I am so sad to share with you Bruce was admitted to the hospital for a stroke on July 12th and due to complications with his cancer, subsequent strokes, and fungal meningitis he was unable to recover. Bruce passed away peacefully Monday, July 28 surrounded with love by his family and friends.
Bruce left us in a ray of light on Monday, July 28 a little after sunrise.
Bruce truly had a way with light, not only in his paintings, but in his music, in his smile in the way he shared so generously what he had with anyone he met giving them a spark, sometimes a fire, to take forth. He is my Sunshine Baby! and was Nothing But Heart!
I don't have a lot of words right now, but I am blessed to be surrounded with and supported by our family and friends. I am lucky to have each and every one of you holding me in the light and loving me right now.Keep Believing in music and believing in Love. Thank you for being our fans and friends.
Love,
Julie
Please visit Bruce's CaringBridge page for full update and to send your well wishes and prayers to our families.
If you'd like to help with the financial set back of canceling shows and medical expenses, please visit our GoFundMe page or contribute directly using Venmo @terraguitarra
With 22 albums recorded and appearances on TV, film and radio programs around the world, the duo's sound is a soulful fusion of blazing Spanish and World guitar instrumentals, heartstring tugging lyrics, lush vocal harmonies, and epic folk rock anthems.
Master guitarist Bruce Hecksel and singer-songwriter Julie Patchouli blend music from their two musical projects Patchouli and Terra Guitarra. Terra Guitarra is reviewed as “one of the top nuevo-flamenco groups in the world” - Zone Music Reporter. They have three top 5 internationally charting albums including Of Sea & Stars which won ZMR Award “Best Instrumental Album of the Year 2017”.
Public Radio favorite Patchouli features Julie’s sparkling lead vocals, beautiful duets and award winning compositions. City Pages compares the duo's live sound like “taking a yoga class in a field of running mustangs”. The Chicago Tribune says the duo’s “songs about harmony & healing inspire the human spirit”. Performing fiery Spanish guitar pieces like “Malaguena” to the gorgeous vocal harmonies of “Sounds of Silence” this duo takes the artistry of guitars to another dimension.
In 2018 Patchouli & Terra Guitarra went global bringing their music all over the world touring the UK and Europe, China and the U.S. In 2019 their album Spirit Wheel was nominated ZMR "Best World Album". The duo continues to tour across the U.S. and returns for a 2nd bigger tour in China in July of 2019. The duo released their 22nd album recorded together in May 2020 Patchouli "Nothing But Heart".
Patchouli & Terra Guitarra have performed over 5,000 shows, toured a million miles on the road supporting 22 CD releases, performed on TV, film and are played on radio programs around the World. Their soulful fusion of blazing Spanish and world guitar instrumentals, heartstring tugging lyrics, lush vocal harmonies, and epic folk rock anthems infused with a visible onstage chemistry guarantees to make the night an uplifting one of music that will leave you uniquely inspired and excited to pick that old guitar back up.
