Poncho Sanchez
(born October 30, 1951) is a conguero
(conga player), Latin jazz band leader, and salsa singer. In 2000, Sanchez and his ensemble won the Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album for their work on the Concord Picante album Latin Soul
. Sanchez has performed with artists Cal Tjader, Mongo Santamaria, Hugh Masakela, Clare Fischer and Tower of Power, among others.
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PONCHO SANCHEZ LATIN JAZZ BAND TICKETS
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Early life
The youngest of eleven children, Poncho Sanchez was born in
Laredo, Texas. He was reared in
Norwalk, California. Growing up, Sanchez was exposed to and influenced by two very different styles of music:
Afro-Cuban music (
mambo,
son,
cha-cha,
rumba,
guaracha, salsa) by greats such as
Tito Puente, and
bebop jazz, including the works of
Charlie Parker. Originally a
guitarist, he discovered his talent for singing during an audition for an
R&B band that rehearsed across the street from where he lived, becoming the lead vocalist of the group. Sanchez would later go on to teach himself the
flute,
drums, and
timbales before finally deciding to pursue conga-playing in
high school.
Sanchez's Career
In
1975, Sanchez's idol,
vibraphonist Cal Tjader, invited him to perform one set with his band. Seeing the young man's talent, Tjader hired Sanchez for a week before officially making him a full member of the ensemble. Sanchez played a crucial role as
conguero
for several years until Tjader's death in
1982.
Before he died, Tjader suggested that
Concord Records founder
Carl Jefferson sign Sanchez and his soon-to-be-formed group under the Concord Picante label. Tjader's wishes were honored, and the first two records were composed and arranged by long-time Tjader collaborator
Clare Fischer.
Poncho Sanchez went on to produce 19 albums for the label, eventually garnering a
Grammy for his work. Currently, Sanchez is respected as one of the top American percussionists of our time. He performs frequently in venues varying in size from concert halls to local jazz festivals. His 2005 CD,
Do It!
, features the iconic funk band
Tower of Power on two tracks as well as
South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela.
Discography
- Sonando
- 1982
- Baila Mi Gente: Salsa!
- 1982
- Bien Sabroso
- 1983
- El Conguero
- 1985
- Papa Gato
- 1986
- Gaviota
- 1986
- Fuerte
- 1987
- La Familia
- 1988
- Chile Con Soul
- 1989
- A Night At Kimball's East
- 1990
- Bailar
- 1990
- Cambios
- 1990
- El Mejor
- 1992
- Para Todos
- 1993
- Soul Sauce
- 1995
- Conga Blue
- 1995
- Freedom Sound
- 1997
- Afro-Cuban Fantasy
- 1998
- Latin Soul
- 1999
- Poncho Sanchez - The Concord Jazz Heritage Series
- 2000
- Soul of the Conga
- 2000
- Latin Spirits
- 2001
- Ultimate Latin Dance Party
- 2002
- Instant Party: Poncho Sanchez
- 2004
- Poncho at Montreux
- 2004
- Out of Sight!
- 2004
- Do It!
- 2005
- Raise Your Hand
- 2007
References