CLINICIANS
Adam Nussbaum is considered one of the finest drummers working today. He's played with a virtual "Who's Who" in the jazz world. Longtime associates have included: John Abercrombie, Michael & Randy Brecker, Eliane Elias, Gil Evans, Stan Getz, Vic Juris, James Moody, John Scofield, as well as freelancing with prominent artists of every generation, being a major asset no matter where he appears.
Nussbaum has joined forces with other musicians to form such groups as “BANN” w/Seamus Blake, Jay Anderson & Oz Noy, and many more. He's been on hundreds of recordings, including the Grammy winning "Don't Try This At Home” recorded with Michael Brecker. In addition, Nussbaum is an in-demand educator doing Clinics and Master Classes, teaching at such institutions as Berklee, NYU, State University of New York, the New School, and at numerous Conservatories around the world. He also coproduced with Hudson Music, "The Art of Playing Brushes."
Repercussion, Kosa
Founder and Artistic Director of the KoSA International Percussion Workshops, and member of the internationally acclaimed percussion ensemble, Repercussion, Aldo Mazza is an internationally recognized drummer-percussionist, recording artist, clinician, composer, author and educator. He has recorded over 100 cds with such artists as Celine Dion, Jon Bon Jovi, Alain Caron and Aldo Nova and has performed live with such artists as James Brown, Chris De Burgh, Oliver Jones and major symphony orchestras. Aldo has also participated both as a performer and an adjudicator in numerous international classical, contemporary, world music as well as jazz music festivals.
Grupo Falso Baiano
Ami Molinelli is a professional percussionist and educator specializing in Brazilian and Latin percussion. She co-leads the Brazilian and jazz ensemble, Grupo Falso Baiano. Her percussion curriculum has been used and published in clinics and education workshops including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Music in Schools Today, Young Audiences of Northern California, The San Francisco Jazz Center, etc. Her extensive performance and recording credits include theater, television (NBC) and live performances with artists such as Jovino Santos Neto, Rogerio Souza, Hamilton de Hollanda, Teka, Katia
Broadway Cordis Composer, Song of Solomon: a new musical
Hailed by New York Classical Review as “spectacularly virtuosic”, international soloist and composer, ANDREW BEALL’s works have been performed around the world. His concerto, Affirmation, was premiered at Avery Fisher Hall and recently recorded by the Siberian Symphony Orchestra.
Mr. Beall has performed on Broadway in The Lion King, Les Miserables, Spiderman, In The Heights, and A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder, orchestras such as the American Symphony, Columbus Symphony, Greenwich Symphony, and is the drummer for eclectic rock quartet, Cordis, and Broadway dance company, American Dance Machine.
Mr. Beall has released three albums on BMP Records: Deliverance, Glass Jungle, Concerti, and one Concept Album on Broadway Records: Song of Solomon: a new musical, starring Tony-nominated Ramin Karimloo. Mr. Beall was recently commissioned by The Telling Company to write his second musical.
King Princess
After teaching himself to play by watching his heroes on YouTube, Antoine was discovered on the internet in his early teens. Later, he was hired to produce videos and appear in advertising for KAT electronic drums. And, by the time he turned 18, Antoine had been featured at drum festivals and taken classes at Berklee College Of Music and Musicians Institute.
As soon as he finished high school, Antoine relocated from Paris to Los Angeles. Antoine’s drumming skills presented him with many opportunities to work with other LA-based musicians and producers. One of these projects led to an audition for singer/songwriter King Princess and, since then, Antoine has been touring almost exclusively with the rising star. He played on King Princess’ debut album, appeared in her videos and performed at clubs, theaters and festivals around the world, including Coachella, Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, Governor’s Ball, Bonnaroo, MoPop and Life Is Beautiful to name only a few.
Tony Macalpine, Hangar, Noturnall
Aquiles Priester was the only Brazilian in the history of Brazilian drumming to rank 5th best Prog Metal drummer of the world according to American Modern Drummer magazine. In 2015 Aquiles was nominated again and he was elected the best "Hard Rock" drummer by the readers of American magazine Drum! Aquiles Priester has taken part in some of the biggest drum festivals around the world such as Modern Drummer Festival, Montreal Drum Fest, Batuka! International Drum Fest, La Rioja Festival, Laguna Drum Fest, London Drum Show, Drummer Live, International Summer Drum Camp, Tam Tam Drum Fest, October Drum Fest, Thomas Lang’s Big Drum Bonanza, Frankfurt Musikmesse, and The NAMM Show. In 2010, he was one of seven drummers chosen from all over the world to take part of an audition to substitute Mike Portnoy in the North-American band Dream Theater. Currently he is playing with Tony MacAlpine, Hangar and Noturnall.
Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson
Bashiri got to hang out with percussionist and producer Mtume in the 1970s, learning drum and studio chops in the process. After playing on gold records like Luther Vandross' Never Too Much and Madonna's Holiday, Bashiri's career was up and running. Producers began calling because they wanted to use the guy who worked on all these hit records. Johnson now has his own production company Bashman Productions and recording studio, The Lab Brooklyn.
"My take on the contemporary percussionist," Bashiri says "is to get the calls you gotta be diversified and able to handle a multiple of different situations." Bashiri can be heard on recordings by Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Anita Baker, The Spice Girls, Maxwell, Gloria Estafan, Angelique Kidjo, Nicole Renee, Diana Ross, Peter Wolf, Aretha Franklin, Eagle Eye Cherry, Grover Washington, Boyz II Men and Dionne Farris. Beside recordings Bashiri's talent has led him to play on live television, commercials and movie soundtracks.
Bashiri has also complete percussion sample library of loops and sounds called "Supreme Beats," available from Spectrasonics, and "Ethno Techno" from Ilio.
Studio/Independent/Clinician
Billy has been performing professionally for nearly 30 years. He is the current drummer for the legendary Moody Blues. He has also toured, recorded, or performed with 'NSYNC, Pat Benatar, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Gloria Estefan, Britney Spears, and many more.
His experience has led to over 70 television appearances, including the Tonight Show (6 times), the Super Bowl XXXV Halftime Performance, Saturday Night Live, the MTV Video Music Awards, the Grammy Awards, and Rock in Rio 2001, where he performed for a crowd of 280,000. Billy is currently featured on The Moody Blues "Days of Future Past - Live DVD (featuring the Toronto Orchestra). Keep an eye out for him on the broadcast of the 2018 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony with The Moody Blues.
Quarteto Ache’ & Educator
Multiple Grammy nominations as a bandleader and for numerous other projects as a sideman, Bobby Sanabria continues to make his mark as a drummer, percussionist, composer, arranger, conductor, producer, educator, filmmaker, bandleader, and multi-cultural warrior. Sanabria has performed and recorded with such legends as Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaría, Paquito D’Rivera, Ray Barretto, Candido, Larry Harlow, and Afro-Cuban jazz Godfather, Mario Bauzá. Bobby’s big band recordings, Live & in Clave and Big Band Urban Folktales were nominated for a Grammys and he was nominated for a Latin Grammy for, 50 Years of Mambo, A Tribute to Damaso Perez Prado. The Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra he directs at the Manhattan School of Music was nominated for a Latin Grammy for its majestic tribute to Mario Bauzá and Machito for Kenya Revisited Live!!!, a reworking of the music for Machito’s greatest album, Kenya, on its 50th anniversary as well as Tito Puente Masterworks Live.
A South Bronx native of Puerto Rican parentage is a inductee into the Bronx Walk of Fame where he has a street named after him, and he is a past winner of Jazz Journalists Association and DRUM! Magazine’s Percussionist of the Year.
Shakira, Tegan And Sara
Brendan Buckley, at the age of 18, packed his car and moved to Florida to attend the University of Miami’s School of Music. There, he became immersed in the city’s diverse rock, latin, and jazz scenes. While in school, he released an album with the rock band Fulano De Tal (bmg), featuring the artist Elsten Torres. A year later, he played drums with Julio Iglesias for his “Tango” world tour. Brendan finished this tour and recorded an album for the Colombian popstar Shakira; “Dónde Están Los Ladrones”. That quickly led to Shakira’s “MTV Unplugged”, “Anfíbio Tour”, “Tour of the Mongoose”, and co-writing/co-producing her album “Laundry Service”. Also during these Miami years, Brendan spent time recording/performing with DMX, Spam All-Stars, Nil Lara, Gloria Estefan, Alejandra Guzman, Julio Iglesias Jr, Lauryn Hill, Pedro Suarez Vertiz, Natalia Oriero, Alicastro, Popvert, The Kind, Alih Jey, Zach Zisken, Monterosa, BD Lenz, María Bestar, Mariana Ochoa, Diane Ward, Raw B Jae, Clambake, Maria, and Sixo. LIn 2004, Brendan moved west to Los Angeles where he immediately joined the experimental rock band Pedestrian. Their work together can be heard on the album “Ghostly Life”.
Pink Martini
Brian Lavern Davis was raised in Portland, Oregon, and his musical studies have taken him to India, Japan, New York, Puerto Rico, Turkey, Jamaica and Brazil. His teachers include Jorge Alabe, Obo Addy, Yacub Addy, Jose Ricardo Santos & Ballet Folklorico do Bahia, Colin Walcott, Michael Spiro, Keith Terry, Los Muñequitos de Mantanzas, Bruno Moraes ( Mocidade Indepente de Padre Miguel), Jorge Martins (Maracatu Estrella Brilhante de Recife), Marcos Suzano, and Nana Vasconcelos. He has served on the faculties of Portland State University, Jefferson Performing Arts High School, and The Vancouver School of Arts & Academics, and conducted residencies at The Naropa Institute, Reed College, Lewis & Clark College, and many others. Brian is an original touring and recording member of Pink Martini ( 10 CD's, 1DVD, numerous world tours), is the founder and Director of the Lions of Batucada, a Brazilian dance and percussion ensemble, and formed and directs the “Ainsworth Jr. Escola,” a 123 member Portland youth samba bateria (Portland, OR, USA). He has toured and/or recorded with jazz legend Herbie Hancock, Kalapana, Upepo, Obo Addy, Dub Squad, McKinley, Nu Shooz, Dan Reed Network and the show “BataKetu” among many others. He has performed with a variety of symphonies across the U.S., Canada, and Europe - including the Boston Pops, The San Francisco Symphony, The National Symphony at the Kennedy Center, The BBC Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall,The Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and The Oregon Symphony - at venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to LA's Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Brian served as the conductor for the nationwide Oregon Big Beat event, 2010/ 11. His group the Lions of Batucada has shared the stage with David Byrne, Sean Lennon, and Fundo de Quintal among many others. The Lions have performed and collaborated with The Oregon Symphony, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Dandy Warhols, Obo Addy, and rock legends Aerosmith, among others. They have recorded with Pink Martini, and The Von Trapps. He has worked extensively with numerous dance companies in the U.S., including Do Jump Theater, Oslund & Co. , and Linda K Johnson. When not touring with Pink Martini, he teaches body percussion and samba throughout the Pacific Northwest as part of the Young Audiences of Oregon and Washington program, teaches each Summer at the California Brazil Camp (2005 - present), and conducts samba workshops for a variety of baterias, schools, and music stores across the U.S., Taiwan, China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Recently inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame with Pink Martini (June 2014), he has contributed articles to DRUM Magazine (July 2013 ), and was featured in an interview/focus piece in Drumhead Magazine (issue #29, September/October 2011).
Red Hot Chili Peppers
As a member of the pioneering, award-winning superstars Red Hot Chili Peppers since 1988, Chad Smith is widely regarded as one of music’s most accomplished drummers and articulate musicians. As a member of the Chili Peppers, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 and has been awarded six Grammy® Awards. In addition, two of the band’s albums are among Rolling Stone’s 10 Greatest Albums of All Time. Additionally, Spin Magazine ranked him at #10 on their list of the 100 Greatest Drummers of Alternative Music.
Musically prolific, Chad has recorded seven studio albums with the Chili Peppers and appears on a total of 22 releases with the band – including 23 Top 10 singles. Chad Smith has drummed for such diverse artists as Johnny Cash, the Dixie Chicks, George Clinton among many others and is a founding member of the supergroup Chickenfoot with former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar. Chad collaborated with LP to create his new signature Red Hot Ridge Rider Cowbell.
Santana, Another Lifetime
Cindy Blackman Santana is a virtuoso drummer whose artistry spans the realms of jazz and rock. As a bandleader and as a musician, Cindy is a sound innovator with a passion for pushing creative boundaries and exploring movement and change. She is as known for the nuances and colors she brings to her beats and fills as she is for the sheer power of her soulful playing.
Cindy has been creating magnificent musical time and space since the beginning of her career as a busking street performer in New York City in the ’80s through the present day, touring the globe and making albums at the top of her game—including her acclaimed Another Lifetime. In addition to collaborating onstage and in-studio with her own group—also known as Another Lifetime—she has toured and recorded with artists including Pharoah Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, Bill Laswell, Joss Stone, Joe Henderson, Buckethead, Don Pullen, Hugh Masakela, and Angela Bofill.
From 1993 to 2007, she was also the drummer in Lenny Kravitz’s band, through multiple world tours and hit albums.
Currently, Cindy is the drummer for Santana and continues to build a body of work and artistic legacy that make her one of the finest drummers of this or any generation.
Dafnis Prieto, Henry Threadgill, Steve Coleman, Eddie Palmieri, Chico and Arturo O’Farrill, Dave Samuels & The Caribbean Jazz Project, Jane Bunnett, D.D. Jackson, Edward Simon, Michel Camilo, Chucho Valdés, Bebo Valdés, Roy Hargrove, Don Byron, and Andrew Hill.
From Cuba, Dafnis Prieto’s revolutionary drumming techniques and compositions have had a powerful impact on the Latin and Jazz music scene, nationally and internationally. Various awards include a 2011 MacArthur Fellowship, “Up & Coming Musician of the Year” from the Jazz Journalists Association in 2006, a GRAMMY nomination for Absolute Quintet as Best Latin Jazz Album, and a Latin GRAMMY nomination for “Best New Artist” in 2007. Also a gifted educator, Prieto has conducted master classes, clinics, and workshops throughout the world. He was a faculty member of Jazz Studies at NYU from 2005 to 2014, and in 2015 became a faculty member at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Since his arrival to New York in 1999, Prieto has worked in bands led by Henry Threadgill, Steve Coleman, Eddie Palmieri, Chico and Arturo O’Farrill, Dave Samuels & The Caribbean Jazz Project, Jane Bunnett, D.D. Jackson, Edward Simon, Michel Camilo, Chucho Valdés, Bebo Valdés, Roy Hargrove, Don Byron, and Andrew Hill, among others. He has performed at many national and international music festivals as a sideman and as a bandleader featuring several of his own projects and music.
Independent
Damon is a professional percussionist and sideman who recorded an album produced by David Ryan Harris and features: Harris, Marc Broussard, Morgan James, Zane Carney, Stephen Kellogg The Mason Brothers, Bob Reynolds, Doug Wamble, Janek Gwizdala, J.J. Johnson, and many more. He has worked with Madonna on her 2012 MDNA tour and as a sideman with world class artists like Eric Hutchinson, Stefon Harris, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Richie Flores, Javier Colon and several others. He was also an original cast member of Blast! which won both an Emmy and a Tony award. Damon also teaches privately and at Umass Amherst with Thom Hannum.
Josh Groban, Taylor Swift, Michael Brecker, Screaming Headless Torsos, The Roots, Christian McBride, Nicholas Payton
Daniel Sadownick grew up in the South Bronx and went on to earn his Master's Degree in Music at New York University. After graduating, Daniel toured with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra for two years. It was here that he made numerous contacts that would lead to tours and recordings with jazz greats such as: Michael Brecker, Dennis Chambers, Nicholas Payton, Christian McBride, Richard Bona, Nat Adderley, Pat Martino, Dewey Redman and many others.
A versatile percussionist that does not limit himself to one genre, Daniel has spent the last few years touring and recording with such diverse artists as Josh Groban, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Steely Dan, Jennifer Lopez, Billy Idol, Tony, Toni Tone' and Al Jarreau. Daniel is also a member of the New York based cult band the Screaming Headless Torsos, who were listed as one of the top ten bands in America in Musician Magazine.
Daniel’s album “There Will Be A Day” won a SESAC award for being one of the most spun records on national Jazz Radio.
Childish Gambino/Independent/Studio/Educator
Dani Markham, a Louisville, Kentucky native, initially discovered her love for rhythm bangin' on pots and pans in the kitchen. By the age of 8, Markham was gigging regularly with the Louisville Leopard Percussionists. She received her degree in Music Performance from The University of Miami's esteemed Frost School of Music. Her recent collaborations include indie-rock band, Tune-Yards, and Grammy nominee, Childish Gambino. She has appeared on Jimmy Fallon, Conan O'Brien, Jools Holland, and has been featured in Modern Drummer and Tom Tom Magazine. Markham is currently based in Brooklyn, New York.
Jack White | Pete Rock | DMD the Vibes< | Th1rt3en
Daru Jones is one of the most respected drummers of his generation. The 2X Grammy-winning musician is known for his work on Lazaretto (Jack White) and Testimony (Gloria Gaynor), and his list of collaborators includes Bootsy Collins, Kanye West, Pete Rock, Rag 'n' Bone Man, Slum Village, Jamie Lidell, Talib Kweli, Dwight Yoakam, Nas, Pee Wee Ellis, Lorenzo Jovanotti, Queen Latifah, Black Milk, Salaam Remi, Pharoahe Monch, Liam Bailey, Rance Allen, Black Violin, Ski Beatz & The Sensei's and Jon B. (Partial List)
Jones is also a sought-after producer and boutique label owner who develops talents and releases music through his imprint, RUSIC RECORDS. More recently Jones formed a supergroup with legendary Living Colour bassist Doug Wimbish and guitar wunderkind Marcus Machado, DMD The Vibes. In 2018, Jones teamed up with hip-hop producer, Pete Rock and serves as music director for his new live band, The Soul Brothers. Jones also recently joined forces with Pharoahe Monch to co-found the rock-hop trio Th1rt3en.
Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience dā-kə-bro̵̅o̅-dā Sometimes Y
David Stanoch has drummed professionally since age 12. He has an eclectic musical reputation including work with recognized jazz, rock, R&B, Broadway, motion picture and television artists, including Hiram Bullock, George Clinton, Sheryl Crow, Richard Davis, Stanley Jordan, Keb' Mo, Minnesota Orchestra, New Kids On The Block, Bonnie Raitt, Doc Severinsen, Ben Sidran, Timbuk 3, Butch Vig, and The Supremes' Mary Wilson. He is currently musical director for Emmy-winning vocalist, Shaun Johnson's Big Band Experience.
A 25 year faculty member of the McNally Smith College of Music, in St. Paul, MN, Stanoch is a member of Modern Drummer’s Educational Team, author of the book, Mastering the Tables of Time, Vol. I (Winner: #1 Educational Book," Modern Drummer 2009 Readers Poll), co-author, with Elliot Fine, Walfredo Reyes, Sr. and Mark Powers, of The 2 in 1 Drummer (nominee, DRUM! Magazine 2014 Drummie Award) and also serves on the PAS Drumset Committee. Stanoch conducts masterclasses at events including PASIC and NAMM, and performs with college ensembles, dedicated to inspiring young musicians with the same passion he drives bands with from his drumset. David proudly endorses the fine products manufactured by Yamaha Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, Vic Firth, and LP.
The Louisville Leopard Percussionists
Diane Downs is the founder and artistic director of The Louisville Leopard Percussionists. Some of the Leopards’ performances include appearances at the Atlanta International Band & Orchestra Convention, the Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida State Music Educator's conventions, WGI Percussion Finals in Dayton, The Midwest Clinic in Chicago, The International Association of Jazz Educators Conferences in Chicago, New Orleans, and New York City, The Duke Ellington Jazz Festival in Washington, DC, twice at the Jazz Education Network Convention, at a TEDx Convention, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and 4 times at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention.
Independent, Educator & Clinician
Ed is an author and educator with over 40 years of experience. He is a published author of 11 instructional books and CD packages. He is also a master clinician and lecturer, utilizing original content, engaging students from elementary to university level; Recording and performing musician for influential artists including Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample; Composer for TV and Film including Fox Sports, ESPN, Disney, Saturday Night Live, WWE and The History Channel. Ed’s steady immersion in the music industry continues to inform his teaching repertoire as he consistently incorporates his up-to-date professional experience, keeping his teaching current and relevant to today’s music marketplace and student.
Rubén Blades
A Grammy nominee and frequent collaborator with salsa crossover star Rubén Blades, conguero Eddie Montalvo was born and raised in the Bronx. Growing up a fan of salsa music, Montalvo started on the bongos, but switched to the congas when he joined Julio Romero & the Latin Jazz All-Stars. With the congas, he would play in the bands of superstars like Celia Cruz, Héctor Lavoe, Willie Colón, and Johnny Pacheco before joining the Fania All-Stars in 1979. In 1995 he released his first solo album, On My Own, while in 2001 he joined Joe Madera in his Big 3 Palladium Orchestra. In 2012 Montalvo released his second solo album, Desde Nueva York a Puerto Rico. It would be nominated for a 2013 Grammy Award in the category of Best Tropical Latin Album.
Montalvo's first conga was the LP Original Conga and we are proud to have worked with Eddie to develop the unique, colorful artwork featured on his signature series congas.
Odysseo by Cavalia, Clinician, Session Musician
Eric Boudreault's drumming journey took off at the age of 3 years old. In 1999 when he was in college, he got selected to be a part of the Yamaha Rising Stars showcase at the Montreal Drum Festival. He has become one of the busiest international touring Canadian drummers with 15 years on the road and more than 4000 shows with different projects. In 2006, "Inizio", the first album of his jazz band Waza, was released in stores. It featured Alex Acuña, John Patitucci, John Beasley, Michel Donato, and Ronal Di Lauro. In 2012, Eric released his educational book titled Drumming Language. Eric has appeared in Modern Drummer, Drums Etc., and DRUM! Magazine - as well as major TV shows such as Jay Leno, KTLA Morning, The Today Show, and many more… He is currently on tour with the biggest touring production in America, Odysseo by Cavalia.
Studio/Independent
Fausto Cuevas III recently completed Stevie Wonder’s Songs In The Key of Life World Tour 2014 - 2016. He began touring with Stevie Wonder as a Percussionist in the summer of 2007 and since has gone on to perform with him for the 25th Anniversary of the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame at Madison Square Garden, 2009. Artists performing with Stevie include Smokey Robinson, Jeff Beck, Sting, John Legend, & the Late Great B.B. King. In 2008 Fausto performed with Stevie live at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Fausto has also recorded and toured with the likes of legendary artists such as: Julio Iglesias, Celia Cruz, Kim Burrell, Tina Marie, Cheo Feliciano, Al Jarreau, Tito Nieves, Nestor Torres, and Britney Spears. Fausto also completed The Sugarwater Festival with Queen Latifah in 2005 & 2006. In 2009, Fausto performed at the White House for The President and Mrs. Obama in Fiesta Latina with an All-Star Latin Band led by Sheila E. Fausto also performed at the World Music and Lady of Soul Music Awards with Sheila E. and Amerie; the Tobago Jazz Festival with the Rickey Minor Band performing with Natalie Cole, Vanessa Williams, Patti LaBelle, Najee and Johnny Gil.
Sum 41, Krewella & Street Drum Corps
Frank Zummo was born on Long Island, New York, and began drumming at age three, when he discovered his dad’s drumkit. By the time he was seven he was an award-winning drummer, taking home the top prize in Long Island Drum Center’s Battle of the Beats. In 2004, Zummo helped found the drum ensemble Street Drum Corps with his partners Bobby and Adam Alt. Over his long career—before becoming a member of Sum 41—Zummo performed with Mötley Crüe (he filled in for Tommy Lee during a hand injury), Dhani Harrison’s project thenewno2, Gary Numan, Scott Weiland, and most recently Krewella.
Marilyn Manson/Wicked Beats/Sessions/Clinician
Los Angeles native, Gil Sharone, is highly regarded as one of the most versatile session & touring drummers in the world. He is a multiple-time industry award winner, educator/clinician, and an active member of the bands, Marilyn Manson, Stolen Babies and Team Sleep. His work further extends into film and television scores.
Possessing a unique skill set, Gil came to notoriety in the rock world as a fill-in member of +44 and a member of The Dillinger Escape Plan, Puscifer and currently Marilyn Manson. However, he is widely known as an expert in several other genres. Reggae, ska and rocksteady were part of his earliest influences along with jazz, funk, hip hop and fusion. Gil established himself in the Jamaican styles playing with legends like Eek-A-Mouse, HR of Bad Brains, and Dave Wakeling of The English Beat, which inspired him to author an award-winning DVD and book, Wicked Beats, and recent featured performances with Slightly Stoopid and the Grammy Award winning Morgan Heritage.
Independent
Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest percussionists of all time, Giovanni Hidalgo, began playing percussion at the age of five. Born into a family of musicians, Giovanni first played on a set of congas handcrafted by his father, the great Jose "Maneñgue" Hidalgo. Giovanni first became in the early eighties when traveling to Cuba to work with the group Batacumbele whose debut album has become a cult favorite. Featuring his incredible hand-drumming technique, the album shot Giovanni to instant prominence. His incredible technique and style was the foundation of the hybrid musical style called Songo. He has worked with Eddie Palmieri, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Mickey Hart, Freddy Hubbard, Paul Simon, Dave Valentin, Paquito d'Rivera, and Carlos Santana. His collaborative effort with pianist, Michel Camilo,”Hands of Rhythm” was nominated for a Grammy award in The Best Latin Jazz category. A number of innovative products bear Giovanni's name including the LP Galaxy Giovanni Congas, Bongos and Djembe, LP Giovanni Compact Conga, the vintage style LP Giovanni Palladium Congas as well as the LP Prestige Series Giovanni Timbales. The Giovanni Compact Conga won a 2003 Musikmesse press award (MIPA), receiving top votes in the percussion category by representatives of musical instrument magazines from around the globe.
Peter Maffay, Zarbang, Studio/Independent
Born in Kabul, Afghanistan with classical training on Tablas with his master Sufi Lahli, Hakim Ludin began his professional career with a classical education at the conservatory of Karlsruhe, Germany.
Hakim has established a new level of percussive work that is well-appreciated by an international audience and has worked with stellar jazz musicians such as Jeff Hamilton, Lenny Castro, Steve Smith, Luis Conte and Terry Bozzio.
His collaboration with one of Germany’s leading singers Konstantin Wecker has brought a wider public attention to Hakim within Germany. He has also been a member of ZARBANG ensemble since 1998, performing at international festivals. Hakim has become an internationally demanded percussion tutor & also a musical director of “The mother of international drum camps” in Bavaria.
He has published a series of DVD’s worldwide by Hudson Music and is currently on tour with one of the biggest German artists, Peter Maffay on his MTV Unplugged Tour.
Henry Brun & The Latin Playerz Orchestra/ Independent
Henry Brun, “Mr. Ritmo” to his fans, is hailed as one of the most talented and hardest working professional musicians and band leaders in Southwest U.S.
Brun has recorded over 780 albums, including numerous Grammy and gold / platinum-award winning productions.
In 1989, Henry Brun formed The Latin Playerz, a popular group noted for its blend of Latin, Rhythm and Blues, Swing and straight-ahead Jazz. The group regularly performs throughout the U.S. and abroad, including Cuba’s Festival Internacional Del Caribe, Puerto Rico’s Heineken Jazz Festival, Mexico’s Festival International de Jazz, France’s Jazz a Vienne, Switzerland’s Montreaux Jazz Festival, Taiwan’s Taichung International Jazz Festival, to name a few.
Brun’s professional discipline and dedication to musical excellence has earned him the opportunity to perform and record with Arturo Sandoval, Vicki Carr, Charo, Los Lobos, Texas Tornados, Little Joe y La Familia and Los Super Seven, amongst others.
Villa Locura
Henry Cole is a shape-shifting drummer whose versatile, multicultural style positions him at the forefront of a growing wave of jazz innovation and cross-cultural 21st-century rhythms.
A Grammy award winner, master drummer and skilled arranger, he draws inspiration from a long line of highly skilled Boricua Pioneers and his sonic roots come together to create a unique, mestizo sound.
A native of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Cole is taking Puerto Rican "sabor" (flavor) to new, unexpected heights. He has worked with The Miguel Zenón Quartet, David Sánchez, The Gary Burton Quartet, Quincy Jones, Fabian Almazan Rhizome, The Ben Wendel Quartet, and the the all-star quartet “90 Miles”.
In 2018 Henry released, "El Diablo" from the upcoming album, "Simple" with his new group Villa Locura, where he combines a wide variety of musical influences such as Puerto Rican folklore, funk, R&B, jazz, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. He defines Villa Locura as "Raw, Spiritual, Interstellar, Puertorican Funk!"
Overkill, Shadows Fall, Clinician
Jason Bittner is the drummer for New Jersey Thrash Pioneers –OVERKILL. He is mainly known for being a member of the Massachusetts metal band Shadows Fall, with whom he recorded and toured with from 2001 -2014 (on hiatus since 2014). To this day, the band the band has a catalog of over 1.5 million records sold. He has also been a member of Phoenix’s Flotsam and Jetsam (2014-2017), a fill-in touring member of the “Big 4’s” ANTHRAX (2006, 2008, 2012) and has also recorded and/or toured with numerous other projects and side bands. Bittner is also recognized worldwide as an instructor/clinician for his expertise with double bass technique, rudimental applications, as well as numerous other styles of drumming including Latin, Afro-Cuban, and Jazz. This expanded educational vocabulary also allows Bittner to be an “in demand” session drummer who has worked with various other artists outside of his “Rock/Metal “comfort zone.” Lastly, Bittner is also a 2-time Grammy Nominee, multiple Drum magazine reader’s poll winner, and a Berklee College of Music Alumni.
On Your Feet! Broadway Musical, American Symphony Orchestra, Juilliard School Faculty
Javier Diaz is a percussionist that has played with David Sanborn, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Pedro Martinez, Michel Legrand, Sean Kingston, Edmar Castañeda, Lázaro Galarraga, The New York World Music Institute, Ara Oko Folkloric Group among others. Javier has performed in several Broadway productions including The Lion King, In The Heights and Tarzan. Javier is also well versed in the classical percussion genre and has appeared with several symphony orchestras along with chamber music groups. Javier has lectured on Afro-Cuban percussion at The Juilliard School, Rutgers University, Paws Music Institute in Los Angeles, the Peabody Conservatory, the Boston Conservatory and at New York University. He currently is Professor of Percussion at the University of Connecticut. He received his B.M. from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles and his M.M. from The Juilliard School, New York.
Studio/Independent
Born in Perú and raised in New York, Jhair Sala spent his formative years studying intensively with Pedrito Martínez whom he met at just ten years old. He’s now in high demand as a session musician and bandleader in his own right, but there’s an uncanny magic when he plays with Pedrito. Jhair’s touch, timing, and feel, are truly remarkable and with literally thousands of hours of studying, performing and jamming together, the two drummers play as one.
The Bill Hopkins Rockin' Orchestra, The TV Show Band, The Steve Throop Group
Jim Greiner is an internationally acclaimed, multiple award-winning percussionist, clinician and recording artist. Jim is a seven-time winner of Drum! Magazine's Readers Poll awards for his clinics and instructional DVDs, and has been featured on PBS, NRP, the Discovery Channel, and many other media. Jim has presented over 35 clinics at prestigious Percussive Arts Society International Conferences, has conducted over 100 clinics for LP at music stores and music camps, and has demonstrated instruments for many years at LP events and trade shows. Jim has also recorded tracks on hundreds of CDs and jingles, as well as on movies staring renowned actors such as Susan Sarandon, Willem Dafoe, Sam Rockwell, Dana Delaney, and others. Jim has performed hundreds of shows worldwide with one of America’s top corporate and special events bands, and with festival headliners such as Jazz/Rock icons Quicksilver Messenger Service, Blues/R&B “Lioness” Sista Monica Parker, and Rock legend Jerry Miller (on Rolling Stones’ list of the top 100 Rock guitarists of all time). Jim is also the designer of the LP Jim Greiner Shekere (LP484), and has field-tested LP instrument pro-types for many years.
4Front, Happy the Man, Broadway shows, independent
Joe Bergamini is most well-known for his progressive rock drumming in the bands Happy the Man and 4Front, and is a fixture on the New York scene. He has performed in over a dozen Broadway shows including School of Rock:The Musical, Beautiful (The Carole King Musical), Movin' Out, Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages, In the Heights, Million Dollar Quartet, The Lion King, and others.
As an educator, Joe has appeared in clinic at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), the Ultimate Drummers Weekend (Melbourne, Australia), the Cape Breton Drum Festival (Nova Scotia, Canada), KOSA (Vermont, USA), the Sonny Emory Drum Camp (Atlanta, USA), and did two US retail store clnic tours for Tama Drums. A sought-after private instructor for over 25 years, among Joe’s many private students who have gone on to pro careers is world-renowned jazz drummer Mark Guiliana. Joe is the director of the Sabian Education Network for drum teachers, the Senior Drum Editor for Hudson Music, a founding partner of Wizdom Media LLC and WBH MusicWorks (two independent publishers) and participated in developing the Drum Guru app.
As an author, Joe has won four Modern Drummer Readers Poll awards for his drum books, including best drum book of 2013 for Neil Peart: Taking Center Stage.
The New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band
Joe is the Latin Grammy® Award Winning founder, leader, producer and drummer of The New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band, winner of the 2008 Latin Jazz Album of the Year and nominated in the 51st Grammy’s® for “Afro Bop Alliance” featuring Dave Samuels. Their latest release is entitled “UPWARDS”. As an educator, Joe created an online platform entitled “BASIC Training” and has done clinics and masterclasses throughout the world. He has recorded and/or performed with Paquito D’ Rivera, Conrad Herwig, Slide Hampton, Eddie Daniels, Wayne Bergeron, Poncho Sanchez, Arturo O’ Farrill, Linda Oh, Oscar Stagnaro, Samuel Torres and countless others. Joe was a Chief Petty Officer with The United States Naval Academy Band, where he served as Chief in Charge/Drummer of the Next Wave Jazz Ensemble- one of the Navy’s two premier big bands. He proudly endorses Latin Percussion, Zildjian, Yamaha, Remo, and Vic Firth, featuring Joe’s signature drumstick in the Modern Jazz Collection Series, MJC2.
Independent
Joey Heredia is a remarkable drummer who blends a multitude of styles, timing, and unbelievable skill to achieve a unique level of playing making him one of the best in the business.
Though some may say that he is a Latin percussionist who added his drumset to the mix, Joey disgrees, "I was always primarily a drumset player. I played my share of timbales, but I was a kit player raised on seventies funk, like Parliament Funkadelics and Sly and the Family Stone." Heredia's work on a hybrid drum/percussion setup is amazing. While keeping solid drum grooves, in the tradition of his mentor Jeff Porcaro, he calls up images of complete percussion sections, teasing us with rhythmic snippets - little "reminders" of clave or traditional cowbell patterns. As a teen in East LA, Joey performed with Tower of Power-style horn bands. He felt the kinship between the clockwork precision of funk and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Joey's list of recording credits includes Dianne Reeves, Stevie Wonder, Billy Childs, Tribal Tech, Strunz and Farah, Tania Maria, and songwriter Michael Ruff.
A perfect sampler of Joey's work is the CD "Mendoza Heredia Neto: Live in L.A."
Vanguard Jazz Orchestra
Critically acclaimed performer, author and teacher, John Riley has worked with the world's leading Jazz musicians for over 30 years. A three time GRAMMY award winner and 14 time nominee, John has played on hundreds of recordings and at major venues with Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Woody Herman, John Scofield, Joe Lovano, Bob Mintzer, The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and many others. John has a BM in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas, 1975, and an MM in Jazz Studies from the Manhattan School of Music, 1985. He is on the faculty of Manhattan School of Music and SUNY Purchase, an Artist in Residence at the Amsterdam Conservatory in Holland and has given master classes around the world.
Independent, Educator
Puerto Rico native Jorge Ginorio is a professional percussionist, educator, and clinician. A graduate of the prestigious University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Throughout his performing career, Jorge has had the honor to perform, tour, and record with artists such as: Tom Braxton, Brave Combo, Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff, Aretha Franklin, Carlos Guedes, Mark Harper, Israel Houghton, Airto Moreira, Andy Narell, One O'Clock Lab Band, Dave Samuels, Poncho Sánchez, Lou Marini, Michael Spiro, Najee, among others. As an educator/clinician, Jorge keeps extremely active conducting lessons, clinics and workshops. He has presented at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Texas Music Educators Association Convention, as well as in universities, colleges, and cultural centers. Currently, Jorge is integral part of the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area musical scene where he perform, record, and teach.
Known for his versatility in different musical styles, Jose Pepe Jimenez musical journey has taken him to the most prestigious stages around the world. He is a product of the Escuela Libre De Musica (Puerto Rico Performing Arts School), Musicians Institute of Technology and Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music.
He has performed and recorded with Santana, Paul Shaffer, Mamma Mia, Baz, The Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity and Criss Angel Believe, Greg Howe, Jason Robert Brown, Alan Menken, Disney’s The Lion King, Latin Grammy Awards, Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, Luis Fonsi, Mark Anthony, John Lucien, Giovanni Hidalgo, Jerry Gonzales, Olga Tañon, Elvis Crespo, Ilan Chester, Ricardo Arjona, Armando Manzanero, Luis Perico Ortiz, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jerry Rivera, and The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra to name a few.
Pepe keeps an active schedule working as an independent artist, based in Las Vegas Nevada. He is currently performing with his solo project “The Groove Culture Band”, which is dedicated to promote Afro-Puerto Rican folklore with contemporary music. In addition to performing, he is also a drum instructor for the Division of Jazz and Commercial Music at the University of Las Vegas Nevada
Santana
Every musician has an idol, a performer or group that embodies what they wish to become. From his childhood in San Francisco, Karl Perazzo wanted to play with Santana. "I used to play with the band when I was younger," he jokes, "but then the needle broke." However, young Perazzo did have considerable talent, and had played with Cal Tjader, Malo, Ray Obiedo, Prince and Andy Narell by the time he was 12. His life-long dream was realized in 1991 when he joined Santana to play timbales. Perazzo has also performed and recorded with Mariah Carey, Dizzy Gillespie, Phish, The United Nations Orchestra and John Lee Hooker. He also has several side projects which he leads, including the popular Salsa band, Avance. In addition to performing and recording, Perazzo teaches percussion. Along with former Santana conguero Raul Rekow, Perazzo starred in LP's popular instructional video From Afro-Cuban to Rock, which breaks down the complex musical rhythms of Cuban percussion. Because of their unique chemistry and infectious teaching style, Perazzo and Rekow are a sure-fire hit with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Karl has teamed up with LP to create the LP Karl Perazzo Signature Series Timbales.
Steely Dan
Keith Carlock has recorded and/or toured with such musical luminaries as John Mayer, Sting, Steely Dan, James Taylor, TOTO, Christopher Cross, Donald Fagen, Walter Becker, Diana Ross, Faith Hill, The Blues Brothers Band, Mike Stern, Leni Stern, David Johansen and the Harry Smiths, Richard Bona, Chris Botti, Wayne Krantz, Rudder, Harry Belafonte, Oz Noy, Larry Carlton, Clay Aiken, Rascal Flatts, Paula Abdul and Grover Washington, Jr, to name a few. Keith was voted number 1 Pop drummer, number 1 Fusion drummer, and number 1 Best All-Around drummer in Modern Drummer’s 2009 Readers Poll.
Fargo Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, Fuego Tropical World Music Ensemble, Soulsa De Fargo
Dr. Kenyon Williams has worked throughout the United States as a professional performer, educator, arranger, and clinician. He has performed as a guest soloist and section member for numerous orchestras throughout the country and currently serves as Principal Percussionist with the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony. Dr. Williams is a Professor of Music at Minnesota State University Moorhead where he directs the acclaimed “Fuego Tropical” Percussion and World Music ensemble as well as the MSUM Percussion Ensemble. His interests have taken him abroad which led him to found and direct three professional ensembles: “Poco Fuego” steel drum quintet, “Soulsa de Fargo” salsa band, and the "Varying Degrees" percussion trio. In 2013, he released his first solo album, "Homage," which features a wide variety of newly commissioned works for percussion.
American Idol, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Kevin Ricard’s versatility and musicality are the most important things he brings to each recording or performance. He brings a sense of groove to Rock, Jazz, Pop, and R&B styles, and adds authenticity to Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian styles. Whether it’s the Brazilian groove of Sergio Mendes, the timeless music of Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie, or playing with legends like Steve Winwood, Kenny Loggins, or the late, great Celia Cruz, Kevin shows he can move smoothly between diverse styles and why he’s in constant demand. Kevin's long list of recording credits includes Joe Zawinul, B.B. King, Natalie Cole, Wayne Shorter, Marc Anthony, Kenny Loggins, Juan Gabriel, Queen Latifah, Enrique Iglesias, Jill Scott, Take 6 and numerous others.
Kevin has also performed on a number of movie scores including The Hangover, The Pink Panther 1 & 2, The Great Debaters, Traitor, Speed, The Adams Family Values, A Bugs Life, Woman On Top and many more. Kevin's professional television career includes being a member of the house bands for Dancing with the Stars, America's Got Talent, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and American Idol.
LP is proud to offer Kevin’s innovative, patent-pending, top-tuning Signature Cajon (LP1424) that allows the player shape the tone to their exact specifications.
Independent/Broadway Shows - Come From Away
Larry is known as a "musical chameleon", making him one of the top-call freelance drummers in NYC. His eclectic resume spans all genres including major pop/rock artists, jazz, country, symphony orchestras and for the past 20 years, he’s made his home on Broadway, where he is currently playing the hit Broadway musical, "Come From Away".
His resume of Broadway shows is extensive, including performing on over 30 different shows, including the 12-time Tony Award winning hit Broadway musical, "The Producers", as well as the rockabilly runaway hit “Million Dollar Quartet”. He also maintains a busy schedule filled with studio recording projects for artists, film and TV jingles, along with live gigs around New York, major artist tours, and masterclasses across the globe. He can also be seen frequently on TV, performing on all major TV variety shows based in NYC. Larry is thrilled to call NYC home, and to be making music with LP. Recordings/Performances with: Sebastian Bach, Melissa Etheridge, Nick Jonas, Vanessa Williams, Daniel Radcliffe, Heather Headley, Anika Noni Rose, Doug Stone (Multi Platinum Nashville Recording Artist), and the legendary 1960's band, The Mamas & The Papas. His impressive resume also includes performances with jazz piano virtuoso Geoff Keezer, Indie hard rockers SuffraJett, Latin trombonist Andre Stephani, and the Minneapolis based, nationally acclaimed Cedar Avenue Big Band.
Thalia, Lila Downs, Gilberto Santa Rosa
Marcos J. Lopez is one of the most promising multi-genre percussionists breaking out of his native Puerto Rico. He made his path known with salsa group N’Klabe. He currently tours with superstar Thalía, Multi-Grammy award winner Lila Downs and Plena Libre. Marcos has performed with the Max Weinberg Orchestra, Issac Delgado, Wisin & Yandel and salsa veterans like Victor Manuelle, Gilberto Santa Rosa, La India and Tito Nieves. Marcos has appeared in Good Morning America and the Late Night Show with Seth Meyers along pop duo Karmin. He has appeared in countless recordings, including two major studio albums: ‘Ceremony’ with jazz legend Dave Liebman and ‘Maldades’ with Grammy winning artists Humberto Ramirez and Oskar Cartaya. As an educator, he has given clinics at The Montreal Drum Fest, PASIC, Berklee and the Percussion Festival in The PRCM. Influenced by family, like his grandfather Sammy Ayala, one of the founders of Cortijo y su Combo, Marcos began playing percussion at age two. He won a full scholarship from Berklee College of Music and obtained his bachelor’s degree in Music Business Management in 2011.
World Percussionist, Independent Grooversity
A contemporary percussionist and educator, Marcus Santos has performed for the president of Brazil, TEDx, Montreal Drum Fest and with the “One World Band” produced by MTV. He has been honored with the KOSA Recognition award, Outstanding Arts Performer Award by the Brazilian Immigrant Center as well as Outstanding Percussionist Award by Berklee College of Music. Marcus has lead workshops on Afro-Brazilian percussion and music for Social Change in universities and conventions around the world such as Carnegie Hall, PASIC and Harvard. He’s currently the director of the Grooversity Global Drumming Network project that includes twenty four drumming groups in the US, France, Germany and Canada.
Maia Sharp, Linda Tillery, Ann Hampton Callaway
Maria is originally from Camaguey, Cuba, raised in New Orleans. She began her musical career playing various night clubs in the New Orleans French Quarter. She conducts workshops, master classes, concerts and clinics at schools, International Music Conferences, Colleges and Universities. She has traveled the globe to perform at major venues where she shared both stage and studio with artists such as Barry White, El Chicano, Klymaxx, Rita Coolidge, Nell Carter, Angela Bofill and others. As the recipient of the “Outstanding Player of the Year Award” from the Percussion Institute of Technology. She joined the Musicians Institute faculty and later authored the Latin core curriculum for the Brazilian and Afro-Cuban classes. Maria’s educational articles have appeared in Modern Drummer, Percussive Notes, Drum Magazines and LP Drum Instructors Only.
Paradigma, Mussorgsky College Of Music
One of Russia’s leading drummers, Max Klots is an authoritative jazz/fusion performer, teacher, clinician, session player, and the author of a popular series of drumming books and instructional DVDs. Max’s deep knowledge of drumming, natural artistry and exceptional communication skills make him an in-demand teacher and clinician with a fresh and unique approach to his methods and concepts all of which are recognized and approved by such master educators as Jim Chapin, Steve Smith, Dom Famularo, Bill Bruford, Peter Magadini, and others.
University Of Texas At San Antonio, Ritmos Unidos
Michael Mixtacki is an active performer and educator at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Michael has directed the Percussion Ensemble, Afro-Cuban and Latin Jazz Ensembles at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. He has also performed with several ensembles, including Ire Elese Abure in Chicago, IL, Ritmos Unidos in Bloomington, IN, and Grupo Balança and the Madison Symphony Orchestra in Madison, WI. He can be heard on two Grammy nominated recordings with Wayne Wallace and Michael Spiro, and on two CDs with Ritmos Unidos.
Wayne Wallace, Latin Jazz Quintet, Conjunto Karabali
Michael Spiro is a ten-time Grammy nominee, and has produced seminal recordings in the Latin music genre such as “Canto América”, “BataKetu”, “BataMbira”, and “Grupo Ilu-Aña”. His performing and recording credits cover an array of internationally known artists: from such pop artists as David Byrne, Carlos Santana and Charlie Watts, to Latin music icons Eddie Palmieri, Israel Lopez (Cachao) and Richard Egues, to such jazz luminaries as Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby Hutcherson and McCoy Tyner. He also has an extended film score resume, and wrote several arrangements for the Tony award winning Broadway show BLAST! In addition to his academic position at Indiana University as Associate Professor of Percussion, Michael remains an extremely active performer and recording artist. His most recent CD “Canto America” is currently nominated for a Grammy in the Latin Jazz category. He co-leads one of the only remaining charanga groups in the United States, “Orquesta La Moderna Tradición”, and holds the conga drum chair in the internationally acclaimed and 2011, 2014 and 2015 Grammy nominated “Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet”.
Educator/Independent
Orlando has made numerous recordings and has collaborated with music legends of this generation, including Andy Gonzalez, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Edwin Colón Zayas. Orlando performs exclusively on Yamaha marimbas. He is endorsed by Yamaha, Sabian, ProMark, Croaker Percussion and Latin Percussion. He is on the faculty at University of Delaware and has taught at Northern Illinois University, Morgan State University, and Loyola College (now Loyola University Maryland) Gettysburg College. Many of his students have gone on to develop successful careers as professional musicians and educators.
Carlos Santana
Performing for more than 25 years, Grammy nominee Paoli Mejías has distinguished himself as a master percussionist and is ranked among the best in both salsa and Latin jazz. Paoli is at the vanguard of Latin jazz as leader of his own Quintet with three successful CDs as band leader: "JAZZAMBIA", “Transcend” and “Mi Tambor” which received a Latin Grammy Award nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album. As a bandleader Paoli fuses straight-ahead jazz with African, Mediterranean and Caribbean folkloric rhythms to create a new dimension of Latin jazz that is global, energetic, and modern.
Paoli's resume includes top jazz and salsa artists like Tito Puente, Dave Samuels, Dave Valentín, Paquito d'Rivera, Chick Corea, David Sánchez and Danilo Pérez, Luis Enrique, Marc Anthony, La India, Tito Puente, Seis del Solar, and Eddie Palmieri with whom he toured the largest jazz festivals for more than a decade. Paoli's discography as side-man includes more than 20 commercial recordings, among them Grammy nominated "Acuarela de Tambores" by Alex Acuña, and Grammy Award winner "Masterpiece" by Eddie Palmieri and Tito Puente.
Since 2013 Paoli has had the honor of being part of the legendary Carlos Santana band.
Independent/All 4 One
Born in Brownsville, TX , Paul now resides in Los Angeles where he is active as a performer, studio musician, and composer. He has had the honor of performing, touring, and or recording with many artists including: The Rembrandts, Chaka Khan, Nelly Furtado, All 4 One, Taylor Dane, Sheila E, Coolio, Rick Springfield, Wynonna Judd, Gloria Estefan, Jose Feliciano, Jon Secada, Tone Loc, Brian McKnight, Lonnie Jordan, DJ Kane, Nicho Hinojosa, Ziggy Marley, Shaila Durcal, and Paulina Rubio.
Paul has recorded and appeared on many albums, TV show cues, commercials, films, and live Television performances including: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, "In Performance" at the White House, The Latin Grammys, CD USA, MTV, The US Open, MUN2, Vina Del Mar, Nobel Peace Prize Concert, Hoy, Ritmo Internacional, and Conciertos Clandestinos. In between performances, Paul stays busy composing. His compositions have been featured on Univision, UPN show – 7 Days, CSI, CSI Miami, and the FOX show – Johnny Zero. Paul has three published works with Row-Loff Productions: Bump Thump, Blast Off, and Flying Start. Paul has a B.M. in Music Educationfrom Sam Houston State University, and a B.M. in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music (Summa Cum Laude).
Ricky Martin, Angelique Kidjo, Paquito D'Rivera
Over the course of six years, with a myriad of performances across the globe, several studio projects as a sideman, television appearances, and contributions in Jazz, Pop, Latin, and World music, Two-time Grammy-Award Winning percussionist Paulo Stagnaro has established himself as an innovative voice in today's generation of creative young artists. Hailed by jazz great Ralph Peterson as "a young master percussionist," Stagnaro has been a force on the ever-evolving New York music scene since moving to Brooklyn, NY in 2012. Paulo has toured, performed and/or recorded with NEA Jazz master Paquito D'Rivera, Grammy-Winner Angelique Kidjo, Jazz Legend Dave Liebman, and formed part of the all-star rhythm section for Sting’s 25th Anniversary Rainforest Fundraiser at Carnegie Hall featuring James Taylor, Paul Simon, and Stephen Stills. He has been a part of international superstar Ricky Martin’s touring band since 2014. Stagnaro endorses Latin Percussion Instruments, Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, and Remo Percussion Heads.
Pedrito Martinez Group
Pedro Pablo “Pedrito” Martinez was born in Havana, Cuba. Since settling in New York City, Pedrito has recorded or performed with Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Tedeshi Trucks, Dave Matthews, Sting and many more. He has also contributed to well over 75 albums.
Pedrito was a founding member of Yerba Buena and has recorded two albums with them. He has also released two solo albums as band leader. The first one was nominated for a Grammy in 2013. The second album, Habana Dreams, was recorded in Cuba and featured Ruben Blades, Isaac Delgado, Wynton Marsalis, and Angelique Kidjo.
In 2019, Pedrito recorded a duo album with Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodriguez and Quincy Jones as the Executive Producer. Later that year, Pedrito and Eric Clapton recorded and performed a new arrangement of Clapton’s song, My Father’s Eyes.
Award winning musician Pete Lockett is one of the most versatile and prolific percussionists in the World today. With over 20 CDs under his own name, he’s also worked with Björk, Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, Dido, Jeff Beck, Texas, Nelly Furtado, Primal Scream, Damien Rice, Errol Brown, Rory Gallagher, Simon Phillips, Pet Shop Boys, and many more. He recorded all the ethnic percussion on five 007 films & many other Hollywood hits. He’s lectured Worldwide, including The Royal College London, Shanghai Conservatoire, Berklee School Boston & The Royal Academy in London. He’s published hundreds of technique articles in magazines worldwide, inc MODERN DRUMMER, DRUMMER MAG & UK RHYTHM, as well as magazines in South Africa, Australia, Italy & Poland. His book, ‘Indian rhythms for the drum set’ (Hudson) is the first book of its kind covering Indian rhythms on drum set. Pete has also released a best selling percussion app called DrumJam. He continues to tour the world extensively as a soloist.
Independent Cello Samba Trio Eliane Elias Quartet
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rafael Barata is a self-taught drummer/percussionist, started to playing at the age of 5. Rafael has played and recorded with many impressive artists such as Emilio Santiago, Rosa Passos, Kenny Barron, Edu Lobo, Jaques Morelenbaum, Esperanza Spalding, Milton Nascimento, Toots Thielemans, Eliane Elias and many others. Rafael worked on Eliane’s Grammy award winning album, Made in Brazil.
Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Grammy award-winner and 4-time Grammy-nominee, Raul Pineda, has been named one of today’s best and most innovative Latin drummers in the world. Raul’s unique style of playing ‐‐ a coveted blend of Afro Cuban and contemporary influences applied to the modern drum set ‐‐ have catapulted him to being one of Cuba’s most influential drummers of his generation.
Raul has shared the stage and/or recorded with Chucho Valdes, Sintesis, Baaba Maal, Michel Camilo,Juan Gabriel, Mike Stern, Eric Marienthal, Arturo Sandoval, Bob Mintzer, Kazumi Watanabe, Claudio Roditi, Pablo Milanes, Faramarz Aslani, Tata Guines, Giovanni Hidalgo, Changuito, Miguel Anga Diaz, David Sanchez, Janet Bunnet and the Spirit of Havana, Omar Sosa, Nestor Torres, Laura Pausini, Alvaro Torres, La India, David Bisbal, Prince Royce, Andy Garcia, and the list goes on...
KoRn, KXM
Ray has recorded with & toured the world as a member of the multi platinum selling, Grammy Award winning band KoRn, since 2007. Before that, Ray recorded & toured with David Lee Roth, Army Of Anyone, Billy Sheehan & many others. He has played on over 80 records & has performed thousands of shows. Follow Ray here: Instagram.com/RayLuzierKorn, Twitter.com/RayLuzier1, Facebook.com/RayLuzierOfficial
The Creative Percussion Workshow, Renato Martins Trio
The Brazilian world-class percussionist Renato Martins, from Sao Paulo, is described as an innovator of Brazilian percussion and is considered one of the most internationally respected percussionists in the world. Renato Martins continuously creates new techniques for traditional instruments such as the Udu and the Cajon. He has played beside some big names of the Brazilian popular and instrumental music scenes like Duda Neves, Sergio Sa, Moacyr Luz, Sa & Guarabyra, Tom Da Terra, Paulo Moura, & Andre Geraissati. He created the Boris Gaquere & Renato Martins guitar and percussion duo where they have played worldwide. As a solo percussionist, Renato has participated at the Catalunyan International Percussion festival in Barcelona, Spain, the Batuka! Brasil International Drum Festival, in Brazil, the Taipei International Percussion Convention, in Taiwan, among others and toured the US and Canada as the percussionist for Cirque Du Soleil’s show called OVO from 2009 to 2010.
Sting, Xavier Naidoo
Rhani Krija was born in Essaouira Morocco, in the heart of the Gnawa culture, in 1971. While in his teens, he began listening to traditionel musical styles from North Africa, which formed the foundation for the music he plays today. Well-known for his knowledge of and ability to play authentic Andalusian, Arabic, African and Latin rhythms, Rhani has become a highly sought-after, international percussionist.
Currently living in Germany, Rhani has spent the last couple of years recording some fine percussion samplers for major record Labels and performing around the world
Rhani has been appearing,recording , touring and sharing the stage with : Sting , Dominic Miller, herbie hancock, Al Di Meola , Placido Domingo , Peter Gabriel , WDR Big Band, SWR Big Band , Vince Mendoza , Annie Lennox , Klaus Doldinger, Vince Mendoza, BAP , Xavier Naidoo , sarah Connor , Herbert Grönemeyer ,BAP, EMEL, Hindi Zahra , OUM , Max Mutzke , Martin Grubinger , Royal Symphonie Orchester of London , WDR Orchester
Jason Aldean
Rich Redmond is a top call recording drummer/percussionist based in Nashville and Los Angeles. Rich has toured/recorded/performed with Jason Aldean, Ludacris, Kelly Clarkson, Bryan Adams, Bob Seger, Chris Cornell, Joe Perry, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, and many others. Rich has played drums and percussion on 20 #1 singles with sales well over the 20 million mark. Rich began playing drums at age 8 and eventually played in the prestigious 1:00 Lab Band at The University of North Texas. Rich is 2016’s “Country Drummer of The Year” in Modern Drummer Magazine and was voted “Best Country Drummer” and “Clinician” by both Modern Drummer and Drum! Magazines for several years.
Barry Gibb, Roberto Carlos, Juanes
No one embodies the true spirit of artistic passion the way Venezuelan-born Percussionist Richard Bravo does as evident from his ardent performances and numerous recordings.
Aware that education was the foundation for his future Richard upon graduating from high school enrolled at the distinguished FULL SAIL Academy in Orlando, Florida and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Engineering.
His impeccable and precise musicianship has awarded him a body of work that encompasses over 1000 recordings, 2 Grammy Statues and 34 Grammy Award Achievement Certificates. From recording and appearing on International Superstars like La Ley,Ricky Martin and Juanes MTV “Unplugged” releases, to creating the incredible rhythms of the Multi-Platinum “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Chantaje”by Shakira, and the recent ROBERTO CARLOS “LIVE at ABBEY ROAD” DVD Release by Sony Music.
Richard was especially honored to appear and record the Barry Gibb/Barbara Streisand C/D release which reunited these two musical giants and continues to record and tour with Barry on his first ever “One Man Solo” tour which is entitled” MYTHOLOGY” that just completed a World Tour run to stellar reviews.
Richard also recently completed recording BARRY GIBB’s New Release entitled “IN THE NOW” and will be Touring with BARRY GIBB into 2018.
Independent
Richie Gajate-Garcia has conducted more than 450 clinics and remains one of the most in demand educators and clinicians. He is the author of “Play Cajon Now: The Basics and Beyond and is currently teaching at Musician’s Institute. Garcia has recorded and/or performed with Christopher Cross, Sting and Phil Collins, as well as worked on film scores for Jennifer Lopez' new film "Maid in Manhattan". He has toured with Diana Ross, Don Henley, Patti LaBelle, and Hiroshima. "I constantly look for new sounds," he says, "and I'm not completely partial to any one instrument, which I feel adds color and appeal to my playing". Richie knows that percussion was a natural career choice for him. "I'm Puerto Rican, and percussion instruments are found all throughout our culture." Richie made the decision to play music full time while attending college at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. Richie's main influences were his father (a percussionist with The Xavier Cugat Orchestra), Armando Peraza, Monchito Munoz (timbalero with Tito Rodriguez), Changuito, Candido Camero and Giovanni Hidalgo. Richie collaborated with LP to create the popular Gajate Bracket and the RIchie Gajate-Garcia Signature Series Congas, Bongos and Djembe.
Independent/Studio/Clinician
Grammy Award-winning drummer Robby Ameen has lived in New York City since the early '80s and has established a recording and touring career stretching from Dizzy Gillespie to Paul Simon, while maintaining a more than 20-year relationship with Latin icon Ruben Blades as a member of Los Seis del Solar. Although he is of Lebanese origin, Ameen is best known for the unique and powerful Afro-Cuban jazz style he has developed. Other long-term musical relationships include Dave Valentin, Eddie Palmieri, Jack Bruce, Kip Hanrahan, and Conrad Herwig’s multi-Grammy nominated Latin Side All-stars. As a leader, Ameen wrote, arranged, and produced the album Days in the Life, and most lately, Days in the Night, which Down Beat magazine recently awarded 4 stars. As a co-leader he has recorded three records with the El Negro and Robby Band alongside drummer Horacio "el Negro" Hernandez. In addition he helped found the Latin-jazz power trio Overproof, and also made two latin-jazz records with Seis del Solar.
Independent/Educator
Rubén is percussionist and music educator. His credits include a 2012 Latin Grammy nomination as a timbalero and drummer on the Chuchito Valdés CD “Made In Chicago”, as a percussionist for the Broadway in Chicago and recordings and performances with Chicago favorite Chévere de Chicago, blues legend John Mayall, rock stars Dave Mason and Dennis De Young, jazz masters Ramsey Lewis and Roy Hargrove, and the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin. He teaches Afro-Latin percussion and directs Latin music ensembles at Roosevelt University, Columbia College Chicago, The Chicago High School for the Arts, and mentors Chicago Public School high students for the Jazz Institute of Chicago Jazz mentors residency program. Rubén is a founding member and former Board of Director of the Jazz Education and the Board of Governors of the Chicago Chapter of the Recording Academy, and he has served as Vice President of the Illinois chapter of the Percussive Arts Society. Rubén has endorsed LP for over two decades.
La Academia/Educator/Session
Ruy was born in Cuba and graduated from the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) in Havana in 1982 with a degree in Music and specialty in percussion.
He is a professional drummer and percussion teacher with more than 40 years of experience.
Ruy is the author of the book called “Ritmos de Cuba, Percusión y Batería” (Rhythms of Cuba, Percussion & Drums) His recordings include DVD "Poliscandú", CD "Ritmos de Cuba", CD "Remembrance", CD-DVD "Ruy presents La Academia", CD-DVD "Estado de Ánimo", DVD "La Familia", DVD "Repercusiones", among many others. In 2009 he created the music group "La Academia" in which he directed himself.
Scott Pellegrom Trio
Whether he's dubbed a mad scientist or a magician on drums, one thing is certain: Scott Pellegrom is an adrenalized, world-class percussionist with unmatched passion for his music and unrivaled admiration from his peers.
Saturday Night Live/Independent
Shawn Pelton has been the drummer for the Saturday Night Live band for over 10 years. Known for his great feel, deep soulful pocket and a high level of musicianship across a broad range of styles, Shawn has recorded with artists such as Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Billy Joel, David Byrne, as well as several Grammy winning albums including Shawn Colvin, Ray Charles, Shakira, Brecker Brothers, Les Paul and the Hank Williams tribute album with Bob Dylan. Pelton is also a founding member of the NYC-based band The Cringe.
Sheila E.
A world-class drummer, percussionist, singer, songwriter, entertainer, author, humanitarian, mentor and actress—Sheila E. is an iconic public figure who has been driven by a steadfast inner rhythm since the day she was born. She is not just one of the best female drummers, but one of the best drummers of all time. When Sheila gave her first public performance at the age of 5 with her father, Pete Escovedo, there was no doubt in her mind that she was going to be a percussionist. She is a household name as a singer-songwriter, entertainer, and true celebrity. Her iconic hit, “The Glamorous Life” made the U.S. top 10 and that album combined her Latin, jazz, R&B, pop, and rock influences to create a unique style that paved the way for Sheila’s amazing career that has spanned 5 decades. A musical powerhouse, Sheila has worked with some of the most influential musical acts including Ringo Starr, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Beyoncé, Herbie Hancock, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan, George Duke, and more. She’s recorded 7 solo albums, acted in several films, and pursued philanthropic projects that are near to her heart. These include co-founding the Elevate Hope Foundation and Elevate Oakland.
Shirazette's Sonic Wallpaper Ensemble, The Allan Harris Group , The Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet, Camille Thurman Quartet, Mimi Jones Band, Tia Fuller Quartet
Shirazette Tinnin - Bio Drummer, educator, band leader, clinician, author and health coach, Shirazette Tinnin was born and raised in North Carolina. Her earlier influences gospel musical would eventually expand into jazz, soul, music from many parts of the african diaspora, and rock. A graduate of Appalachian State University, and Shirazette studied with Todd Right, Dr. Rob Falvo, Rick Dilling, and Scott Meister. She studied/mentored by drummers Cindy Blackman, Lewis Nash, Terri Lynne Carrington, Ernie Adams and more. Shirazette received a full scholarship for drum set and jazz pedagogy to attend Northern Illinois University, where she studied with professor Ron Carter. As a recipient of The Sisters in Jazz Collegiate All -Stars for IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators) Award in 2008, she also taught as a professor at Columbia College in Chicago. Currently Shirazette resides in New York City but is frequently on tour with premiere bands such as The Tia Fuller Quartet, the Mimi Jones Band, Nicole Mitchell’s Black Earth Ensemble, Women of the World Ensemble, Gabriel Alegria Afro Peruvian Sextet, Allan Harris Group, Camille Thurman, and many others in addition to leading her own group, “Shirazette and Sonic WallPaper Ensemble”. (formerly known as The Shirazette Experiment). She has two albums of her own works available worldwide. Shirazette was recently the house drummer for The Meredith Vieira Talk Show with her 1st season on NBC in 2015. Shirazette is an active clinician, educator, mentor, composer a certified personal trainer and published author. Two of her articles were published in Modern Drummer Magazine and Tom Tom Magazine. Shirazette is endorsed by Canopus Drums, Vic Firth, LP, and Sabian.
Stanton Moore Trio, Galactic, Dragon Smoke
Born and raised in New Orleans, Stanton Moore is a dedicated drummer and performer especially connected to the city, its culture and collaborative spirit. Driven and inspired by the thriving music scene of his hometown which includes such greats as Professor Longhair, Doctor John and The Meters, Moore’s name is now mentioned amongst these Big Easy mainstays.
In the early ‘90s, Moore helped found the New Orleans-based essential funk band Galactic. Their first album, 1996’s widely acclaimed Coolin’ Off, led to an intense tour schedule of nearly 200 gigs a year for the next ten years. Building on their fan base by adding an esteemed list of all-star collaborations to the six albums that followed, Galactic continues to amass a worldwide audience via recording and touring globally. Moore launched his solo career in 1998 aided by eight-string guitar virtuoso Charlie Hunter and saxophonist Skerik (Les Claypool, John Scofield, and Roger Waters). The group recorded All Kooked Out! featuring a handful of local New Orleans musicians as well.
Jane's Addiction
Born and raised in Los Angeles Bread and spread across the world - janes addiction started and 1986- infectious grooves 1991 - porno for Pyro's 1993 - banyan 1994 - methods of mayhem 1999 - panic channel 2001 - Summermoon is my newest collaboration -five Grammy nominations -MTV award winner -star on the Hollywood blv. walk of fame -hands at the Guitar Center Rockwalk -nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - I like to play drums - have a beautiful wife and a great son and I love dogs -bam bam & Animal were my first influences
Steve Fidyk Parlour Project
Jazz drummer Steve Fidyk has earned national and international acclaim as the drummer and featured soloist with the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble. A long time student of jazz drumming legend Joe Morello, Steve serves on the jazz studies faculty at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and as a consultant for Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington Program. As a columnist, Fidyk contributes regularly to Modern Drummer Magazine, and Teaching Music Magazine.
Roy Ayers, Asiabeat, Gato Barbieri, Harry Belafonte
At the tender age of seven, Steve heard Mongo Santamaria playing Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man". He was so inspired by the legendary drummer that he taught himself to play the congas by listening to the album over and over again. In 1968, Steve formed his first group, THE YOUNG EXPLOSIVES, a 4 piece Latin-jazz ensemble. They performed on local television station Channel 5's "Inside Bedford- Stuyvesant" and appeared in school talent shows and at the Appollo Theatre. In 1969, Steve met Mongo Santamaria at Club Beacon on 111 Street and Lennox Avenue. When he told Mongo how much he admired him, Mongo challenged Steve to play congas with his band. His first professional appearance was with Jon Lucien's 1972 national tour. He played for the Brazilian band of pianist Dom Salvador and percussionist Dom Um Romao and than went on to become the conga player for Harry Belafonte. Never one to set still, Steve has since performed live and made recordings with some of the most well known jazz artist in the world including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Ayers, Grover Washington Jr., McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Sadao Watanabe, Tania Maria and David Sanborn. Steve is now arranging, composing and producing his own blend of music, incorporating and expanding on everything he has learned in his musical sojourn.
Billy Ocean, Fania All-Stars, Roberta Flack, George Benson, Laura Nyro, Barry Miles
Terry Silverlight began his recording career at age 14, playing drums on Barry Miles’s pioneering jazz/fusion album White Heat. Since then, as drummer and percussionist, Terry’s performed worldwide and recorded on gold and platinum albums for artists including The Fania All -Stars, David Matthews’s Super Latin/Jazz, Billy Ocean, Roberta Flack, George Benson, Miguel Cantilo, Jose Jose, Alejandro Lerner, Natalie Merchant, Tom Jones, Laura Nyro, Anne Murray, Mel Torme and many film soundtracks, jingles and TV shows.
Terry has released solo artist albums which he composed and produced the music for, drum instruction books and videos, and has been a featured artist at clinics including The Johnny Pacheco Latin Music and Jazz Festival at Lehman College, PASIC, Sam Ash and Brooklyn College.
Recording Artist, LeAnn Rimes, LA Sessions, Aftermath Entertainment
Trevor Lawrence Jr. was born to Lynda Lawrence (formerly of the Supremes) and Trevor Lawrence Sr. (Writer/Producer/Saxophonist). Both of Trevor’s parents were original members of Stevie Wonder’s Wonderland Band. Trevor’s Grandfather Ira Tucker is certified as one of the Forefathers of Gospel Music. “Trev Beats” a name given to Trevor while shooting a pilot to a T.V. show with Famed Actor Cedric The Entertainer, began playing drums at the young age of two. Following in the footsteps of his parents, Music is all Trevor knows. Trevor has since gone on to work with and produce for some of the biggest names in music such as, Herbie Hancock, Dr. Dre, Leann Rimes, Macy Gray, Stevie Wonder, Boys II Men, Peter Himmelman, Terri Lewis and Jimmy Jam, Stanley Clarke, 7 Aurelius, Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Scott Storch, Terrace Martin, Mike Elizondo, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Hans Zimmer, Anthony Hamilton, Lianne La Havas, Euge Groove, YG, Banks, Charlotte OC, and Daye Jack to name a few.
Major Mambo The Conga And Bongo Drum In Jazz, Jazz Nights
Trevor Salloum is well known internationally as a musician and music educator who specializes in Afro-Cuban and Jazz drumming. He has taught at universities, colleges and schools for over 30 years. He studied music at Notre Dame University, Banff School of Fine Arts and is a graduate of York University. He is a best selling author with international publisher Mel Bay Publications Inc. and has produced numerous books, CDs, DVDs and videos on drumming.
New Century Jazz Quintet Ulysses Owens Jr. & Friends Jazz at Lincoln Center Collective Kurt Elling Quintet Joey Alexander Trio
Ulysses Owens Jr. is an artist “who takes a backseat to no one” – The New York Times – seems to describe his remarkable ascent as one of today’s premier drummers, or perhaps, his evolution as a drummer, producer educator, and entrepreneur. Owens has established himself as a leader in his generation of jazz artists, admired for his sensitive, fiery and complex playing, vivid display of textural nuance, and a gift for propelling a band with charisma and integrity. Both humble in person and imposing behind a kit, he is a graduate of the inaugural Jazz Studies Program at The Juilliard School, and a two-time Grammy® Award winner. Ulysses received his first Grammy® in 2010 for his performance on Kurt Elling's "Dedicated To You", and his second Grammy® for the Christian McBride Big Band album "The Good Feeling." In addition to the two Grammy® Awards, he has also received four Grammy® nominations for his work with Christian McBride Trio and Joey Alexander. He has also been honored with a 2015 Jazz At Lincoln Center Swing Award, 2014 Global Music Award, 2013 and 2014 ASCAP Plus Awards. He was also designated a 2014, and 2016 Downbeat Magazine, “ Rising Drum Star”. He is also Artistic Director of his family’s non-profit organization, “Don’t Miss A Beat”, and has recently joined the Faculty at The Juilliard School as part of their Jazz Studies Department. He continues touring extensively and remains in demand for new projects.
Steve Morse, Enrique Iglesias, Nena
Van’s career has been all about diversity. From tracking the eclectic music of Steve Morse and Bernie Worrell to laying down grooves for today’s biggest stars Van has kept himself busy with a mixture of touring, recording and live performances with Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Ciara, Nicole Scherzinger, Ludacris, Naughty By Nature, Steve Vai, Vinnie Moore, Juan luis Guerra, Nena, Billy Joel, Joan Osborne, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Kansas, the The Dixie Dregs, Deep Purple, the London Symphony Orchestra, Jaco Pastorius and many more.
Bronx Conexión Latin Jazz Big Band, Lehman College
Victor Rendón is a performer, educator, author, and veteran of the New York City Latin music scene. He has worked as a sideman with Mongo Santamaria, Chico O’Farrill, Carlos "Patato" Valdés, Ray Santos Orchestra, Latin Jazz Coalition, The "New" Xavier Cugat Orchestra, Grupo Latin Vibe, Los Mas Valientes, Wilson “Chembo” Corniel, and many others. Rendón has had a lengthy career teaching instrumental music and Latin percussion in the New York City. Presently, Rendón is an adjunct lecturer at Lehman College in the Bronx where he directs the Lehman Latin-Jazz Ensemble, gives privates lessons, and also directs the Lehman World Percussion Ensemble. Victor also leads the Bronx Conexión Latin Jazz Big Band
currently with Chicago since 2012 www.chicagotheband.com past-Santana,Steve Winwood,Robbie Robertson, Joe Sample,Lindsey Buckingham,David Lindley, Jackson Browne, Sergio Mendes t
Born in Cuba, raised in Puerto Rico, and culminating his musical style in the U.S., Wally (Walfredo Jr.) learned the traditions from the master, his father Walfredo Sr. He married those principles with his love of the drum set, coming up with his own truly global rhythmic style. Simply put, Wally is able to sound like a drummer and a percussionist at the same time. Add blistering chops and a penchant for playing unusual patterns to the mix, and you have only a small idea of what this man can do. Not surprisingly, this “one man percussion show” has gathered an impressive list of gigs over the years, including touring and / or recording with: Carlos Santana, Traffic, Steve Winwood, Jackson Browne, Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, David Lindley, Ricki Lee Jones, Richard Marx, Sergio Mendes, Smokey Robinson, Robbie Robertson, Joe Sample, Boz Scaggs, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Johnny Hallyday, Khaled, Lindsey Buckingham, Chicago and many others.
Because of his versatility, Walfredo is one of the most in demand musicians in the world today. He currently lives in the Los Angeles area where he continues to expand his talents to recording, producing, composing, education, live performance, and touring. Walfredo is currently touring with the world renown Classic Rock band, Chicago, playing percussion. For more tour info visit: http://www.chicagotheband.com/tour
Chembo Corniel Quintet, Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band, Lainie Kazan
GRAMMY NOMINATED Percussionist Wilson “Chembo” Corniel, Jr. studied music at The Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts in New York City, Pastore Music in New Jersey, and also attended La Escuela National de Arte (ENA) in Havana, Cuba in 1997 and 1999 under the direction of Chucho Valdez. Chembo is a member of the faculty at Purchase College and also teaches percussion privately. Chembo had the pleasure of working/touring and or recording with many artists such as Chucho Valdes, Larry Harlow, Tito Puente, Machito, Celia Cruz, Grady Tate, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Hilton Ruiz, Dave Valentin, Willie Colon, Angela Bofill, Steve Wilson, Ray Vega, Buddy Montogmery, Bob Baldwin, Chico Freeman and many more. Chembo now leads his own Latin Jazz quintet since October 2001 and also started his record company “Chemboro Records, Inc.” in 2004. Chembo Corniel has landed a nomination from the 52nd NARAS GRAMMY AWARDS for the cd “Things I Wanted To Do” for "BEST LATIN JAZZ ALBUM" 2010. His fifth and latest 2016 cd “Land Of The Descendants” with invited guests Kat Gang (vocals) and James Zollar (trumpet) on this cd are getting great reviews around the world.
Lenny Kravitz Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Bobby Brown The New Edition Jody Watley Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire Vanessa Paradis
Zoro, one of the world’s most renowned drummers has toured and recorded with Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, The New Edition, Jody Watley, Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vanessa Paradis, Sean Lennon, Lisa Marie Presley, and many others. Throughout his career, he has consistently been voted “#1 R&B Drummer and Clinician” by premier publications such as Modern Drummer, Drum!, and Rhythm Magazine. Modern Drummer magazine asserts, “Zoro wrote the book on dynamics, touch, control, and groove.” Often called the “Minister of Groove,” Zoro authored the #1 award winning and best-selling book and DVD series, The Commandments of R&B Drumming. As author of the critically acclaimed and highly successful books, The Big Gig: Big-Picture Thinking for Success and Soar! 9 Proven Keys for Unlocking Your Limitless Potential, Zoro has equipped countless people with the tools needed to excel and succeed.
As an inspirational speaker Zoro connects with all generations because he’s real, relevant, and relatable. People are drawn to his engagingly winsome spirit, sense of humor, and unmistakably hip style. The indelible mark he makes with his music, words, and life continues to have a profound impact on those who come across his path.
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