San Francisco Latin Band

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio into a family of professional musicians it is no surprise that this San Francisco Latin Band leader found himself drawn to the origin of all music: Rhythm. His father is a woodwinds specialist and his mother a vocalist and pianist. The house was filled with the sounds of his father’s constant practicing and his mother’s piano and voice students. After nearly being put up for adoption due to his constant banging on inanimate objects, his parents decided to embrace their obstreperous sons undeniable talent by purchasing him a drum set and themselves earplugs.

San Francisco Latin Band credits

While living in the Midwest, this San Francisco Latin Band diverse range of styles led him to performances with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Little Anthony and the Imperials, as well as Tony Award winner and Broadway star, Faith Prince. He has also shared the stage with such artists as Leroy "Sugar" Bonner from The Ohio Players, blues greats Sam Myers and Lonnie Mack and television and movie star, Woody Harrelson.

This San Francisco Latin Band leader growing interest in Latin music and culture brought him to the San Francisco Bay Area in early 1999. He quickly began working with numerous local Salsa, Afro-Cuban, Latin funk, Latin jazz, and Tex-Mex groups. In 2000, he was asked to join the band of San Francisco Bay Area Icon, Dr Loco (Dr Jose Cuellar). He continues to perform with him in both The Rockin' Jalapeno Band and Los Tiburones Del Norte. Through working with Dr. Loco, this San Francisco Latin Band leader was asked to record the original music soundtrack for the critically acclaimed Robert M. Young film, Alambrista: Directors Cut, along with Grammy nominated producer and musician, Greg Landau. He also performed with "The Father of Chicano Music" and National Medal of Arts recipient, Lalo Guerrero, prior to his passing.

San Francisco Latin Band collaborations

While continuing to reside in the Bay Area, this San Francisco Latin Band leader has performed with notable San Francisco musicians such as multi instrumentalist John Calloway (John Santos, Wayne Wallace, Omar Sosa) guitarist Ray Obiedo, Grammy Award Winning Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Independent Music Award winning artist and Ivory Coast native Fely Tchaco, reggae singer Black Nature (Sierra Leone Refugee Allstars) percussionist band leader Danilo Paiz (Ruben Blades). He has also performed with East Coast Bachata artists Bautista and Frankely on their West Coast performances.

In addition to his performance schedule, this San Francisco Latin Band leader maintains a private practice in drum set and percussion instruction. He also conducts clinics and lectures on the history and culture of the drumset and percussion in Afro-Cuban music. His lesson "Clave in Odd Meters" was featured as a Master Class article in the November 2014 issue of Downbeat Magazine. He was a contributing writer to DRUM! Magazine which included his monthly Afro-Caribbean Practice Pad column as well as creating corresponding videos for their online presence.

In 2007, after spending his career as a sideman, learning and honing his craft, he stepped into the role as bandleader. The San Francisco Bay Area was introduced to The Afro-Cuban Jazz Cartel. Featuring Grammy Award Winning musicians as well as esteemed Music Educators, the group continues the rich heritage of San Francisco Bay Area Latin jazz. Incorporating the rich harmonic and improvisational elements of jazz with the irresistible rhythms from the Caribbean to form "the perfect combination". This San Francisco Latin Band has become one of the top Latin jazz groups in the Bay Area. With the release of their debut CD, Drummer's Speak, their 2013 recording, San Francisco, and their 2016 release This Could Be That, they have made a name for themselves performing regularly in the Bay Area and touring in the Midwest.

In 2019 the leader of this San Francisco Latin Band formed a Trio, featuring original compositions and arrangements by pianist Christian and bassist Aaron. The Latin jazz trio released their debut album Mayan Suite in May 2020.

In the 2015 Downbeat Magazine 80th Annual Reader's Poll, the leader of this San Francisco Latin Band was voted into the top 20 in the Drummers category. He is an official Bosphorus Cymbals Artist and a Canopus Drum Company Endorser.

Whether as a bandleader or as a sideman, the leader of this San Francisco Latin Band continues to perform at a high level, always welcoming new opportunities for expression and creativity while maintaining the protocol of a professional artist.