National Museum for the American
Indian, ASU Keer Cultural Center, and Meyer Theatre in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He has
been recognized by the State of Arizona and Governor Janet Napolitano for his musical
achievements and has been named a Tucson Citizen of the Month as well as Artist of
the Month for the IICOC (Indigenouse Internet Chamber of Commerce).
Ayala is a regular performer at the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, bringing
classical music to the Native American Community at one of the largest pow-wows in
the country. Ayala also maintains connection to his cultural roots through traditional
singing and dancing.
Ayala has released three self-distributed albums. His first,
"Gabriel Ayala," was nominated for a Native American Music Award, Best Independent
Recording in 2003. In 2007 Ayala released a Christmas CD, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas"
and in 2008 "Tango!" which includes many arrangements by Ayala. Ayala has recently
signed with Record Label Canyon Records which is located in Phoenix, Arizona and
released Canyon Records first ever Classical CD by Gabriel Ayala entitled, Portraits.
G Ayala Currently resides in Tucson, Arizona.
“Click to listen”
RV: First of all congratulations Gabriel for winning Best Instrumental Recording at the Eleventh Annual Native American Music Awards. What a prestigious honor this has to be for you. What went through your mind when you heard your name being called out from the podium to come and receive your award?
Gabriel: I was so very humbled to be recognized for my hard work and perseverance with music. I don't play music for the awards but nice to know that so many people voted for me that I actually won an award. My Tango CD was my production from the ground up so was very special to have won for this cd.
RV: I read where the guitar seemed to call to you. Can you explain the attraction you had for the classical guitar versus other instruments that you were capable of playing?
Gabriel: Ya know, I love all styles of music from: Classical, Jazz, Rock, Flamenco, Heavy Metal. I listen to it all!!! Classical just seemed so different and it just called to me once I heard it, I wanted to be able to do what others did when playing that Genre.
RV: What would you say is the most memorable performance that you ever had in your career?
Gabriel: They are all special and memorable to me. I can remember every concert I've ever given. When I played at the John F Kennedy Ctr for the Performing Arts in DC 2 years ago was definitely a very important performance for me though. I remember sitting on stage and just thinking back to myself running around the streets barefoot and just being a kid and now I was in front of thousands and people watching as it was broadcast live. I was very humbled.
RV: What other activities besides playing guitar do you enjoy?
Gabriel: I love to draw, paint, but don't do much of that right now because of my schedule.
RV: I read where you used to teach from elementary through college. Is that something that you enjoyed doing?
Gabriel: As a teacher I feel that I learned so much about the guitar. I'll always be a student of the guitar. I enjoyed watching students get the joy from playing a song great on stage or just getting a passage of the music correct. I enjoyed giving someone that opportunity to express themselves musically.
RV: I saw that you also dance, is your affinity for music something that you discovered on your own?
Gabriel: Again, I don't have a lot of time to go out and dance but I sure enjoyed being around the drum.
RV: Gymnopédie No. 1 is a wonderful example of your great work. Where do the influences for your compositions come from?
Gabriel: Thanks for the compliment about the Satie song. My influences come from everyday life. Alot of it is reflecting on my family and just remembering them in my life. I come from a very large family and believe that life's success isn't measured by how much money you have but how blessed you are with family. I've been very blessed and consider myself a Millionaire because of it.
RV: Is there a Native American artist, composer, musician, performer that you have alot of admiration for?
Gabriel: No, but I'm genuinely happy for all Native performers that are out there doing what they truly love.
RV: Are you currently working on any compositions or touring?
Gabriel: I'm always composing. Even when I'm just driving around I hear music in my head. I'm also always touring. Just recently I came back from about a month long tour from Niagara Falls, to NJ and then Canada. I was very fortunate to play with the Four Tops and the Temptations while in Canada. This weekend I leave to Venezuela and then back up to Canada.
“Click to listen”
RV: What other things are going on your you right now?
Gabriel: I was just recently featured in a book called, "Native Musicians in the Groove" which features Native Musicians from the US and Canada. It is aimed at showing our youths the struggles that we as musicians have been faced with.
In Feb 2010 my next CD will be coming out with my label and it is going to be called, "Remembrance."
I'd like to invite everyone to visit my sites:
www.facebook.com/ayalaguitarist
www.twitter.com/ayalaguitarist
I want to let everyone know that I thank them all for their continued support and that I'll try to be a positive person for our youth.
Thank you Gabriel. For your kindness and time. Your music and is truly a gift to the mind and spirit I wish you continued success and look forward to the many more awards and recognition to follow in your career.
