We would like to thank LCCM for their tremendous collaboration and for hosting an unforgettable percussion day on Saturday 27th of January 2007. It was a very unique event indeed, featuring many leading names from the Afro Cuban and Flamenco world.
Like everybody there, we enjoyed it very much. Also a big thank you to Giovanni Hildalgo, Luis Conte, Eguie Castrillo, Albert Vila and Monica Cano for setting the house on fire. Some of the video footage has finally been edited and will be publish as soon as we get the go ahead...so stay tuned !
Giovanni Hidalgo
An artist some describe as "touched by the hand of God," conguero Giovanni Hidalgo plays a major role in shaping the way the world thinks of hand drumming. With legendary percussionists Tito Puente, Armando Peraza, Patato and the late José Mangual, Sr. topping the list of his most ardent fans, Giovanni and his natural talent are bringing new respect to Latin rhythms as well as to the rhythms of his birthplace, Puerto Rico.
Luis Conte
Grammy-winner Luis Conte is an acknowledged master of percussion. His celebrated career includes touring and/or recording work with some of the greatest names in contemporary music, including Madonna, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Santana (Supernatural album), Jackson Browne, Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett and countless others. His percussion clinic tours take him around the world teaching musicians the essentials and history of Afro-Cuban rhythm.
Eguie Castrillo
Originally from Puerto Rico, Eguie Castrillo is an accomplished percussionist who has toured extensively around the world. Performances with Tito Puente, Arturo Sandoval, Steve Winwood, Michael Brecker, Ruben Blades, Paquito D' Rivera, Michel Camilo, KC and the Sunshine Band, Dave Valentin, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Jennifer Lopez. Recordings include Hot House, with Arturo Sandoval, The Latin Train, with Arturo Sandoval, sound track The Perez Family, for MGM, Get Down Live!, with KC and the Sunshine Band, and A GRP Celebration of the Songs of the Beatles. Eguie is currently an associate Professor at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.
Albert Vila
Born in Barcelona, Albert is a percussionist, arranger and composer. He has performed, recorded and/or toured with artists such as Modern Romance (Shrek sountrack), Chi 2 (Moby, Anastacia), top spanish band Estopa, Lluis Coloma, El Sobrino del diablo, Danna Leese Routh and has worked for record labels like BMG, DIVUCSA and PICAP. His recording experience includes tv jingles and movie soundtracks. As an arranger and composer he has written for band formats ranging from jazz big-band to classical symphony orchestra. Albert holds a bachelor degree at the prestigious Berklee College of Music and a golden award diploma at Musicians Institute London. He has also studied in Cuba. He teaches currently at LCCM, Conservatori Superior del Liceu de Barcelona and Aula de Musica de Barcelona (associated school to Berklee). He is endorser of Duende Percusion. Albert is a founder member of PERCUSSITY and will run a flamenco clinic with Monica Cano.
Monica Cano
Monica Cano is one of the most in demand flamenco dancers in Spain. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Spanish Dance from the Institut del Teatre (Barcelona). Her training and professional experience is vast and eclectic. Not withstanding her extensive world tour with the greatest names in flamenco history: Joaquin Cortes, Antonio Canales, Nuevo Ballet Español. Monica has also worked with contemporary dance greats (Ramon Oller), renowned theater and film directors (Calixto Bieito, Franco Zeffirelli). Furthermore she has performed in operas like Traviata, Rigoleto, Caballeria Rusticana. She has worked for inhouse ballets on TVE, ETB, Antena 3 and features on many TV jingles. Besides performing, Monica also teaches at the prestigious Institut del Teatre de Barcelona. She is also one of the core dancers at PERCUSSITY.
