Xaque

Xaque” pronounced (shock) is a Luso-American band from the New Jersey / Philadelphia area. The Portuguese word Xaque means “Checkmate”. Formed in 1992 when a few friends and original members of the band Xaque, met to record a few songs while experimenting with new recording equipment. Within months they found themselves expressing their Western European musical roots and sharing tales of heroes and heritage. Full of vigor and inspiration, they enthusiastically continued to record and draw together individuals with similar aspirations to contribute to their projects. In the summer of 1994, a vision and conviction had emerged. And as they say; the rest is history. XAQUE’S debut recording, "EVOLUÇÃO", released in 1995 was the result of their journey in the recording studio. As sons of first generation Portuguese immigrants, the undertone was to convey social awareness, political upheaval and fond remembrance of their founding fathers. Shortly after the release of "EVOLUÇÃO", XAQUE performed in various concerts in the United States with well-established performers from Portugal. XAQUE proved their worth when they took center stage at the Portuguese American Heritage Concert at the TRUMP TAJ MAHAL (Atlantic City NJ). Sharing the stage with XAQUE was Rui Veloso, Pedro Abrunhosa, Nucha and Fernando Pereira. Shortly thereafter XAQUE joined [a125903] for a three concert series of LOUD MUSIC and FUN in New Jersey. XAQUE remains the only US based band to have performed in concert with Portuguese artists of this magnitude… Having fostered a relationship with Rui Veloso, XAQUE believed his collaboration on their recordings would bring more awareness to their project. In the Winter of 1996 Rui Veloso returned to the United States to participate. Today XAQUE find themselves survivors of life’s challenges, and on October 15th of 2002, the anticipation ends. Xaque will release their much-anticipated follow up CD to EVOLUCAO UNPLUGGED titled ALMA NUA. Xaque's "Herói do Mar - Unplugged" was nominated for the 2013 IPMA awards for best Rock Song.