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!!!
My dear brother!!!! Thank you soooooo much!!!I was sick the last time...Sevilla was tooo short and stressful....but was impressed by this atmosphere...I love the spanish mentality...so relaxed....wish you a wonderful concert tomorrow!!! Sunny hug,Donja
Manolo, Manolo, Manolo !!! Asalamalekum ! Que Eligria de recivir de tus noticias Maestro !!!! El quarteto esta con Thomas Saint Laurent, guitara, Laurent Chavoit, contrabajo, Stefano Lucchini, batteria y yo al piano ;-) I'm so happy that you liked the tune ! :-))))) Bueno, estos tres dias passados estuve en Paris con Billy y emos echo la primera repeticion el sabado en quarteto con Jean-Marie Ecay a la Guitara y Hadrien Feraud al bajo, believe me it was really groooooving !!! We had a lot of fun rehearsing :-))) Here are the news... ;-) Gracias de todo el corazon para tu apoyo constante Manolo, sabes que es algo de muy importante para mi ! Take care and hope to see you next year in France, and don't forget, you're invited to come skiing here in April if you want, the first snows already fell on the Pyrenees Mountains !!!!! Un abrazo muy fuerte Senior Manuel Badrena, Tu Camelita.
Enjoyed your profile.......keep up the nice work!! I appreciate the new connection with you. I look forward to interacting with you! You have my support and welcome to my world of art and writing!
Also , Please enjoy my latest my blog....and thank you for being a valued friend of mine (=....
Sale el sol primaveral Mestre Manolo!!! y digo yo? por donde vuela mi halcón? yo estoy transitando las nubes celestes de un cielo despejado, ¿es el cielo blanco como el pentagrama futuro de mi alma o es celeste la mirada que poso sobre la distancia? te quiere, Ilé! y axé!
Stopping by to say a big thanks 4 your friendship....wishing u much inspiration and creativity with your music may all your dreams be fulfilled....peace, bass and vibes Ranvir ....Universal Taal Project...:)
My brother, you know I only understand ignant s...t. Sanskrit ain't "keepin' it real" for me (NOT!!!). sending you a smile back my brother! hope to see you soon! Are you across the pond already? much love from your brudah from anudah mudah
Hola Manolo como estas, siempre es un gusto pasar a saludar y escuchar tu musica .Espero que pronto podamos verte nuevamente por la Argentina.Te mando un gran abrazo maestro. Silvio
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