Ruben Blades is a Grammy Award winning Panamanian salsa singer, songwriter, and Latin jazz musician, performing musically most often in the Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz genres. Blades has made landmark albums in classic Afro-Cuban salsa as well as Afro-Cuban music touched with rock, jazz, pan-Latin, and other influences from around the world. He has collaborated with rock, jazz, pop, hip-hop, reggaeton, and salsa artists. He has composed hundreds of songs and dozens of hits known for their eloquent, politically-aware lyrics, colorful characters, and memorable melodies.
The song First Circle was made famous by award winning jazz musician Pat Metheny in the 1980's. His music is still popular today and much of his music is used by many winter guards across the country. First Circle is widely considered to be one of Pat Metheny's greatest songs. Ruben Blades has honored Mr. Metheny by creating a wonderful rendition of this famous song using Cuban style beats, acappella singers, and various guitars and string instruments. Ruben Blades First Circle is a fantastic blend of contemporary jazz and Afro-Cuban style music.