Gonzalo - The Iberian Khatru

 

Gonzalo Carreras is Fragile's Igor Khoroshev and Rick Wakeman all rolled into one. It's amazing how fate conspires for people to meet up, his path leading to the meeting last November with Steve and Jon has certainly had a few twists and turns along the way....

 

Gonzalo performing live

Gonzalo was born in Vigo in North Western Spain in 1970, and studied classical piano throughout his childhood years. By 1988, Gonzalo was studying jazz and modern harmony, and had become an admirer of the great progressive band's such as Jethro Tull, Genesis, and of course.. Yes. It was these classic artists who inspired Gonzalo to form his first band, the prize winning Madeleine Green. In 1992, Gonzalo moved to Madrid and teamed up with the established Iberian outfit, Galadriel. Two albums featuring Gonzalo were released through a French based record label called Musea, and in 1993 the band undertook a highly successful tour of Spain, France, Italy, and Holland. The tour received rave reviews from Dutch and French rock magazines, and personal praise from the ex-Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips.

 

In 1996, Gonzalo decided to move to the UK, and early work included gigs with the soul singer Angie Brown. Following an approach from Clive Bunker and Glenn Cornick, Gonzalo joined the ex-Jethro Tull members in their new project called Oak. The band undertook a tour during 1998, culminating in an appearance at a Jethro Tull convention in Northern Italy. During his time with Oak, Gonzalo played such Tull staples as Living In The Past and Life Is A Long Song. By 1999, Gonzalo was back in London and combining a busy schedule as a live performer and music teacher. Nonetheless, eager as ever to pursue new projects and ideas, he came into contact with ex-Quasar bassist Keith Turner. Keith had teamed up with ex-Enid band member, Nick May, and Gonzalo was quickly invited to join the fledgling outfit. However, by a strange coincidence, Keith had witnessed a Fragile gig at the Royal Standard and he let Gonzalo know how impressed he was by the band's performance. Gonzalo was a life long admirer of all things Yes and could not believe a UK tribute to the band had emerged. Fate finally moved in Gonzalo and Fragile's favour when the band advertised for a permanent replacement for Paul McGinley.

Gonzalo on stage with Oak  And later backstage... Gonzalo is the central figure.

 

Steve and Jon met up with Gonzalo in late November 1999 and he auditioned with something quite simple, "Awaken" and "Six Wives"!. Within seconds Gonzalo was invited to join, and he brings to the band an intimate understanding and love of Yes music. Gonzalo has since become a firm favourite with the crowds during his time in the band and has been affectionately dubbed "The Iberian Khatru".   Catch up with Gonzalo's other exploits outside of Fragile