To date I am very fortunate & blessed to be involved with about seven projects:

Currently I am very proud to be the Conguero/Bongocero & Vocalist with a great San Francisco/Bay Area based Afro-Latin Groove Ensemble called:
SAFARI (www.latinsafari.com) Is lead by Victor Nolasco on timbales.
Safari is a hot! Afro-Cuban Latin Groove (10 piece) Concert/Dance Ensemble. Their CD entitled “Safari” Taboo Records released 2003. Is available on Safari's website. Safari's style of music is comprised of Salsa, Latin Jazz, Latin Rock and spicy Original compositions. I have been with Safari for over six years. They’re an excellent group of musicians to work with both on stage and in the studio. In Ft.Myers, Florida October 21,2000. Safari was invited to perform For The Latin Jazz Festival II. And was honored to of opened up for salsa legends: Celia Cruz, Arturo Sandoval, Dave Valintine, Tito Puente Jr. and Ed Calle. We have also performed at The Cool Jazz Festival in Maui, Hawaii in May of 1999. I’ve also have recorded on two of our Safari musicians CD projects by:
Ruben Salcido (www.rubensalcido.com) CD entitled “Sal Si Puedes” Released 2003.

The Jeff Eaton (www.jeffeatonmusic.com) CD entitled “Romanticas” Released 2004.
And also with his band called 'La Playa'.

Another exciting band I’m performing with is called:
Puro BANDIDO Band (www.purobandido.com) with their S.F. Mission District style of Border Rock. It’s a firery, hard hitting, latin rock band lead by Richard Segovia on Timbales & Vocals (aka,The Mayor of the Mission). These local seasoned pro musicians truly enjoying cooking up some hot original Mission Dist. Music. I have a very long and very exciting history with Bandido. They have opened for acts such as:
Carlos Santana, Jorge Santana, Tower of Power, Linda Rondstat, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmerie, Mongo Santamaria, Pancho Sanchez, Los Lobos, Tierra, Malo, Sheila E, Pete Escovedo, El Chicano, Dr.Loco, Flaco Jimenez, Cold Blood, Viva Brazil and also now famous Comidians: Whoopie Goldberg & Paul Rodgriquez. We have a new CD coming out this year with Jorge Santana called "Casa Bandido".

Stars Giving Back For The Future. Teaching children music and 8 steps for prevention of child abuction and safety from the Polly Klas foundation. We Have and currently are performing for them in their Elementry and Junior High schools through out the SF Bay Area. We have performed at 26 schools so far and have recieved a Certificate of Honor from The City and County of San Francisco October 29, 2004

ORIENTE (www.orientemusic.com) Our music is beautiful. It's flavors of Afro-Cuban styles will export you back to the Caribbean.

The FRANCO BROTHER'S ORQUESTRA ACTUALIDAD (www.francobrothers.com)
Lead by Carlitos & Bizmark Franco whom are icons is Salsa, Latin Jazz, etc. in the SF Bay Area for decades. I have also performed with their excellant Latin Jazz Group.

I also play with a Flamenco-Jazz band with a Persian flavor called:
FAZZ (www.SF-Fazz.com) The leader of Fazz is Farzad Arjmand his rich and warm accoustic guitar playing is captivating and often takes you to another place. Fazz's music is similar to the Gypsy Kings/ Gypsy Tribe style of music. Blending Persian melodies mixed with creative latin rhythms. This quartet primarily performs in fine super clubs, S.F. cafés, and festivals through out Northern California since 1997 to present. Fazz has accompanied such Cool Jazz greats as: Craig Chequiso and Mark Antwon.

ABEL & The Prophets Lead by Abel Sanchez (abesanch48@aol.com), Singer and Guitarist, I have been performing with Able for over 20 years playing solid R&B, Pop and Latin Rock in his dance band. I’m still on call with them and play with them to date. Recorded on current CD entitled "Frisco Project" released 2004.
Jorge Santana is also featured on this CD.

Previous Musical Experiences

Anna Maria Flechero (www.annamariaflechero.com) Vocalist Ana has a sausy, jazzy, and Buesy that comes straight from her soul. Her 2004 realease CD entitled "Journey Into The Fourteenth Hour" was a throughly enjoyable Recording Session that I was proud to be a part of.

POMELO (www.Pomelo.info) Sizziling Flamenco Latin Jazz. They have a 2004 released CD entitled "Are We There Yet?".

SAPO This band is lead by Richard Bean. Former Lead Singer of the band 'MALO'. He made famous the song “Suavecito”. His band continues to sound great to this day. Fiery Latin Rock and Latin R & B. Currently performing the the SF Bay Area & San Jose.

PROFUNDO (www.salsaprofundo.com) Lead by Sara Wild - Tromebone. Originally from NY.,NY. Great Salsa material. They have an East Coast Salsa feel with West Coast musicians.

I’m excited to be with another new R&B, Funk and Pop group called:
GLOBAL VISION This group is lead by Producer, Keyboardist, Jeffrey Chin (www.jeffreychin.com). Their music is very hip! Great tunes and fat grooves that are funky to cool jazz in style; combined with an excellent singer(s). It’s music you can dance your cares away too!

Two other projects that I’m proud to be a part of are:
The FRED ROSS Project (www.fredross.com)
Fred Ross is a great Singer. His smooth saucy and very soulful voice is pure joy to listen too! Fred often performs at the “Top of the Mark” and Harry Denton’s “Star Light Room” in SF. Very much a premiere class act.

The SPECTRUM Band (www.mp3.com/grgandspectrum-blueskies707) Lead bye Writer/Arranger/ Musician Ray Gardner. Spectrum is a wonderful special blend of Afro-Latin Jazz and R&B. They had fourteen pieces and featured four excellent singers up front with a very seasoned group of musicians backing them up. I also recorded on Spectrum's CD project entitled "TSB" The Dream released 2004.
On Sept.2, 2002 Spectrum opened for Con Funk Shun, LTD & The Spinners at the Oakland Art & Soul Festival.

The LOUIE MOON Project (www.sitesound.net)
Sea Cliff Productions. Louie Moon is a very talented Writer, Singer and Guitarist. Please use his link for more detailed info.

BILL GREENE – Producer (www.greenehousemusic.com)
Bill Greene is the best and most professional Producer I have ever had the honor of working for during my musical career. He has taught me so much. I first meet Bill at an audition for conga players at the ex-CBS Studios (SF) for a Taj Mahal’s Album (A Columbia Record project called “Satisfied and Tickled Too”). He was an pro independent producer set out here from Philadelphia,PA. This production company was called Warfside Productions. It was located at Fisherman’s Warf across from where the Cable Cars turned around. Bill also collaborate with other peer producer friends; Dexter Wansel (Writer,Pianist) and Theodore Life (who went on to produce Evelynn Champagne King’s first album), Lady Bianca, Johnny Baker, Mothers Children (four fantastic studio and live Vocalist).
Bill has a way of pulling the very best out of you. He is recently released and producing his own solo project. Entitled " It's All Depends On You. 2002 Major Music Records. His writing & music are simply great and definitely a must hear.

I have been a LATIN PERCUSSION INC." Endorsee" in June 16,1988.

DRUMS OF PREY Leader is Michael Carabello. A Original Founding Member of Santana and the Rock Hall of Fame. Created a premiere group of percussionist who produce powerful rhythmic drum suites that captivated and electrified all audiences. It has been an honor to also perform with and for Michael 'Narada' Walden - Famed International Producer, Writer, Composer, Arranger, and Drummer extraordinaire. July 1998–2000

Escola Nova De Samba was a Afro-Brazilian Performance Company.
I played Surdo which is like a Marching Bass Drum. I was honored to be one of it’s Core Members. Lead by Chalo Edwardo & Josephine Morada at that time. Performances for or with: Willie Brown, Carlos Santana Band(2x), 1996 SF New Year Celebration, Jerry Garcia, Mickey Hart and the Grateful Dead Band, The Dramatics, SF. Carnavals, West Coast Festivals and Corporate Events.
June 1994 to January 1996

Pete Escovedo (Pops) Performed a Brazilian Bactucada (percussive rhythms) for the climatic ending of the song entitled “Island”
It’s always an honor to play with Pops and his great Cream of the Crop musician. Long time East Bay Music Icon now residing in Los Angeles; will always be one of my personal favorite musical icon too! 1994

The Zildjian Day Drum Seminar I was privileged to be the Special Guest percussionist of TROY LUCCETTA - Drummer of the great rock band TESLA during this Drum Seminar. Troy also gave me Honorable Mention in Modern Drummer Magazine. September 9, 1989 Issue.

INDIGO SWING A great Jump Swing band performing Jump Jive music from Louie Prima style of 40’s music. And always looked very sharp wearing Vintage clothing. Performed locally and in Los Angeles at The Derby, The Viper Room and The Rosevelt Super club. In SF at The Harry Denton's 'Star Light Rooom' a top the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, Club Delux, ect.

Tito Garcia Y Su Orquestra International This is a excellent Salsa band that performs all over California. Tito incorporated the Afro-Cuban Drums called BATA (the three hour shaped drums used in the Afro Cuban religious ceremonies of Sateria) In the in the beginning of a tune called “Ran Kan Kan” by Tito Puente.

RAMACUE A Classic Old School Music big band playing R&B, Latin Pop Oldies. We once opened for The Dramatics and The Stylistics.

MYSIQUE This band was based out of San Jose Area. They played a style that included Tex-Mex, Ranchera, Latin Rock and some Latin Oldies.

The 17th Bay Area Music Awards Performed at the Bill Graham Civic Center of San Francisco with the Archie Bell Dancers. 1994

The Thomas & Donovan Band A very class act, we played classic R&B, Pop, Ballads and some Cabaret music. I was with them for about 10 years. Featured Singer/keyboardist Gil Thomas & Dennis Donovan Singer/Guitarist.

Ken Graven Project A very talented Writer, Musician that I’ve enjoyed working with on his CD project entitled “Never Look Back” Released 1999

Back Street Band A fun Top forty band in the South Bay area. I'm on their CD Project too. 1998

Carolee & Night Shift She is a very talented and versitle Singer. We played a variety of styles of dance music. We performed Corporate and Private events in the S.F. South Bay Area. 1997 to 2000

Jana Hertzen Excellent Singer and Guitarist who’s wonderful music takes you on a journey from Africa to Bali. Beautiful Storied Songs!
It was my pleasure to play with Jana. @ 1994 to 1996

Cool Breeze Lead by Pete Poggi a New Orleans Native Singer & Guitarist. He incorporated styles of Second-Line, High Life, Cajun and Funky Rhythms. A very creative musician and a fun band to play with.

Richie Havens I performed once with Richie Havens famous Folk Singer icon at The Old Boarding House here in SF. around the early 80’s. The song was called "Freedom".

Amanda Hughes Excellent Cabaret Singer. Absolutely captivating Singer! I Performed with her for about five years here in SF.

Marlene’s Brazilian Dance Troupe Performed Brazilian Bactucadas at Public and Corporate events the San Francisco Bay Area. 1993

Guitar Center’s Amateur Drum-O-Thon I was a Drum Judge in San Francisco and Oakland. I also sold drums for them for over a year. And for Drum World in SF as well.

Rosa Montoya’s Bailes Flamenco Performed as her Percussionist and also occasionally would Emcee in various concert series. 1990

159th Army Band / National Guard Played all mallets on down.
Concert Band, Big Band, Marching Band, Stage Band, Combo Band drumming and latin percussion duties for three years. 1990-1993

David Hardiman’s Big Band of City College of San Francisco.
I usually played Latin Percussion and occasionally the Drum Set.
Performed at special concerts featuring John Handy, Joe Henderson, Knowel Jewkes and Bruce Foreman. Also Drummed for many of the Afro-Haitian Dance Classes.

Comparsa Arco Iris For two years I was the Leader and Lead Snare Drummer of this wonderful Afro-Cuban Dance Troupe. On the day of the SF. 1982 Carnaval we won third place out of many dance contingents with a total of Seventy Two members. 1980-1982

The Coke Escovedo Band What a fantastic band this was. One of the most professional bands I’ve ever played with. Great pro musicians performing originals that Combined Hot Latin Grooves, Funk, and Latin Soul. I performed for him for over a year before his passing. Performed for The Bammies one year.

The Percussion All Stars A Sizzling Latin Percussion Drum Ensemble. Powerful Latin Drum Suites and Rhythms performed to open up concerts, shows and musical acts between breaks. Often used to support the climatic ending of a song. We also could played Samba, Comparsa rhythms and have Dancers available. We have performed shows through out the SF. Bay Area. We also teach the audience(s) about the Latin Rhythms as we played them during our shows. @ 1974

Breeze A Twelve member Concert band featuring four soulful singers up front with very good musicians backing them up. It was like two bands in one. Breeze could section off and could play a variety of styles of dance music. @ 1976

Taste Was a classy Cabaret ensemble I put together around a wonderful female Vocalist called “Porchia”. She was like an Evelynn ‘Champagne’ King in style and voicing. Classic R&B, Soul and Ballads. I lead and manage the band till she moved back East. A very class act.

Mr. Music Lead By Tony Lafrano (Keyboardist, Singer) This war a very hot Band that really got down on the Funk, R&B and Top 40 dance music in many club all threw the SF. Bay Area.

Forecast Lead by James Canales, Guitarist & Singer. Our style was early Cool Jazz with a Latin Jazz influence. Played in many jazz clubs in SF.@ 1977

Spectrum Lead by Ray Gardner, Writer, Composer, Arranger, Singer, Keys and Percussionist. This band played original material that had a special blending of Funky, Soulful, R&B and Afro-Latin styles that uniquely reflected the music of SF. at that time. They opened up for Earth Wind and Fire in SF. and Sacramento,CA.
I was with them from: July 1972 to late 1975. This was the first band I was in after the service.

U. S. Navy During my four and a half years of military duty. I performed in two ships bands and played in many clubs all through the Orient. February 7, 1968 to July 7, 1972. Honorably Discharged.

Carlos Santana & Mike Carebello I knew Mike from my neighborhood in the Mission Dist and Aquatic Park located between Fisherman’s Warf and Muni Pier.( It was once a place where conga players would jam from Noon until Sundown) Mike would invite me to jam and hang out at Danny Haro’s (ex-drummer) house around the corner from my house(Potrero Ave & 20th. St.) This was around: 1975 through 1974.

Guadalupe Native Sons of the Golden West Mixed Drum Corp
As a young teenager I played Marching Tenor and Snare Drums. We Competed and marched in many city and county parades all through California. We once won Second Place in Mixed Marching Band Div. at The California State Finals.
1964 to 1966.

The San Francisco Boy’s Club Marching Band
I played Baritone, but I real tired of carrying that (at the time) very heavy instrument and after my first parade up Market St. I took it back and quite the band. 1957

As a child I remember my Dad would often come home late a night with musician friend(s) and make me play my small green conga drum with them. I was born to play. I was one of those babies who could always be found pulling out the pots from under the sink and happily playing my heart out. And today I still do; and will until the day I can not. Con“Ritmos De Corazon”!, Rafael Ramirez

 

 

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