Victor Samalot
“LATIN JAZZ WITH A ROCK EDGE, THE ULTIMATE IN COOL!”
(Rotcod Zzaj - Improvijazzation Nation)
Born in the Bronx NY, Victor Samalot is a 30+ year veteran guitarist from Cleveland Ohio who draws on his Latin roots fusing timeless Latin groove with Jazz stylings topped with a rock edge that appeals to listeners of world fusion music. Imagine a jam session with the likes of Carlos Santana, Wes Montgomery and Jeff Beck. Fresh and contemporary, Victor’s musical adventure keeps him quite busy performing and in the studio. His influences include Ottmar Liebert, Craig Chaquico, Jesse Cook, Phil Keaggy Jose Feliciano, and David Gilmour.
Primarily an electric guitar player, in 2010, Victor wanted to again put his own stamp on original instrumental music by switching to a Godin acoustic / electric guitar and utilizing the Boss RC 300 loop station. Exploring this instrumentation led to releasing 2 albums, Victor Samalot (self titled-2011) and Esperanza (2017). Both illustrate the vision of fusing genres with an organic vibe. Fast forward to 2025, Victor released 4 singles (La Chica Bonita, Speak Softly Love, Que Chilero, Latin Groove) which received favorable airplay worldwide.
“Listened to "Esperanza" on the way to work again. Man I just love it... are you planning to do another album like this one?” (Keith Hannaleck - MuzikMan Review / Boston, MA)
Victor and his music is featured in / on:
Radio Guitar One - Internet Radio
One World Music Radio – Nominated for Best Acoustic Instrumental Album (2018)
Jazzy247 (Cleveland Ohio)
And more….
“The Sun Peaks Through It” - interview with Debbie Burke, Jazz author and contributor to All About Jazz.com
The EntreMusician - Podcast interview with Jere B. (Youngstown Ohio), on the Indie and DIY business of music.
Prior to 2010, Victor was heavily involved with his Jazz Rock Fusion instrumental group Rare Blend. His contribution to the RB sound was powerful and always entertaining. From 1995 – 2010 (now on permanent hiatus), Rare Blend recorded 5 albums received rave reviews regionally and worldwide from major publications such as All About Jazz, Jazz Review.com, 20th Century Guitar magazine, Progression Magazine, Relix Magazine, Akron Beacon Journal, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland Scene, and many more...
“Victor was so great to work with - from start to finish. His communication was excellent. He had a great vibe for our drinks reception which allowed our attendees to feel relaxed providing a great start to our event.” - Natalie Bear
“Always happy to bring in the very best performers - Thank you Victor Samalot !! You were fantastic!”
— (Lakewood Community festival)