Over 30 years experience in the world of Afro-Caribbean Music. Percussionist, Clinician, Instructor and Band Leader. Latin Percussion instructor for "The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music" since 1999. Endorser for Evans Drumheads, Sabian Cymbals and Rhythm Tech Instruments. Luis has worked with Brian Lynch, David Hazeltine, Melvin Rhyne, Peter Bernstien, Berkly Fudge, Eddie Butts, Rick Germanson, Ko-Thi Dance Co, Buddy Montgomery and the great Cuban Percussionist Virgilio Marti. For the last 6 years Luis and his Quintet have worked with "The Jazz Experience" an organization that brings Jazz to Milwaukee area public schools. He has conducted clinics and workshops for "The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music" with Dave Mancini and also with David "La Mole" Ortiz. For Milwaukee Public School Students with Ron Model musical director of the University of Northen Illinois Jazz orquestra and for Brookfield High School with Brian Lynch. Other clinics include The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, The University of Wisconsin La Crosse, Alverno College, Cascio Music, Milwaukee Tech College and The Percussion Gallery in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Gear
Evans Drumheads
Sabian Cymbals
Rhythm Tech Instruments
Wilson and Alroy's Record Reviews 1996.
Powerhouse acoustic Jazz with a strong Latin component, the band clearly inspired by Eddie Palmieri (there's even a tune called "Palmieri's Mood" featuring his cohort Brian Lynch) but is far from derivative. Pianist Rick Germanson shows extraordinary invention and range, pounding the keys into oblivion on the swinging (title track), but playing tenderly on the Jazz standard "When I Fall In Love", bassist Jim Paolo likewise is equally at home providing a Slow, Funky foundation ob Horace Silver's "Safari" or leaping all over the fretboard on"Palmieri's Mood"
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Wilson and Alroy's Record Reviews 1996.
Powerhouse acoustic Jazz with a strong Latin component, the band clearly inspired by Eddie Palmieri (there's even a tune called "Palmieri's Mood" featuring his cohort Brian Lynch) but is far from derivative. Pianist Rick Germanson shows extraordinary invention and range, pounding the keys into oblivion on the swinging (title track), but playing tenderly on the Jazz standard "When I Fall In Love", bassist Jim Paolo likewise is equally at home providing a Slow, Funky foundation ob Horace Silver's "Safari" or leaping all over the fretboard on"Palmieri's Mood". Trumpeter Mike Plog wrote most of the originals (including the lovely "Ballad for Lynn") and plays compact, melodic, solos, and drummer David Bayles backs everything up with a disarming light touch. In fact, the band member making the smallest audible contribution is the leader/producer,percussionist Diaz, whose work on Congas is solid but unsurprising. Then again, why show off when your band is this solid? Endlessly listenable.
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Primary Instrument
Congas
Willing to teach
Intermediate to advanced