For over a decade, Luis Gracia-Alonso has been a cornerstone of the Southern California music scene—a seasoned trombonist, bandleader, and educator whose résumé spans ska, reggae, pop, salsa, funk, and jazz. Whether touring the West Coast with Half Past Two, locking in grooves with The Ruffolos, bringing energy to Not a Chance, or recreating Gwen Stefani’s heyday with New Doubt, Luis is a player who elevates every band he’s in. And when he’s not on stage or in the studio, he’s shaping the next generation of musicians as a full-time high school music teacher in Pomona.
But behind the constant motion is a question that many working artists wrestle with: How do you make space for yourself in a life that never slows down? That tension takes center stage in Luis’ latest solo release, “Where Do You Find the Time?”, which dropped May 23rd via Marrano Beach Records.
An instrumental jazz-fusion ballad built in ¾ time, the track weaves lush horn melodies, layered harmonies, and shifting rhythmic feels into a piece that feels as thoughtful as it is expressive. Written during summer tour downtime in 2024, Luis composed the song almost entirely in his head while on the road—mentally looping a core chord progression and refining the melody without access to a keyboard. As a trained composer and arranger with classical chops and street-level hustle, Luis brought the full weight of his experience to this one.
The emotional undercurrent of the song hits especially hard for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pace of modern life. Luis puts it plainly:
“Where do you find the time to do the things you want in life? How can I find joy when I keep getting stuck in the little things in everything?”
The single captures that internal monologue, channeling it into an instrumental that speaks volumes without needing a single lyric.
Recorded over several months with friends, family, and colleagues at Rob Casas’ home studio in Pomona, “Where Do You Find the Time?” features a tight circle of collaborators: Juan Gracia on drums, Mike Alvarez on bass, Rob Casas on classical guitar and engineering duties, Jared Jamias on guitar, and Luis himself covering trombone, trumpet, and keys. The result is both intimate and expansive—rooted in jazz traditions, but personal in a way that feels fresh and unfiltered.
More than just another side project, this song is a reflection of the work Luis is doing—in therapy, in the classroom, on the stage, and within himself. It’s a reminder that even for someone as accomplished and prolific as Luis Gracia-Alonso, the search for balance is never quite finished.
“Where Do You Find the Time?” is available now on all major streaming platforms. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, it’s a powerful introduction to the inner world of a musician who’s always giving, always growing, and still carving out space for something all his own.
Artist Links: Spotify | Instagram
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