Manolo Badrena was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico in March of 1952. He left for the United States in 1974 where he performed with Weather Report, and recorded "HEAVY WEATHER" and "MR. GONE"(1976-77). After that, he went on to perform and/or record with: Rolling Stones, George Duke, Herb Alpert, Joni Mitchell, Gino Vanelli, and Henry Mancini. During this time, he recorded his first solo album as a songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist for A&M Records in 1979 titled:"MANOLO."
The '80s saw Manolo recording and working with Steve Khan and Eyewitness, which included Anthony Jackson and Steve Jordan. During his long and distinguished career, Manolo has also recorded with: Brecker Bros., Ahmad Jamal, Toninho Horta, Nile Rodgers, Blondie, Talking Heads, Miami Steve, Michael Franks, Marcus Miller, Bill Evans, Debbie Harry,Tom Tom Club, as well as Spyro Gyra where he wrote their 1987 hit "Nu Sungo."
During the '90s until recently, Manolo recorded and performed with Joe Zawinul's Syndicate. During those years, they toured the world and performed with artists such as:
Salif Keita, Richard Bona, Maria João, Paco Sery, Ettiene M'Bape, Zakir Hussein, and Victor Bailey. During this time, he also recorded with the famous French group, "Sixun" and composed their hit, "Rapisrap."
Back in the USA, he participated on Steve Jordan's productions for: John Scofield and John Mayer. When Manolo stopped touring in 2004, he completed his instructional DVD for Rittor Music, "ALL THAT PERCUSSION" making it the culmination of his World Percussion studies. The DVD consists of material acquired through his extensive travels. These days Manolo is very selective. He just recorded a new CD with Ahmad Jamal which has led to touring all over the U.S. and Europe. He also found time to participate in a new recording project for Mina Agossi's.
In addition to percussion and vocals, Manolo also plays guitar,keyboards, and drums. He also does his own graphic designs. A new project is being planned for the very near future, so stay tuned!!!
oye voy en ese avion pero no regreso. me quedo alla. je je je. todo mas o menos mi hermano. en la lucha. un abrazo y saludos a amal y su bajista tambien de mi parte. un beso al familion.
Manolito, dónde estás? Cómo va todo? Yo tambiñen siempre les mando todas las mejores energías. Cuándo tienes tiempo para hacer un update? abrazotes! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WS_BpR4KZfM Estaba escuchando esta canción, te la comparto. Ella canta espectacular.
MANOLO!! good to hear from you my brother! I bet you enjoyed Austria I hear you're coming to Paris? That's amazing news! Hopefully we can hook up again very soon! All the Best!! Philipp
Salam Aalikoum Manolo !! Koul chi lebess El hamdoulilah.. Thank you!! It is Always a pleasure to have a sign of your part !! I hope that God will not stop filling your heart, of faith, love and music!! And that one will have the opportunity to see again itself to share all this!! I have a small video of you with Jamal!! I shall send it to you inchallah !! Peace
I have a feeling that Valkiria has something to do with Norway or Nordic countries and maybe even with Freyja? Thank you Manolo, all is great in my realm :) much love to you!!! Freyja-Brunette
Manolito buen viaje por Cali te deseo lo mejor. Por alli las Mujeres son muy lindas, !!!Pilas Mijo!!! Por casa todo bien Petra y los muchachos sanos y felices, recibe nuestros mejores deseos. Un fuerte abrazo - Bendiciones. ......Never stop the beat....... Alvaro
Hola queridísimo Manolo, gracias por tu saludo!!! La familia viento en popa, por suerte... en Marzo seré papá por segunda vez!!! Es un niño que se llamará Agustín. Un fuerte abrazo para vos y los tuyos, a la espera de tu vuelta por Buenos Aires.
Hi!!! We are great! I'm home for Thanksgiving, but I've been in NYC doing an internship! I hope we get to see you soon!! :) How are you?? I bet touring is fun :D
Online!
