I Remember Tampa (2020) by Baluja

I Remember Tampa (2020), Video #3

Dear Tampa,

I wrote this love song for you in 2013. It was inspired by The Tampa Natives Show, a local television program dedicated to preserving your colorful history. It has served as the show's theme song since its second season. The nostalgic lyrics depict what it was like to be raised in your warm embrace. I have recorded several different versions of your song over the years, and they have all resonated well with over half a million listeners. To date, “I Remember Tampa” has been featured in two Independent films, three local radio shows, several High School reunions, the Big Brothers/Big Sisters 50-year reunion, and half dozen YouTube videos, which have endeared themselves to audiences around the globe. And, of course, it was and still is, the theme song for The Tampa Natives Show. For many years, I dreamed of doing a professional recording to honor you with, and finally, the opportunity presented itself when longtime friend, Bill Epps, stepped in as executive producer and provided the means to make my dream possible. The next step entailed finding the right place to record. I was referred to Paris Recording Studio, where owner, Eric Maldonado, and his crew of stellar musicians, worked diligently to turn my musical ideas into the perfect soundtrack. At that stage, the project, which began in January of 2020, was delayed due to the Corona Virus pandemic. But, by early May, the pandemic’s deadly curve began to level off, and I was able step back into the studio to add the finishing touches to the production. For this video, I have chosen what I felt was one of the better mixes I ended up with. Special thanks The Tampa Natives Show host and creator, Mario Nuñez, who came in to record backup vocals. His encouragement and support throughout the years have been vital to the success of your song. My hope now is that listeners will embrace this particular version as much as they have its predecessors, and that for generations to come, I Remember Tampa, will serve as a reminder of what it's like I grow up in a city that you love unconditionally, and to be able to call that city your home. "This love affair was meant grow, this endless bound, now, don't you know...I remember Tampa, and she remembers me." I've written many songs, but this one will always have a special place in my heart. It's the greatest gift that I can give back to you for all the special moments and memories you’ve given me.

Credits

I Remember Tampa

Available online at...
Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/I-Remember-Tam...
YouTube:    • I Remember Tampa  
ITunes:   / baluja  
Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/7Rm1jY6DS7



Written and Recorded by Mike Baluja
Executive Producer: William Epps
Creative Director: Mario Nuñez

Recorded and Produced at Paris Recording Studio
Owner and Sound Engineer: Eric Maldonado
Arranger and Bass Guitar: Kevin Pagan
Drums/Percussion: Luis Alicea
Trumpets: Luis Chafalote
Piano: Yassel Pupo Alonso
Guitar: Levi Lopez
Lead Vocal: Mike Baluja
Back Up Vocals: Mario Nuñez