PERCUSSIONIST

official website - myspace page

Marvin Diz Aballi grew up and developed in the bosom of a vibrant Cuban rumbera family. His well-known rumbero uncles Armando Aballi, founded Danza Nacional de Cuba; Agustin 'mojito' Aballi and Diz’s greatest inspiration his brother, Miguel Valdés Aballi, were his first teachers.
Without realizing it, Diz began his musical career at an early age. During family holidays and the all saint birthdays for his grandmother and aunt, he started marking "la clave" with his hands, sometimes with bottles. In the absence of any "tumbadoras", he played on a set of drawers, drawing out the sound from deep inside.
Diz found his first mentor at the age of just eight years, his brother, Miguel Valdés Aballi. Valdés himself was influenced by his father Miguel Angel Valdés, a highly respected musician known for his work in the "Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba".
At age 15, Diz starts his formal studies at the conservatory "Gerardo Delgado Guanche". Afterwards, he continues to the Music School of Improvement and Development, "Miguel Cervantes". Meanwhile Diz also receives classes from teachers such as Daniel Diaz, ex-kettledrummer of "Ritmo Oriental"; Blass Egues, the pioneer drummer of "Los Van Van"; the great master, Jose Quintana "Changuito" of "Los Van Van", Roberto Vizcaíno and, of course, his brother Miguel Valdés. Diz's unique sound is a virtuosic and highly innovative fusion of the sounds of these drum masters.
Diz’s artistic career starts with friends at rumbas, jamming and at saint's parties. During this time, Diz meets young and old, highly revered music legends from popular bands and from the Cuban jazz world. At this time, Diz lands the opportunity to play in the Jazz Plaza Festival celebrated in Cuba with the Jesús Fuentes jazz quintet. From this moment, Diz becomes a regular member of latin jazz ensembles and popular bands, such as the New Latin Project and the Bakuleye band, among others.
In December of 1999, Diz leaves Cuba and arrives in Costa Rica. He leaves his homeland as member of Las Hermanas Niuvolas. After 8 months of residing in Costa Rica, Diz becomes an independent musician. He begins collaborating with a variety of bands such as; Timbaleo, Son Caribe, Grupo Experimental Canto, Conjunto Chocolate, Rescate, Los Huracanes, Tropicana Internacional, Brillanticos and the Quintet of Latin Jazz Orula. Mexico soon becomes Diz's new musical horizon. He moves there in 2004 to expand his opportunities and development. Here he plays with the famous, Armando Manzanero, El Gran Fellove, Miriam Bayard, Marcial Alejandro, Miguel Inzunza, Yahir, Orquesta 40 Grados, Kike y su Ache, Silvy Henry among many other artists.
After a year in Mexico, Diz decides to reach for his dreams and make New York City his new home. In one of the world’s music capitals, he has continued to develop his profession. Immediately after arrival, Diz started playing with great musicians such as; Yosvany Terry, Ileana Santamaria, Bobby Carcassés, Jason Lender, José Conde, Yordamis Megret, Groupo Ibboru, Roberto Pitre, Chiemi Nakai, Carlos Boys Band, Son Tannaneras, Son de Madre, Albita Rodriguez, Grupo En Klave and Damon Grant Project, to name a few. Diz has also recorded with, Xiomara Laugart, Edmar Castañeda, Pedro Martínez, Bobby Carcassés, Minino, Grupo Ibboru, Chiemi Nakai, Yorgis Goicicelaya and on two albums with Brian Lynch including "Simpático" which won a Grammy for best Latin Jazz album in 2006.
Diz’s most recent accomplishment, 'Habla el Tambor' is his first album. Diz succeeds in uniting diverse and great musicians for this project, including: Giovanny Hidalgo, Bryan Lynch, Richie Flores, Pedrito Martínez, Miguel Valdés, Little Johnny, Tony Escapa, Eliel Lazo, Luis Quintero, Roberto Quintero, Ralph Irizarry, Yonder Rock, Mauricio Herrera, Roman Díaz, Bobby Allende, Obed Calvaire, Yosvanny Terry, Mike Rodríguez, Yunior Terry, Osmany Paredes, Pablo Vergara and Ruben Rodriguez, to highlight a few.
Diz’s new projects include two books, one of which will explore the history and evolution of the Timbal. The second will focus on Afro-Cuban rhythms that have so far remained unstudied, such as Sucu Sucu, Changuí, Pacá, Dengue and Mozambique.

MARVIN DIZ - HABLA EL TAMBOR (2008)

A sophisticated and captivating ride through carnival time in Africa, rumba and dance parties in Cuba and the chicest jazz clubs of New York

Marvin Diz Timbal, tumbador, percusion
Hilario Bel, Mauricio Herrera, Obed Calvaire Drums
Panagiotis Andreu Electric bass
Elio Villafranca, Desmar Guevara, Pablo Vergara Keyboards
Pedro Martinez, Giovanni Hidalgo Congas, bata
Ramon Diaz Bata
Willy Torres Güiro
Jorge Bringas, Ruben Rodriguez, Yorgis Goiricelaya Electric bass
Rolando De Lo Reyes Vocals
Tony Escapa, Luisito Quintero, Yonder Pena, Ralph Irizarry, Bobby Allende Timbal solo
Little Johnny Rivero, Richie Flores, Miguel Valdes, Paoli Mejias, Roberto Quintero, Eliel Lazo Congas
Yosvany Terry Sax
Onel Mulet Flute, sax
Albert Leusink, Mike Rodriguez Trumpet
Marshall Gilkes Trombone
Christos Rafalides Vibes
Gonzalo Grau Cajón flamenco
Yunior Terry Acoustic bass
Osvaldo "Bembesito", Xiomara Laugart Vocals
Axell Tosca Acoustic piano ...and others!

more tracks can be heard on Vinilemania's Radio Channels