Guitaist Omar Torrez has been tapped accompany Tom Waits [ tickets ] on his upcoming European and US "Glitter and Doom" tour.

Torrez, whose eponymous band was voted "best band" by Seattle Weekly readers for three consecutive years, first received widespread attention when he won the National Jimi Hendrix Guitar Competition at the Bumbershoot Festival. After seeing Torrez perform, the Fender guitar company signed him on the spot to an exclusive endorsement contract, calling him "the company's most exciting rising star," according to a statement on his website.

Additionally, a Seattle Times music critic said, "Dare we dub him the Latin Hendrix?! The fastest fingers in the West, a massive talent poised to break out and kiss the sky." Following his summer outing with Waits, Torrez will hit the road in support of OTB's latest release, "The Beat Outside."

Editor's Note: This story was corrected on 6/11. Torrez will not serve as Waits' opening act; he will accompany Waits on guitar.

The Omar Torrez Band [ tickets ] in action: