LOS ANGELES (Requinto Records) - Actress MICHELE DOMINGUEZ GREENE, a recurring cast member in
David Mamet's CBS ensemble drama "The Unit" and perhaps best known for her Emmy-nominated role on the groundbreaking hit legal drama "L.A. Law," deepens her impact as a bilingual "triple threat" artist embracing her Latin roots with the release of her sophomore CD, LUNA ROJA (Requinto Records).
Available in August 2006 via Amazon.com and CDBaby.com and in September at all major download sites, the long-awaited follow-up to Greene's critically acclaimed 2002 debut arrives just as her empowering first novel, the hip, urban teen mystery Chasing the Jaguar, is being published by HarperCollins and connecting with young adults heading back to school this fall.
LUNA ROJA ("Red Moon") has garnered early media attention at Grammy.com, Global Rhythm, Mix, Gannett News Service and the Chicago Sun-Times, among others. The CD, which also can be ordered at www.michelegreene.com, is being called "a fine piece of work" (Alabama Public Radio) that's "deeply compelling" (Harrisburg Patriot-News) and "eye opening" (About.com Latin Music, 4 Star review), with Greene being hailed for having "quite a voice" (RootsWorld) and declared "the next Ani DiFranco" (Midwest Record).
A portion of proceeds from all sales of LUNA ROJA are earmarked for Amnesty International's campaign for truth and justice for abducted and murdered women in Ciudad Juarez – a primary benefactor of Greene's socio-political work, which also includes Los Angeles organizations aiding the Latino community such as Art Share LA and CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles).
The new album is rich in songs addressing the personal and geographical borders which create so much of life's turmoil, including the immigration issue currently making headlines. Whether it's the widening borders between cultures and countries or the gaps in expectations of social change, Greene assures listeners there can't be life without hope, and provides glimpses of a better future. She wrote or co-wrote all the tracks except the album closer, a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Across the Border," a perfect bookend to Greene's artful mix of Spanish and English songs which not only reflect her multi-cultural upbringing, but communicate the basic human needs for love and freedom. She conveys those universal yearnings in a delicate but passionate acoustic fusion of the traditional and contemporary Latin sounds and North American folk influences she absorbed as the daughter of a Mexican/Nicaraguan mother and Oklahoma-born father.
"I grew up bilingual and very influenced by Latin culture and customs," Greene says. "We were always listening to the Mariachi Vargas or Tona La Negra singing Agustin Lara, and of course, Lola Beltran. And my Dad, who died when I was a baby, loved the likes of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Woody Guthrie."
Indeed, the new album furthers Greene's desire to embark wholeheartedly on her music career after years of performing, songwriting and defining her musical style. Her sound is a hybrid built upon musical elements from both cultures. Renowned Peruvian producer and guitarist Ciro Hurtado again joins Greene in crafting a World Music fusion with a rich, fluid guitar-based sound that combines traditional and contemporary Latin sounds with North American folk influences.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter John Gorka adds his deep baritone in a guest duet on "Little John." Various well-known Latin musicians such as award-winning drummer-percussionist Tiki Pasillas, bassist Guillermo Guzman, trumpeter Ramon Flores and percussionist Cindy Harding, whose sister Libby is a member of Los Tios, provide backing vocals.
Greene is celebrating the release of LUNA ROJA with a yearlong U.S. tour that includes numerous alternative venues where she can directly communicate and connect with people – young adults in particular – as a Latina activist whose message of empowerment and self-discovery is a constant through all facets of her artistry.
Greene, who appears in the upcoming independent film, The Legend of Lucy Keyes, also has written two award-winning short screenplays and frequently contributes feature articles to various magazines.
