Raul Huerta was born in 1966 in Arequipa, Peru, where he demonstrated a profound passion for music from a young age. It was evident early on that this talented musician, driven by a strong inner faith, was destined for success. While still in school, he began performing for his classmates and formed his first band, “Pirámide.” A few years later, he discovered the influential works of artists such as Silvio Rodriguez and Pablo Milanés, which were pivotal in the La Nueva Canción Latinoamericana movement. This inspiration led him to record his debut album, “Solo un rumor,” in 1989, produced by Ayo Rivasplata, Alberto Chong, and Ernesto Samamé.
Throughout the 1990s, Raul became a prominent figure in the music scene, frequently collaborating with various groups and earning recognition as an extraordinary musician, composer, and arranger. His own projects quickly gained traction, establishing his reputation not only in Peru but also internationally. He produced numerous shows and concerts across clubs, stadiums, and media outlets, where he captivated audiences and became a source of pride for his hometown of Arequipa. During this period, he also worked with the band “Canto Rodado,” which included some of Lima’s finest musicians, though they did not release any recordings.
In 1992, Raul recorded the title track “Naboria” for his second album, “Son pa’ quererte.” This song became a significant hit in southern Peru, solidifying his status as a popular singer in the region. Following a successful phase filled with concerts and tours, Raul's life took a turn when he moved to Switzerland in the mid-1990s to be with his future wife, leaving behind friends, family, and his burgeoning fame. Although he continued to pursue music in Europe, he found the musical landscape challenging, and his artistic pursuits took a backseat as he adapted to a new lifestyle and focused on his young family.
Despite the changes, Raul's passion for Peruvian music remained a constant source of inspiration. In 1996, he released “Son pa’ quererte” in Switzerland, but it did not achieve significant success. Undeterred, he formed the group “Ceviche Mixto” with fellow Peruvian musicians, focusing on Afro-Peruvian and Latin music. The ensemble unexpectedly gained popularity, becoming the most renowned Peruvian group in Switzerland and performing extensively throughout Europe, particularly as Latin music gained traction on the continent. Raul had the opportunity to perform at notable events, including the Paleo Festival, sharing the stage with renowned singer Lucy Acevedo.
In 2006, fueled by encouragement from fans in Peru and abroad, Raul returned to Arequipa to record the album "Cosas Raras" (2008) with top local musicians. This work reflects a blend of South American and European influences, with lyrics that narrate his experiences in Switzerland. "Cosas Raras" is characterized by its strong and sensitive compositions, expressing both the joy of life and a profound, intimate melancholy.
After years of performing songs by other artists without recording them, Raul decided to create "Dias de Trova" (2011). This album features a simple acoustic rendition, showcasing Raul’s guitar and vocals, recorded in a single night in Arequipa. In this homage to the great singer-songwriters he admired, the album includes tracks from La Nueva Trova Cubana, such as Pablo Milanés’ "Yolanda" and Silvio Rodriguez’s "La Maza," alongside works by Luis Alberto Spinetta and Chabuca Granda. Following the album's release, Raul embarked on a European tour with a trio comprising Cesar Correa (piano), Edgar Vente (cajon), and himself on guitar and vocals.
A long-held dream of Raul's was to perform with a symphony orchestra, which he realized on August 1, 2013, at the Teatro Municipal de Arequipa, where he performed for over 1,000 attendees alongside the Orquesta Sinfónica de Arequipa. Titled "Homenaje a Arequipa," the concert featured both Raul’s compositions and a folkloric piece written by his grandfather, Antonio Tapia, titled "Chocomel." In recognition of his musical contributions, Raul was awarded Arequipa’s Gold Medal. The concert was subsequently released as a CD and DVD titled "Homenaje a Arequipa - Raul Huerta y Orquesta Sinfónica de Arequipa" (2013).
After an extensive European tour with the Huerta-Correa-Vente Trio, Raul embarked on a new project, "De Colores" (2015), arranged and produced by the acclaimed British pianist Alex Wilson. This album marks a significant evolution in Raul's music, showcasing stronger, deeper, and more original compositions filled with energy. It features ten tracks inspired by significant changes in Raul's life and the melancholy of being away from home. The album benefits from the contributions of distinguished musicians, including Dudu Penz from Brazil on bass, Edwin Sanz from Venezuela on percussion, Andreas Kühnrich from Switzerland on cello, Irene Hofstetter on vocals, and Rodrigo Rodriguez from Colombia on backing vocals, resulting in an exceptional sound.
