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Biography & Story
What’s your musical background? How did you get started, and what influences you? Are there any specific personal stories or experiences related to your music that you want to share?
I was born and raised in Havana, Cuba—an environment that, in many ways, was the perfect setting for a musician to grow, learn, and find inspiration.
My connection to music began as far back as I can remember. My mother often tells stories of how, instead of playing with cars or building blocks, I was drawn to anything that could make sound or rhythm. If it was an instrument, that’s where my attention went. Wherever music was playing, I was there, listening closely, analyzing the melodies and rhythms. It didn’t matter what genre it was; music called to me, captivated me, and pulled me into its world.
Recognizing this passion, my parents enrolled me in piano lessons at the age of six. Music quickly became my center, my world, my universe. By the age of eight, I had attempted my first transcription: “La Sandunguera” by Los Van Van, one of Cuba’s most iconic bands. The song’s energy was so irresistible that I felt compelled to break it down. Instrument by instrument, I transcribed the entire piece in my own way. For the first time, I could see what I had been hearing—and the experience lit a fire in me. That was the moment I knew music was not just a hobby; it was my calling.
At nine years old, I was accepted into Havana’s Escuela Elemental de Artes, where I continued to develop my piano studies. Two years later, I entered La Escuela Nacional de Artes (La ENA) and transitioned to classical bass. During those years, I became a member of the Juvenile Symphonic Orchestra of Cuba, which gave me a strong foundation in classical music and orchestral performance.
Even while immersed in classical studies, I kept exploring on my own—gathering friends at school to form small groups and play the songs I transcribed. Transcription, analysis, and interpretation became my way of deepening my relationship with music, a process I carried with me throughout my education and into my career.
Key Career Highlights
What are your most significant achievements? Think about awards, notable performances, albums you’ve released, or collaborations you’re proud of.
Elio Reve y Su Charangon (1999-2003)
Sonora Matancera (2004-2005)
The Latin All Stars (2005-2016)
Afrocuban All Stars (2014-2019)
Josimar y su Yambu ( 2022 -Present)
Freelance performances as a bassist.
-Tito Nieves
-Jose Alberto el Canario
-Havana de Primera
-Frankie Negron
-Ray De La Paz
-Jimmy Bosh
-Manolin El Medico de la Salsa
-Pupy Santiago
-Los Adolescentes
-Pedro Brull
-Javier Vasquez
-Ray Ruiz
-Frankie Vasquez
-Hernán Olivera
-Ray Sepulveda
-Alvaro Torres
-Roberto Lugo
-Pedro Arroyo
-Moncho Rivera
-Luisito Carrión
-Tito Puente Jr.
-Luis Figueroa
-Mauro Mosquera
Discography
What are the names of your albums and EPs? For each one, what’s the year of release and is there a brief description of the style or inspiration?
Albums
Orquesta Reve ( Cuba )
1999 CD Changui a Casa de Nora, Tumi Music
2002 CD Changui Homenaje 45 Años, Tumi Music
2003 CD Se sigue Comentando, BiS Music
Bassist, arrangements and musical producer.
Salsa Blanca different albums and tracks
2002 Cuban Master Series-The Cuban Bass Master Class – Salsablanca
The Latin All Stars ( USA)
2009 Traigo de Todo
Musical Producer, musical director and Bassist.
Josimar y su Yambu ( Peru & EEUU)
2023 Live Session # 7
Musical direction, arrangements & Bassist.
Musical Style & Philosophy
How would you describe your sound? What do you want people to feel when they listen to your music? Do you have a specific musical philosophy or approach to your work?
My sound is fundamentally described as tropical, Afro-Cuban, and African-American.
Audiences perceive a fusion of genres in my performance and arrangement, rooted in a deeply Afro-Cuban tradition with many influences from classical and American music such as jazz and contemporary music.
My musical philosophy is based on an open approach to experiencing sounds and how they interact through my arrangements and compositions, exploring different styles.
