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about
West Tampa and Ybor City share a few rich traditions. The man singing this song, Tony Garcia, has been a part of both communities his entire life. Many who have known him are unaware of the talent that he's been blessed with. I have known him for nearly 40 years, and until a year or two ago, I had no idea that he was a gifted vocalist. After seeing him live for the first time at the third annual Flavor of West Tampa, we sat down and talked about our respective passions for music. I found out that he just began singing publicly about 5 years ago. I asked if he had any recordings of his work and was surprised to find out that he did not. I suggested that we get together and lay something down...something we could share online, and perhaps archive on one of the many music sites for independent artists. We started with the Bobby Caldwell's hit, "What You Won't Do For Love," because it offered Tony a chance to showcase the warmth and range of his voice. While working on that cover, Tony suggested one of my songs, Ybor City, for the follow up project. Naturally, I was very excited about the prospect of having him interpret one of my works. We got together once again, and the results surpassed my expectations. Tony was able to breathe new life into my song, and after mixing and listening countless times, I am certain that it will be well received by local and national fans of this historic community. Do yourself a favor, though. Make sure that you listen through a decent set of speakers or headphones. It's essential. It's the only way you can get the full effect of Tony's soulful rendering. Now, sit back, and enjoy the soothing sounds of Tampa native, Tony Garcia.
lyrics
Ybor City
Through the veins of Ybor City
Run the varied breeds and bloods
That's the way it came together
That's the way it always was
Take a trip down 7th avenue
Watch the miracle unfold
A city rich with hidden treasures
A million stories to be told
Ybor City's in my heart
it's got a place inside my soul
And it will be that way forever, and ever
And I will never, never let it go, no
I'll never let it go
I'll never let it go
No no no
It'll be that way forever, and ever, yeah, yeah
I'll never let it go, I'll never let it go, I'll never let it go, I'll never let it go, aaah...
Instrumental
I'm in love with Cigar City, yes I am
And with it's bold and brilliant past
The buildings, homes, the streets, the people
This is a love, a love that's gonna last, yes it is
Yeah, Ybor City's in my heart
Got a place inside my soul, oooooh oh
Gonna be that way forever, and ever
I'm never, never, never let it go, no no no
I'll never let it go
Never let it go
I'll never let it go
No no no, no no no
I'll never let it go
I'll never let it go
I'll never let it go
It'll be that way forever, oh
Never let it go (be that way forever)
No no no no no (be that way forever)
No no no no no (I'll never let, never let it, never let it go)
No no no, no no no, no no no
I'll never, I'll never, I'll never, I'll never....
credits
released September 7, 2015
Written, recorded, and produced by Mike Baluja
Lead vocals by Tony Garcia
Born and raised in Tampa, FL. Began writing songs in 1979. Independently released 16 CD's: Modern Man, a beautiful dream,
Troubled Times, Open Mic, Poetry Sings, The Beauty Of It All, Ripples of Love, Within Love's Walls, Somethin's Gotta Give, The System, I Remember Tampa, Cone of Uncertainty, Nowhere to Land, Bus of Broken Dreams, Tight Connection, and With Love....more
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