Mr E B

Great original tunes, virtuoso guitar playing, smooth and compelling voice, performances that draw audiences in.

"Instrumental guitar, combining lyrical story and imagery, with music ranging from cool chord-melody Brazilian and jazz to searing flamenco and rock, from simple to sophisticated.

MrEB aka Miguel Emilio Balmaceda has played professionally for nearly four decades beginning with blues and rock cover bands in the late 1970's. In 1984 Miguel enrolled in the Guitar Institute of Technology (now the Musician's Institute, Hollywood, CA). "That experience at G.I.T. was the turning point for me as a player. Until then I had always had the desire and talent I think, but not the confidence to believe I could ever develop a career in music. But it was that experience which led me to develop a jazz vocabulary and eventually compose and record my first album." Developing a keen interest in composing, he subsequently recorded the independently released San Miguel Project (Grammy nominee entry in 1998) and Spanish Blues albums consisting of electric and acoustic guitar instrumentals. Currently, he is focused on singer-songwriting and recording a new album integrating new vocal styling’s with his instrumental work.

Miguel was born January 31, 1953 in Colon, Panama. His hard working parents emigrated to New York City, where he was raised until his teens. The migration continued west to California, where his ear latched on to an eclectic blend of pop, rock and jazz influences, everything from Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, to the Doors, to John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, to Carlos Santana.

“It was Carlos who influenced me the most, particularly on a spiritual level. Of course musically as well, but it was the completely inspirational quality of his mid-70s recordings 'Caravanserai', 'Welcome', and 'Borboletta' which really drove me to become a player. Eventually, I wanted to generate in my own playing, the same kinds of inspired emotions Carlos had evoked in me. But there were other albums from that period which moved me as well. Robin Trower's 'Bridge of Sighs', and McLaughlin's 'Birds of Fire' were mind expanding masterpieces. But it was Carlos who made my heart soar the highest.”

Miguel plays a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar through a custom Richtone amp, and an acoustic classical guitar from luthier Abe Wechter.

His striking instrumental “Mountain Melt” has been featured on KKSF 106.7 in the SF Bay area on Sunday mornings.

Power outlet for large events or gatherings.