the band that takes Latin music to the next level ... all-original powerful arrangements, funky, jazzy, eclectic, fusion, world
Our "NEW ALBUM" is out
now available in all digital platforms
Our Video Channel
ALL ABOUT GONZALO GRAU & LA CLAVE SECRETA
Always pushing the envelope
20 years after its creation, La Clave Secreta is a project that stands for "excellence" and
delivers the highest standard of music.
Our motto? ... quality before anything.
This great and unique band combines three important ingredients: an all-original repertoire, very powerful and creative arrangements, and brilliant performers from all over the world.
In 2009, La Clave Secreta was nominated to the Grammy Awards,
in the category of "Best Tropical Album"
Our style? ... Latin music is our foundation, adding spices and influences from everything we like ... jazz, funk, rock, classical, R&B, neo-soul, and our own cultural backgrounds of course ...
all of this mix is what makes us unique
COMMENTS & CRITIQUES
Word on the Street
DESCARGA.COM
"... a CD that not only fully embraces the complexity and excitement of timba but also successfully injects the salsa elixir into classic salsa standards..."
Editor's Picks
BOSTON HERALD
"This was high-octane salsa with flash, urgency and lots of unexpected
contours"
Bob Young, Boston Herald
LATIN BEAT MAGAZINE
"La Clave Secreta is successful in achieving the right combination of elements from both the Cuban timba and mainstream salsa..."
IMPROPER BOSTONIAN
"... La Clave Secreta is breaking ground"
Paul Robicheau, Improper Bostonian
CHALKED UP REVIEWS
by Brice Boorman
" ... The album encapsulates the band’s energetic chemistry, an amalgamation of modern, daring arrangements and live music’s raw authenticity ... "
EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE
by Anne Carlini
"... This refined, cultured, alive with veins of magnificent scintillation, quite like I haven’t heard in many a year ..."
JAZZ WEEKLY
by George W. Harris
"Sizzling salsa is delivered by leader/composer/keyboardist Gonzalo Grau and his festive team ..."
SOUND IN REVIEW
by Steven Miller
"De Verdad Verdad, they’ve truly come into their own, with a program that takes us on a musical journey that plays like a hybrid symphony that brings together a world of sounds, from Cuba to New York, from flamenco to hip-hop. It’s a fearless dive into the heart of what makes music a universal language, all brought into focus by Grau’s leadership ..."
ALL ABOUT VOCALS
by Rudy Palma
"... is an organic and textured musical suite into the world music genre, not just because of its eclectic mix of styles but primarily due to its emphasis on powerful and compelling vocal performances and Grau composing, arranging, and leadership. De verdad verdad is a truthful, emotive, and organically delightful listen for lovers of Latin music and anyone who appreciates great music ..."
5 FINGER REVIEW
by Bea Willis
"... it’s a musical chimera that’s got everything from flamenco and Greek traditions to hip-hop and jazz under its belt. And let me tell you, Grau’s a wizard when it comes to concocting this multicultural musical brew..."
"... everyone gets their chance to shine, yet no one outshines the other. The balance is just mind-blowing..."
"... This album doesn’t just perform music ... it creates an experience."
by Seamus Fitzpatrick
"In the grand spectrum of musicality influenced by a world perspective, Gonzalo Grau & La Clave Secreta’s
De Verdad Verdad shines as a beacon of passion and authentic musicianship."
... "The album was recorded live, and it carries a very cozy, spontaneous feel that illuminates the timeless Latin flavor, where the many guests all bring their distinct charm."
DISCOGRAPHY
Audio Recording Portfolio
MÁS ALLÁ DE LA HABANA
2001
The band’s first album, under “Carijazz” label. Back then, the band’s name was “La Timba Loca”
FRUTERO MODERNO
2008
Our Grammy nominated album ... this “all-independent-production” was nominated in the “Best Tropical Album” category
DE VERDAD VERDAD
2023
Recorded “all-live” ... this album was done using 360° and 3D video technology. The whole band set up in one space ... no edits. We called this album “the real deal” or “De verdad verdad”
