When I was eight years old, my cousin Raymond Valderrama introduced me to a beautuful pair of congas. The year was 1980, and at that time he was playing congas for the group "Taboo" that was from San Jose. As time passed into my teens I was always soaking up any music that had percussion in it (primarily Santana). Then when I was 15 I knew I wanted to play. From childhood I had always dreamed about playing the congas, but from my mid-teens to about the time I was about 23, I never studied. Then in my early twenties an opportunity came with a local group here in San Jose back in 1995. After an attempt to dive into the music scene I felt like I was on top of the world, then it all came crashing down. This was becuase I was told I needed to learn how to play and was let go. It hurt, however, I must say that was a good day because had that never happened, I never would have met my first teacher from San Jose, "Louie Carranza." It was Louie who introduced me to Cuban music and I've been hooked on it ever since.
As a result from that exposure to Cuban music in 1995, five years later in 2000 I traveled to Cuba to learn the Popular and Rumba rhythms. From that trip I brought back a ton of information and videos that I still learn from today. Since discovering Youtube I've decided so share as much as I can. Also on Youtube I give some basic ideas for developing tones and rhythms on the congas. Check out my Youtube homepage (link below) to find more of what I'm really about musically and as a teacher.
Over the years I've played in many of the local bands here in San Jose and the Bay Area. After moving on to study other percussion, I now also play Timbales and Bongos, and since completing music theory in 2007 at San Jose College, I've begun to learn how to play the Bass. My goal is to learn the up-right Baby Bass. I also want to mention that I'm hispanic, and that I was born and raised in San Jose, Ca. Finally, I do like all kinds of music, but because I'm a percussionist, I'm more influenced by Cuban music because if its richness and swing. Below you'll find links of the artists who I've studied with.
Rudy and Rey back on skates like back in the day? Now this I have to see.......not a place with good memories, but something i'd definately have to see. I know you two will be hella soar the next day. LOL
I had a dream about you and mom's all night last night, so I thought i'd check in with you to see how you are doing....show you some love and hope that the two of you are well. How is she doing? What have you been up to? How'd life treating you these days?
B.T.W. you KNOW I didn't forget your Birthday right!!! It's just been a long time since i've been on mySpace. So, happy Very Belated.
You're gonna have to start posting places that you will be playing so that I can check you out when i'm down in the area or if you come to our area.
I didnt fall did really good... The first time I went I got rentals and I fell all over the floor...My Ass was Black and Blue...But i got my skates and its all good now.. I try to go on Sunday nights its adult night at San Jose Skate on Blossom Hill....You should try it see if you still got it...LOL...Well take care Bro....
Goodmorning Rudy , My dogs are in door dogs , we go on 3 walks a day ! Thank God I work from home ! lol ! Whose dogs are on your page ? I'm breeding again in Nov. if my Mama takes will have puppies in Oct ready for new homes by XMas !!
Tomorrow night I'm going to go see the Jazz On The Latin Side with Jose Rizo! On congas is Joey De Leon, timbales Jimmy Branly, Alfred Ortiz bongo and Marvin "Smitty" Smith on drumset. You need to come down for some great music. Although the Bay Area is smikon with great latino music too. Take care and God bless.
Rudy my bro I hope you're having a great day. Thank you for putting up those vids on youtube. They are incredibly inspiring. Let me know if you're ever in the Los Angeles area. It'll be a blast to hang out. God bless you abundantly!
Hey Rudy! I missed out on you last night! I am sorry, I was with the cousins then had to call it a early night....had to come into work EARLY today. Next time I will be there with the ladeez.
Thank you for the update.....It is great news. She has always been so strong. It's good to hear. she will remain in my prayers. You know I have much love for you all. How was your Easter? Knowing you, you all had a gathering and you bar-b-qued it up I bet. I see much love in your family. That is wonderful.
I was blessed to have my entire family down with me. My mom, brother, his wife and their daughter; tammy & her husband and daughter; Sarah & her son and daughter; and my abuela were all here with me and my kids. It was wonderful. We had a great visit and bar-b-que.
