Xiomara Laugart

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Xiomara Laugart is a New York-based Cuban singer. She had an extensive career in her native Cuba within the Nueva Trova movement before emigrating.

Xiomara is currently playing Celia Cruz in a new Off Broadway musical, CELIA: THE LIFE & MUSIC OF CELIA CRUZ. Director is Jaime Azpilicueta (Spanish versions of "My Fair Lady" and "Evita").

[edit] About Xiomara playing Celia Cruz on Broadway

"Xiomara Laugart's powerful interpretation in the starring role fills the stage and the potency of her voice...convinces in every one of her appearances" "La fuerza interpretativa de Xiomara Laugart en el rol protagonico llena el escenario y la potencia de su voz...convense en cada una de sus interpretaciones..." MFedez Soberon, El Nuevo Día

"They did a great job. A tribute like Celia Cruz deserved." Hicieron un tremendo trabajo. Un tributo bien logrado, como se lo merece Celia Cruz." Eddie Palmieri

"It brought me great memories and Xiomara was divine." "Me trajo gratos recuerdos y Xiomara actuo divinamente bien." Johnny Pacheco

"In each stage entrance she is applauded by the fans of the "Queen of Salsa," for her masterful interpretations." "En cada salida que hace al escenario es respaldada por los aplausos de los seguidores de "la reina de la salsa", ante sus magistrales interpretaciones." Ruth Hernandez, EFE Agency

“Salsa Queen Still Rules...Laugart is a powerhouse..." Joe Dzeimianowicz, New York Daily News, Oct. 2, 2007

“Terrific renditions of some two dozen Cruz hits…the accompanying seven-piece band-led by Isidro Infante- who worked with the real Cruz-really sizzles.” Frank Scheck, New York Post, October 5, 2007

“In a revelatory stage performance Laugart demonstrated she was the right choice for this coveted role and Off-Broadway has a new Hispanic star.” “Laugart mostró una presencia escénica reveladora de que es la mejor interprete possible para el codiciado papel y de que ha nacido una estrella hispana en Off-Broadway.” Norma Niurka, El Nuevo Herald, October 5, 2007

From Xiomara Laugart (Myspace)

Those who have entered Cuba through Jose Marti International Airport in Havana will know that upon arrival, they are greeted by beautiful video images of Old Havana on TV screens and the sultry voice of Xiomara Laugart singing “Hoy mi Habana viste lo mejor…”. And it is no coincidence because Xiomara Laugart is: “The Voice of Cuba”. She has been representing her country and her people, performing at venues around the globe for years and along the biggest talents all over. She is a living legend in her native Cuba where she has recorded more than 15 albums. For many years, Xiomara Laugart La Negra as she is popularly known, was Muse to the Nueva Trova artists and recorded and shared stages with the likes of Pablo Milanes, Silvio Rodriguez, Raul Torres, etc. Xiomara is both the essence of the old Cuba, with its rhythmic folk songs, fused with a blend of today’s directness and clarity of voice, which is eventually matched with her deep laugh. It is that distinctive laugh that will soon captivate audiences from all walks of life with her swing style in all of her Cuban splendor. Obviously, we are not in presence of a common manufactured phenomenon. This singer has a peculiar mystery to reveal, not only her vocal virtues, and flexibility, but a special sound, fluently “liquid” and garrulous. Her range is such that the jazz influences seem to be a natural extension of her repertoire. She takes on each style of music and embraces it with her own stamp and authentic flare. Ms. Laugart recently released her worldwide debut album for Chesky Records, a lavish and sophisticated collection of old and new songs written by Meme Solís and Andrés Levin, Descemer Bueno and with arrangements by Octavio Kotan and Axel Tosca. Until recently, Ms. Laugart has been the leading vocalist in Yerba Buena, a New York collective with a brilliant mix of rhythms to which she added her African and Caribbean legacy. She has recorded and/or performed along names such as: Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Albita, Omara Portuondo, Jacky Terrasson, Omar Sosa, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Dave Valentin, Isaac Delgado, Carlinhos Brown, Arto Lindsay, Roy Hargrove, Ron Blake, Kip Hanrahan, MeShell Ndegeocello, Femi Kuti, D’Angelo, Macy Gray, Erykah Badu, Ana Torroja, Meme Solis, Many Oquendo & Libre, Fun Loving Criminals and Busta Rhymes, among many others, Her monthly showcases at New York City's famed Zinc Bar have been called legendary. She has flooded the stage with her powerful voice around the entire world. Ms. Laugart appears in the film Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights and also appears in the German/Cuban film Paraíso Bajo las Estrellas. Critics say: “Xiomara’s melodious voice resounds in high register and she shows a vivid, exceptional sense of rhythm.” “Xiomara’s seductive style left its indelible mark on Cuba for a decade, leaving behind scores of fans in her wake. ”“Xiomara, La negra as this young singer is affectionately called by her legion of followers, manages to sing every style from her homeland with ease, from bolero to salsa to danzon to guaracha to funky dance tunes.” “She has a unique blend of rawness, and her voice possesses a liquid quality rarely found in singers today.” Web: www.wmmglobal.com / www.myspace.com/xiomaralaugartlanegra