An individual willing to aspire in his craft to contribute to the good sound of your music and be part of something to tell a story.
Influences
Angá, Irakere, Afro-Cuba de Matanzas, Los Papines, Los Muñequitos, Luis "Mr" Andino, Giovanni Hidalgo, Patato, Mongo, John Santos, Rumba Club, Afro-Cuban All-Stars, Santana, Dave Valentin (said "**** the audience if they don't like you"—when it my first time gigging at a particular venue and I was nervous), Chembo Corniel, Miles, Coltrane, Mingus, Stevie Wonder, my wife and my son Jazz and too many other artists and positive people who aid with their vibrant energy.
Born and educated in the United States from South American culture, Chris favored various music from R&B, Funk, Hip-Hop, Son, Cumbia, Latin Jazz and other Latin folk music. He expressed how music permeated through his brain by always finding an object to play a beat or rhythm. During the original hip-hop movement of the 80's, he was inspired to DJ and later experiment with sampling to co-produce his first recording with 2-In-A-Room on BIG LIFE Records. Music became his prime motivation in his arts.
During his college years, he registered for a jazz class which later resulted in an enthusiastic and extreme interest in Latin Jazz music. While continuing his education in college he enrolled himself at the Harbor Conservatory of the Performing Arts learning Afro-Cuban rhythms playing congas. Under the mentorship of Cuban born percussionist, Luis "Mr." Andino, Chris was able to have an incredible conditioning of extensive history and origin of the various afro-cuban rhythms inspiring him to play various percussion instruments. Chris continued studying advanced rhythms with Andino one-on-one. For the next five years Chris studied the music from many Afro-Cuban groups like Afro-Cuba de Matanzas, Irakere, Los Van-Van, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, Los Papines, Tito Puente and learned how to apply his percussive skills to a various genre of music.
Through his musical journey in percussion he explored Afro-Haitian, Brazilian and West African drumming.
Chris has contributed to a series of various bands from R&B, Funk, Latin Jazz and others. He helped re-launch the Spanish Harlem based band, San Juan Hill in 2006 and was a core member and lead percussionist. Currently he is the lead percussionist for Indie Bossa Alternative artist, Fiama. He is participating in the Latin Jazz Workshop Society of the United Nations with fellow musicians playing Latin Jazz and Salsa. He also performances with NY-based DJ's on percussion during the live sets. Chris continues to study more of the folkloric roots of the music and plays with other percussionists and musicians to one day form a group of his own.
YES! You're right! Everytime I get into these kinds of discussions it just makes me want to dig out my history books and biographies and freshen up my memory.
Namaste Christian, Thanks for your positive response and good vibes. I miss NY and the music scene there and hope that 2009 will see us return to the big apple. Wishing you the very best for 2009. May music and the rhythms of life continue to feed your soul. Peace... Bluey
hola loco, que tal! hows my favorite brooklyn family? trust all is well by u, just dropping a lil' love and my latest, obama song. :) hope u like! blessings!
Hello Christian. Your music is TRULY amazing!!! Continue to stay inspired and keep sharing GOOD music!!! Thank you so much for your kind words; it really means a lot to me. Take care of yourself. God bless you.
Electrifying the Latin dance club scene in New York City with music you won't hear anywhere else. Join us at Habibi Lounge for Noche Cubana every Thursday night from 9:30pm to 3am for the only weekly contemporary and classic Cuban dance music party in town.This Thursday we will be celebrating Ms. Vilma Fernandez, birthday & Sophia and Hector First Year Anniversary of Love ...
big up king, mo' fire| how's my peoples? getting ready fi a few shows this side, den gwan back 2 S.A. start saving 4 the 2010 soccer world cup brav' :) serious. much love ya'll. miss yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa xxx