Hello and thank you for visiting Ernie's myspace page!
I'd like to take you on a short trip through my life and give you an idea of how my love for music was developed, and how I decided to pursue this passion that was burning inside of me.
It all starts in Miami, December 1967.
During that time lots of things were going on:
* 1967 Dec 3, Surgeons in Cape Town, South Africa, led by Dr. Christian Bernard, performed the first human heart transplant at the Groote Shur Hospital. Louis Washkansky lived 18 days
with the new heart. The first heart transplant operation in the U.S. was on December 6, 1967, in Nwe York City.
* 1967 Dec 8, In the biggest battle yet in the Mekong Delta, 365 Viet Cong were killed.
* 1967 Dec 11, The Concorde, a joint British-French venture and the world's first supersonic airliner, was unveiled in Toulouse, France.
* 1967 Dec 14, DNA was created in a test tube.
* 1967 Dec 26, The BBC broadcast the Beatle's "Magical Mystery Tour."
* Album Of The Year 1967 - 10th Annual Grammy Awards, Winner Sgt. Pepper's Lonely
Hearts Club Band, Artist performing work - The Beatles.
* Song Of The Year 1967 - 10th Annual Grammy Awards, Winner Up. Up and Away
Artist performing work - 5th Dimension.
And for me, life was just starting. My parents got divorced and I got moved around a lot.
My mom was the first one to show me how music can affect you, not just by listening to it,
My mom would pull out her 45's and twist and shout the night away. She showed me all
the dance moves, I always thought she was kind of nuts. But it made her happy, and I
thought it was cool how music had a positive affect on her. Then came 1979. I was twelve
and Gloria Gaynor's " I Will Survive " was mom's new all-time favorite. Did you know that
song won a Grammy in 1980 for best disco recording? My mom killed me with that one!
Every time I'm at a Gig and play the bar chimes, my first thought is " First I was afraid. I was petrified. "
Damn, you'd think my Mom had just gotten out of a relationship with Charles Mansion or
something. Later I could see how the lyrics made sense. She had endured a lot by raising me
herself, and she was always very strong.
Another influence was my Abuela. She got me started on percussion with my very
first Home made Drum Set. It consisted of a few casuelas y sartenes "pots and pans", a few
tuppers "Tupperware" and an old school type ashtray that made a great hi-hat slash cymbal.
Oh yeah, and the best damn drum sticks I ever had a pair of chop sticks from the Canton
restaurant in Little Havana. Those things were magical! Then my Abuela would stroll
to the TV slash record player and pop in Los Panchos, and I would add the much needed
percussion element to it...LOL!! Just kidding. She would play the old Lp's of Cachao, Perez Prado,
Benny More & her Danzon records and then she got an LP that would stay in my mind for many years
Carlos "Patato" Valdez - Ready for Freddy and Cachao's Descargas. I would really jam to these,
little did I know what was ahead.
My Dad also contributed when he purchased a drum set that belonged to the drummer of
KC and the Sunshine Band. It had a dark wood finish and I drove my neighbors crazy. I would
play for hours at a time. Can't really remember what happened to that drum set. If anyone knows
where it is, please let me know.
My other Grandmom, Anita Alma "Mom" who is an amazing artist.
You can visit her myspace at myspace.com/anitaalma
I was blessed with 2 very talented grandmoms.
My one regret is not taking music more seriously back then. I never took any classes for an
extended period of time, Then before I knew it, I was in the U.S. Navy and music was put on the back
burner. Until I got out of the Marines. I had been part of an amphibious assault unit with the 1st battalion
3rd Marines, as a combat medic. It was during my service that I realized I could do anything if I put my mind to it.
I was discharged in 1994 and was given a check for a service related injury.
I took that money and invested in a couple of businesses. One was a small music store in San Diego called The Latin Beat in Ocean Beach.
I sold all kinds of percussion instruments. And it was here in San Diego were the musical journey really gets going.
I remember going to see the Latin Jazz bands in the Gaslamp area, Back then there were only a few bands like that. I became friends
with Skip Howlett a NY Timbalero who had played with the biggest and best bands in New York. Skip played with Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Tipica 73
and the list goes on and on, Skip had a fire when it came to playing. Skip showed me how to approach music, because Skip was all about music. Period!
His house was overun by stacks of CDs and LPs and instruments. With all this disaster area look going on, he knew were everything was.
Skip showed me how to listen to music, "start listening to these CDs," he told me."Listen to the Bongo bell, then timbale bell, then the cascara, then the cymbal.
Break it all down by parts and when your playing keep it simple, in the pocket." I immediately went out and bought those CDs and that is how I have learned to play.
Not the best way, by far. But it has helped me develop a great ear and appreciate everything that in going on during my performances. I read music through my ears.
I would highly recommend if you're going to start out. Learn how to read music, it will make things much easier and open many more doors.
I got my Dunce hat on now and I am learning to read all those funky looking symbols. Although sometimes you can find musicians that can read great and play lousy.
So don't become one dimensional learn to read and learn to listen.
Skip Howlett
Another key influence in my pursuit of becoming a musician was a person that truly touched me with his playing and with his person a true Master Percussionist, my friend Ramon Banda.
Back in the day when Poncho Sanchez,(Ramon's former bandleader), did not have a Grammy Award, he had the hardest grooving Latin Jazz band in the land. It was such an intense
groove you just had to be there to feel it. I would get as close to the stage as possible to see Ramon play; because my first love was the Timbale, not the Congas.
I was later seduced by that instrument. Ramon would lay it down right, effortlessly playing and keeping all that energy in check until the time was right to put that groove into overdrive.
I used to get bells for him from JCR in the Bronx. Mon would go through those bells like a hot knife goes through butter.
He was a powerful player yet it did not feel like he was playing hard. He was just so precise with his time that you couldn't help but be in awe.
Ramon spent a lot of time after his gigs talking to me and giving me pointers and tips. He was also a fountain of information when it came to music.
He knew what was the best music to get. For specific types of music jazz, blues, salsa, everything. Ramon now has his own project rolling with his new CD - Banda Brothers Acting Up.
If you don't have it two words for you,"GET IT".
One of my greatest moments was playing a gig with the Banda Brother at Steamers Cafe on Valentines Day. It was a night to remember.
I recently met my long time inspiration Cachao. I got to spend three days with "THE MAESTRO".
And my life has not been the same since. I can only tell you that when you come across a person of his stature and presence you know you are in the company of greatness.
I can tell you that he is a gentle and humble person, who's kind and soft words carried the wise and experienced message of something
grand. I told him that his music sometimes makes me cry, I guess when music is played in such a way by a person who has given his soul to the music it is so beautiful,
it hurts in a good way. Like when a new baby is born it is the beginning of life. I also mentioned to him how my Abuela would play his records when I was a young boy and
my life had come almost full circle, from my Abuela playing LPs to sitting here with you "Maestro". I am thankful for the opportunity to meet Cachao it was all possible because of my friend Ky and
Richie who saw I guess my passion, my love for Cachao's Music.
Un Cafecito con Cachao
Richie, Cachao, Ky & Me.
As you can see I have been very fortunate being able to interact and perform with some of the biggest names in the business and pick their brains a little. I have received kind words and tips from:
Tito Puente
Celia Cruz
Ray Barretto
Eddie Montalvo
Ralph Irizarry
Jack Costanzo
Pancho Quinto
Jesus Alemany
Thomas "EL PANGA" Ramos
Pepe Espinosa
Jose Luis "PAPIOSCO" Torres
Giovanni Hidalgo
Oscar D'Leon
The list goes on and on; but it is a good example for those of you who are searching for information about music, like I always am. Here in San Diego,
when a band comes to town and if you're in the right spot, you can get pretty close to the artist or musicians. That is how I have absorbed lots of information
and made some long lasting relations.
I started playing here in San Diego with a band called Zona Nueva, a Merengue band. I spent a few years wwith them and played all over the place.
The band was really kicking there for a while; and then the ugly side of the music business comes out and ruins what should be pure and fun.
The good thing is I had a chance there to build up my playing endurance and timing. When you play with a band that is a team, everything is great.
But, when you have players that know everything except what the hell they should be doing, then things get out of whack. Also, if you are considering
getting into this business, treat it just like that a business. It's like this. If your car is messed up, you're not going to take it to Kinko's. Right?
If you want to pursue music as a profession, deal with music professionals, and your life will be easier.
I played in San Diego with Orquesta Primo and had teamed up with Skip Howlett again to perform together. And this time I had almost closed the circle again,
playing with the person that had inspired me so much. Although my great friend Skip does not play with Primo anymore due to his fight with Cancer,
he continues to be in my heart and prayers. It is his spirit for music and his unrelenting fight for life that inspires me more than he will ever know.
Dios te cuide, Skip.
My friend Skip is now resting in Peace with God and if I know Skip, he is probably forming a All Star Band in Heaven as we read this.
The following is the eulogy that I wrote to be read at his service in the Bronx.
My friend Steve Haney read it. Thanks Steve.
In memory of my friend Skip
How do I begin to express what Skip was to me?
I can say he was a very close friend and that he inspired me to do things,
I thought I did not have the ability to do. He would often stay up with me at
all hours of the night, listening to music and talking about music & we would talk
about his career as a musician. I was always very respectful of Skip. Because
he was a great musician and an even greater person. But, he was soft spoken.
Don't get me wrong when you where around him, you knew he was special.
He had a presence that he had been there and done that a thousand times.
Of course he would not tell you that. He was always very humble, it is a quality
I will use during my musical career and in life.
Skip ate music, drank music, slept to music and awoke to music. I guess
you can say he was music. And when this terrible illness got a hold of him, he didn't
forget his music, as a matter of fact he did not even flinch. He attacked his illness head on,
After several surgeries he continued to play & do gigs, even with his head wrapped in bandages
and stitches still in place, he would still get up on that stage and perform. It brings me to
another quality skip had. STUBBORN !! And that is an understatement. If you told him to rest,
he would just stay up. If you told him to relax, he would just get wound up. If you told him to sit,
he would just get up. Skip just marched to the beat of his own drum and you know what?
You have to admire that. I can tell you also that even though his life was being shortened he
remained brave. He was determined to not give in easily, and to me that is his greatest
achievement in my eyes. Refusing to give in even though death was staring at him right in the face.
Accepting what was happening to him and trying as best as he could to live on.
My friend Skip is gone now. But, he will always live on through us. We will remember all
those great performances, all those great times, all those great memories. He entertained thousands
of lives. and I imagine touched as many also.
Skip is on his way to a better place, a place full of love, peace and calm.
I won't say goodbye today. I will simply wait till it is my turn to see him again.
God bless all of you
And thank you for allowing me this opportunity
Ernie
How the Conga took control of me. It is one of those things that is hard to describe. But, I felt I had to play the Congas. It is a very demanding instrument.
After a hard hitting set with Son y Clave and I get off the stage, I feel I've had a good work out. People are always wanting to touch my hands and see if they're hard or bloody.
They ask what does it take to play congas? I tell them it takes commitment to practice and try to learn new things. Music is endless. There is always something new to learn.
I am currently performing with several bands. The goal of this site is to keep my friends and fans informed,
and friends and fans are everyone who has an interest and likes what I do. Although playing pays the bills, my true passion is performing and interacting
with people who have an interest in music and the incredible world of percussion. This site will also have details about great music and DVDs, video performances of me playing,
a detailed calendar of gigs and venues. Also use the links to contact me for lessons, gigs, or bookings. And add me to your my friends.
As you can see I have had so many great experiences playing and performing; and even though almost 40 years have gone by since 1967, I continue to love learning and growing as a musician. Thanks for visiting myspace.
Ernie Becquer has been performing in San Diego and Los Angeles for over 12 years. His amazing talent continues to be sought after by the top Salsa and Latin bands in California. His steady meter and passion for the conga is evident in his performances, he has performed for thousands during his musical career. Ernie states 'It's a blessing to be able to perform and express yourself through music, I am very fortunate.' Ernie has shared the stage and opened up the show for some of the biggest names in the business, several Grammy and Latin Grammy award winners and nominees. Some of these artist are
Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Cachao, Oscar D' Leon, Santana, Irakere, Cubanismo, Luisito Carrion and Tito Nieves just to name a few.
"When you perform or open the show for your musical heroes you can't help but to be honored and I have been honored many times. I am very Thankful."
Ernie!!! Great stuff!! We'd love to have you sit in any time you're in San Diego!!! We're at LeStat's this Thursday, but welcome the opportunity to play with you anytime!!
[Salsa / Latin Jazz / Mariachi / Rock Latino / Underground Hip Hop] Memorial Benefit Concert, In loving memory of primo Michael Valenzuela.. Rest in peace Mikey..
There will be many great performers on the ticket. We have put together a great line up... Top notch S...alsa / Latin Jazz performers including. Ramon Banda, Joey De Leon, Melena, Freddie Crespo and members of Costazul, Tavio Figueroa and members of La Combinacion, Sergio D'Fernandez, Junko and Otto of KoTolan, members of Conjunto Oye, BombaChante, Latin Sol and many others..
Top notch Mariachi performers including Daniel Valenzuela, also Lupita Infante, Claudia Luce, Stephanie Amaro and others..
Many more live acts. Incl. Aztec ceremony and Afro Cuban Folklor.
It will be an event for all ages and tastes.
Hope to see you there.
Sunday September 27th, (5pm - 1:30)
Paloma Room 624 Whittier Blvd Montebello CA 90640
www.PalomaRoom.com
No set cover charge / Donations would be greatly appreciated..
All proceed going to help pay for Mikey's final expenses ..
acereeeeeeeeee q bolaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa coño como esta la jugada por alla ahora ando por denver colorado voy a estar aqui como 2 semanas oye man dale te mando un abrazo y cuidate mucho estamos en contacto ache pa ti loco
Ernie: Es un honor tenerte en nuestra pagina al igual orgullosos de tomar parte en la tuya, que siga tu musica pa'lante con michos mas exitos. Un fuerte abrazo y ache pa'ti. Miguel Garcia
acere que bola compadre! coño depinga pana es un vacilon tocar contigo, aparte de ser un maestro eres un amigo sobre todo con un corazon enorme, mi panita como decimos en mi tierra que se repita la rumba eje un abrazo papaito cuidate y que Dios te bendiga!
Hey Ernie...happy New Years...you may already know, but Tomorrow there's a workshop with "el Indio" Rosario at Voz Alta 1754 National Ave. 2:00PM - 4:00PM maybe I'll see you there tomorrow?
Nice to be your friend have that nice week!!!!!!!! Make sure to come back and check out Mike Alonzo and these nomad cats Cd The Past 15 Alternative Hip Hop Jazz
LOL!!! duuuude i know what you mean! I got home about 3:30am Sunday from Tapas in Newport Beach. What we do for the love of music huh? It was great seeing you Bro. As no surprise to me, you tore up those skins bro! ...and can you guys get any tighter...damm!! :)
Back in the day when Poncho Sanchez,(Ramon's former bandleader), did not have a Grammy Award, he had the hardest grooving Latin Jazz band in the land. It was such an intense
I recently met my long time inspiration Cachao. I got to spend three days with "THE MAESTRO".
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