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Liz Melendez Biography

The Mission

Liz Melendez is, quite simply, one of the most exciting and promising new artists on the music horizon today. Her guitar prowess alone puts her far ahead of her contemporaries. Comparisons to Carlos Santana and Stevie Ray Vaughn are not uncommon. Not content to master the electric guitar, Melendez prides herself on being a “triple threat.” “Many guitarists can write songs, many songwriters can sing, and many singers can play a little. What is most unique about me is that I can do all three.” And she does “all three” exceedingly well. Her vocal style harkens back to Janis Joplin, though the compliment, “She reminds me of Bonnie Raitt,” has been overheard on more than one occasion.
 
Born and raised in the South Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Liz moved to Atlanta, Georgia in the late 1990s, lured by it’s vibe and location. “The south is home to so much of the music I love. It’s the heart of the new south and a great place to live. Plus it’s location makes touring the southeast easy.”
 
A formidable artist, she soon found herself in high demand as a lead and rhythm guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist. However, the desire to express her unique musical “voice” became too strong. Not content with the background, Liz released 2, all-original, full-length recordings. “Mercy” in 2001 and “Sweet Southern Soul” in 2007. Both have been praised for the quality and substance of the songwriting and the masterful guitar work. Nearly every track has become a fan favorite, with “Milagro”, “Mercy”, and “Justice County” most often requested. Worldwide radio air play and accolades in national and international publications soon followed.
 
An intense, dynamic performer, Melendez has garnered a substantial following touring the United States and internationally. She has headlined major festivals, notably the Chattanooga Riverbend Festival’s Bessie Smith Strut before an audience of over 70,000. Only one other female artist, Koko Taylor, has headlined the festival in its history. She has co-headlined the Cape Fear Blues Festival in Wilmington, N.C. and the Blues 2003 Festival in New York. She has opened for artists Nappy Roots and has performed on-stage with such notables as Bob Margolin, Henry Butler, Francine Reed, Hubert Sumlin, E.G. Kight, Chris Duarte and Candy Kane.
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