LUIS CONTE (PERCUSSIONIST)

 

review by Pietro Carbognani: ANDY GARCIA E I CINESON ALL-STARS - (SPOLETO) 30/06/2007

Luis Conte’s genius stems from his ability to integrate the powerful rhythms of his native Cuba with the American necessities of American pop music. His long and varied career has included numerous Hollywood film scores and mega-successful albums with Madonna, Ray Charles, Phil Collins, Santana, Shakira, Jackson Browne, Sergio Mendes, Cachao, and a multitude of other artists too numerous to mention.

Born in Santiago, Cuba, Luis spent the first 15 years of his life soaking up the rich musical heritage of “El Son” and Carnival. "Life in Cuba is all about enjoying life, and music is central to that lifestyle," Luis says. "Music is almost like food to Cuban people.” While immersed in the music of his native Cuba, Luis also developed a passion for Rock & Roll, R&B soul music, jazz, and the Beatles.

At 15, looking for freedom, Luis emigrated to Madrid, Spain. He soon had another opportunity to travel, this time to Hollywood. In California, Luis stayed with a cousin and attended Hollywood High School, playing guitar in numerous rock bands throughout his teens.

After high school, Luis met John Monteallegre, who reunited him with Cuban drums at LA City College. By the time he was 18, Luis was intensely interested in drumming and took every opportunity to play and to learn, drawing his inspiration from a deep source of rhythm absorbed during his youth in Cuba.

Since then, Luis has become one of the most respected and recorded percussionists in the world.

LUIS CONTE - MARIMBULA (2007)

"Rooted in the rhythms of his native Cuba, master percussionist and composer Luis Conte again takes us on an hypnotic and evocative musical journey with Marimbula." - Andy Garcia

 

Seeds of truth

Sombreros

Ocean Dance

Calvario

Flamingo zone

Has it come to this

Marimbula

Brother Horses

Prayer

Philos Logos

 

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