Vocalist and percussionist Jose Elizarraraz has a wide range of musical experience to his credit. He recently returned from a tour of China, where he performed in many of the major cities.
Vocalist and percussionist Hugo Macario has recorded CDs and toured all over the U.S. with the group Quetzalcoatl as well as teaming up with fellow Somos Son singer Jose E. in their locally based group Vientos del Sur. Hugo plays many different Latin American instruments.
Timbalero and bongocero, Raul Rico, Jr., was formerly the conguero and manager for The Estrada Brothers Latin Jazz Sextet, for whom he produced all their recordings. He also hosts and produces the radio programs, "Jazz Latino" & "Saturday Night Salsa" on KCLU 88.3 & 102.3 FM
Lead Trumpet Adolfo Acosta is a native of Santa Barbara and one of the finest young players on the L.A. scene. He recently spent a year playing first trumpet with the great Maynard Ferguson, and is at present a member of Tower of Power, with whom he tours frequently both in the U.S. and abroad.
Trumpeter, composer and arranger Barry Nitikman has performed with artists as diverse as Barbara Morrison, Texas blues legend Smokey Wilson, blues legend Albert Lee, Kenny Loggins, as well as touring the United States for several years as musical director for a major international circus.
Roberto Clements, congas, an aficionado of Cuban music for 25 years, is co-founder and co-leader of Somos Son. A Cuban percussion teacher and master craftsman, Roberto has created Cuban percussion instruments for many top artists, including Airto Moreira and Poncho Sanchez.
Ian Peters, a master of the Latin bass, is a former member of the acclaimed group The Estrada Brothers, with whom he recorded several CD's.
Pianist and composer Karl Schiffmann has traveled to Cuba three times to study with the great Cuban masters Chucho Valdez of Irakere and Cesar "Pupi" Pedroso of Los Van Van. He is also a certified master yoga instructor who teaches extensively both in Santa Barbara and in other locations throughout the world.
Bongocero Tommy Saito has played with the legendary vocalist/ bandleader, Tito Rodriguez, Hector Rivera y su Conjunto Siboney, the Rene Bloch Big Band, the Eddie Montez Sextet, the Paul Lopez Orchestra, the Bobby Montez Quintet, Sonido Libre, the Equinox jazz ensemble and The Estrada Brothers.
MANY THANKS TO NELSON RODRIGUEZ
"This recording is one that will bring full enjoyment every time you play it and introduce you to the extraordinary sounds being heard in Santa Barbara... home to Somos Son." Nelson Rodriguez - Latin Beat Magazine
Jose Elizarraraz and Hugo Macario on vocals and percussion
Raul Rico, Jr., on timbales
Robert Clements, congas
David Garcia, bongos
Karl Schiffmann, piano
Ian Peters, bass, Barry Nitikman and Jonathon Dane, trumpets
review by Nelson Rodriguez: SOMOS SON - AFRODITE (2007)
1 Bilongo (son) 2 El Cuarto de Tula (son) 3 Sabor a Mi (Bolero-cha) 4 Afrodite (son) 5 El Canoero (cumbia) 6 Perfidia (cha-cha-cha) 7 Sabor a Caney (son) 8 Caballo Viejo (cumbia-son) 9 Besame Mucho (salsa)
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