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Yovannis Roque
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass:
was Born in Camaguey, Cuba on August 9-1973, started studying Double bass at the early age of 10 years old at the
Vocational school of the Arts “Luis Casas Romero” in his natal city, After a little reticence to such an unusual instrument
for a young boy and thanks to the intuitive perseverance of his family, Mr Roque moves to Havana to continue his studies
at the World renown National School of the Arts (ENA) under the direction of Master professor Román Alvarez and
legendary Bassist and Master Professor Orestes Urfé on classical Double bass and legendary and virtuoso bass player
Carlos Del Pino on electric bass and upright. in 1992 Mr Roque joint the revolutionary band “Contratiempo” leaded by
chilean pianist Carlos Maza, featuring Daniel Peñalver on flute, Leandro Saint Hill on sax and virtuoso drummer Dafnis
Prieto who became not only Roque’s best friend but without a doubt the most important influence in his early musical
development and his shaping as a professional musician. With this super band Mr Roque traveled to Europe performing
in many jazz festivals throughout the continent including The Scene Nationale de Foix, Jazz Scene de Perigeaux, Label
Jazz, Jazz du Limousin, Bordeaux Jazz Festival, Festival di u Ventu in Calvi. Concerts at the Centre Culturel de Terrasson
and the Conservatory Gabriel Faure in Paris, alternating with some of the most important names in the jazz scene like
Hermetto Pascoal, Chico Freeman, Charlie Haden and Archie Shepp among many others. At his return to Cuba Mr.
Roque graduated from The National School of the Arts (ENA) obtaining a degree in double bass performing, teaching
and music direction. In 1994, Roque arrived to Miami and immediately started performing with the Miami Symphonic
orchestra and the Florida international University (FIU) Philharmonic under the direction of Master continued his studies
with Master Professor Dr. Lucas Drew, at that same year Mr. Roque is chosen to participate in a series of master classes
with legendary Master Professor Dr. Stuart Sankey at the Aspen Music Festival becoming the only latin double bass
player to ever achieved such a great honor. At the same time Roque became a very sought after electric bass player
often finding him at many recording studios in Miami or touring with many of the most notorious latin artist at the moment.
Around this time Roque met brazilian singer and composer Leandro Parente and brazilian drummer Miduca Carvalho
becoming with then one of the original founders of “TAZKA” a super fun band that became very popular in the local scene
at the time and that Leandro and Miduca kept alive after moving back to Brazil and eventually went on to become an
institution giving this two great musicians the space and the name that they deserve as music creators in their country.
With Tazca, Roque had the opportunity of performing with many of the great brazilians artists of all times like Jorge Ben
Jor, Paralamas, Raza Negra and many more, also their friendship with legendary pianist, producer and composer Cesar
Camargo Mariano lead to the recording of “Pedacos do tempo”, a beautiful song composed by Leandro featuring grammy
winner and brazilian diva Maria Rita Camargo that was never released but was probably her first professional recording,
she was 15 years old at the time. In 1997 Roque joints Cane record's recording artist “El Duende” a very unique latin rock
band featuring some of the hottest musicians of the Miami scene including pianist and producer Juan Carlos Rodriguez,
virtuoso guitarist Rick de Cubas, drummer George Berkowitz and singer and band leader, Oscar Herrera, with this super
group Roque goes into the studio once again and records the album “Transition” produced by legendary producer
Michael Couzzi and sponsored by Criteria Recording studios, University of Miami and Pat Metheny Productions, after
great reviews El duende embarks on a tour in central america and USA performing at the famous Salon Mexico in Mexico
City, The Nemo Music conference in Boston, the NEA extravaganza in Nashville, the XS Music Fest, Miden music
Conference, and Billboard Music Awards among many others. After the massive Transition tour with El Duende, Roque
goes back on the road with the Zozaya Brothers doing a series of concerts in Moscow becoming the first latin rock band
to perform in Russia after the collapse of the Communist regimen. At his return in 1998 Roque is hired by Royal
Caribbean International as music director and band leader, position that held until the year 2002. Back in Miami once
again, Roque went back to work with an artist whose name has been associated to Roque’s work for well over a decade,
legendary virtuoso pianist and producer Mr. Rey Casas, a friendship that goes back to 1994 with over 40 productions
together including grammy nominee album “Amistad 404” a tribute to the music of cuban composer Gonzalo Roig, and
featuring legendary cuban sax virtuoso Paquito D’ Rivera, countless performances around the world and as some
magazine once said “a great chemistry that makes their work together a very unique and pleasant experience”. Parallel to
his work as a producer for Casas Music Production, always a road freak Roque started touring again with many latin
artists including Grammy winner sax legend Frankie Marco, grammy winner composer Marcos Gutt, Peruvian star Jose
Val, grammy nominee pop star Jeremias and grammy winner and legendary cuban super star Albita Rodriguez. In 2006
together with Rey Casas produced his first solo album “Tales from Camaguey” earning him great reviews this time as a
solo artist. In 2007 Roque was commissioned to create the music of Frankenstein, a ballet production by Alma Ballet of
Chicago, a very special project that made him go back to his beginnings as a classical musician and also gave him the
opportunity to work for the first time with a great dancer, his own brother Abdel Roque and legendary dancer,
choreographer and long time friend Guillermo Leyva. Currently living in the Tampa Bay area with his dear wife Monica;
always busy, always exploring and always looking for new horizons, today Yovannis Roque divides his time among many
projects including his work as music director for Alma ballet of Chicago, a new ballet production, his work as a producer
for Casas own Production company, studio sessions all over the country, his own tours, the release of his upcoming
album “Looking Back”, his work as bassist for smooth jazz super band Level 10 leaded by legendary brazilian pianist Levy
De Andrade and a not so distant project with guitarist Allan Davey.
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass:
was Born in Camaguey, Cuba on August 9-1973, started studying Double bass at the early age of 10 years old at the
Vocational school of the Arts “Luis Casas Romero” in his natal city, After a little reticence to such an unusual instrument
for a young boy and thanks to the intuitive perseverance of his family, Mr Roque moves to Havana to continue his studies
at the World renown National School of the Arts (ENA) under the direction of Master professor Román Alvarez and
legendary Bassist and Master Professor Orestes Urfé on classical Double bass and legendary and virtuoso bass player
Carlos Del Pino on electric bass and upright. in 1992 Mr Roque joint the revolutionary band “Contratiempo” leaded by
chilean pianist Carlos Maza, featuring Daniel Peñalver on flute, Leandro Saint Hill on sax and virtuoso drummer Dafnis
Prieto who became not only Roque’s best friend but without a doubt the most important influence in his early musical
development and his shaping as a professional musician. With this super band Mr Roque traveled to Europe performing
in many jazz festivals throughout the continent including The Scene Nationale de Foix, Jazz Scene de Perigeaux, Label
Jazz, Jazz du Limousin, Bordeaux Jazz Festival, Festival di u Ventu in Calvi. Concerts at the Centre Culturel de Terrasson
and the Conservatory Gabriel Faure in Paris, alternating with some of the most important names in the jazz scene like
Hermetto Pascoal, Chico Freeman, Charlie Haden and Archie Shepp among many others. At his return to Cuba Mr.
Roque graduated from The National School of the Arts (ENA) obtaining a degree in double bass performing, teaching
and music direction. In 1994, Roque arrived to Miami and immediately started performing with the Miami Symphonic
orchestra and the Florida international University (FIU) Philharmonic under the direction of Master continued his studies
with Master Professor Dr. Lucas Drew, at that same year Mr. Roque is chosen to participate in a series of master classes
with legendary Master Professor Dr. Stuart Sankey at the Aspen Music Festival becoming the only latin double bass
player to ever achieved such a great honor. At the same time Roque became a very sought after electric bass player
often finding him at many recording studios in Miami or touring with many of the most notorious latin artist at the moment.
Around this time Roque met brazilian singer and composer Leandro Parente and brazilian drummer Miduca Carvalho
becoming with then one of the original founders of “TAZKA” a super fun band that became very popular in the local scene
at the time and that Leandro and Miduca kept alive after moving back to Brazil and eventually went on to become an
institution giving this two great musicians the space and the name that they deserve as music creators in their country.
With Tazca, Roque had the opportunity of performing with many of the great brazilians artists of all times like Jorge Ben
Jor, Paralamas, Raza Negra and many more, also their friendship with legendary pianist, producer and composer Cesar
Camargo Mariano lead to the recording of “Pedacos do tempo”, a beautiful song composed by Leandro featuring grammy
winner and brazilian diva Maria Rita Camargo that was never released but was probably her first professional recording,
she was 15 years old at the time. In 1997 Roque joints Cane record's recording artist “El Duende” a very unique latin rock
band featuring some of the hottest musicians of the Miami scene including pianist and producer Juan Carlos Rodriguez,
virtuoso guitarist Rick de Cubas, drummer George Berkowitz and singer and band leader, Oscar Herrera, with this super
group Roque goes into the studio once again and records the album “Transition” produced by legendary producer
Michael Couzzi and sponsored by Criteria Recording studios, University of Miami and Pat Metheny Productions, after
great reviews El duende embarks on a tour in central america and USA performing at the famous Salon Mexico in Mexico
City, The Nemo Music conference in Boston, the NEA extravaganza in Nashville, the XS Music Fest, Miden music
Conference, and Billboard Music Awards among many others. After the massive Transition tour with El Duende, Roque
goes back on the road with the Zozaya Brothers doing a series of concerts in Moscow becoming the first latin rock band
to perform in Russia after the collapse of the Communist regimen. At his return in 1998 Roque is hired by Royal
Caribbean International as music director and band leader, position that held until the year 2002. Back in Miami once
again, Roque went back to work with an artist whose name has been associated to Roque’s work for well over a decade,
legendary virtuoso pianist and producer Mr. Rey Casas, a friendship that goes back to 1994 with over 40 productions
together including grammy nominee album “Amistad 404” a tribute to the music of cuban composer Gonzalo Roig, and
featuring legendary cuban sax virtuoso Paquito D’ Rivera, countless performances around the world and as some
magazine once said “a great chemistry that makes their work together a very unique and pleasant experience”. Parallel to
his work as a producer for Casas Music Production, always a road freak Roque started touring again with many latin
artists including Grammy winner sax legend Frankie Marco, grammy winner composer Marcos Gutt, Peruvian star Jose
Val, grammy nominee pop star Jeremias and grammy winner and legendary cuban super star Albita Rodriguez. In 2006
together with Rey Casas produced his first solo album “Tales from Camaguey” earning him great reviews this time as a
solo artist. In 2007 Roque was commissioned to create the music of Frankenstein, a ballet production by Alma Ballet of
Chicago, a very special project that made him go back to his beginnings as a classical musician and also gave him the
opportunity to work for the first time with a great dancer, his own brother Abdel Roque and legendary dancer,
choreographer and long time friend Guillermo Leyva. Currently living in the Tampa Bay area with his dear wife Monica;
always busy, always exploring and always looking for new horizons, today Yovannis Roque divides his time among many
projects including his work as music director for Alma ballet of Chicago, a new ballet production, his work as a producer
for Casas own Production company, studio sessions all over the country, his own tours, the release of his upcoming
album “Looking Back”, his work as bassist for smooth jazz super band Level 10 leaded by legendary brazilian pianist Levy
De Andrade and a not so distant project with guitarist Allan Davey.
Rex Freligh
Soprano, Alto, Tenor Saxophones:
Rex grew up in the Tampa, Florida bay area, graduating from East Bay High School earning recognition in the national
high school “Who’s Who for Music”. He attended the University of South Florida majoring in jazz performance and
composition playing Saxophone, Clarinet, and Flute in the top jazz band and ensembles. During his college years Rex
also spent time with another passion of his as a member in Drum Corps International (DCI) marching with the Suncoast
Sound Drum and Bugle Corps from Saint.Petersburg, Florida playing percussion and earning “Top 12 in the World”
honors.
During the mid ‘90’s Rex could be seen regularly at Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island with several bands playing the
main stage, jazz club, 3 story beach club, and country club on the island showcasing his adeptness and flexibility in a
variety of musical styles ranging from Pop/Rock/R&B to Country to many flavors of Jazz.
Throughout his career Rex has played numerous festivals, concert venues, and TV shows ranging in many musical styles
such as Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Brazilian & Latin Jazz, Jazz Fusion, R&B, Rock, Blues, Pop, Symphonic, Christian and Gospel
music. He has either played with, or opened up for, name artists such as Paquito D'Rivera, Christopher Cross, Keiko
Matsui, Najee, Kim Waters, Eric Darius, Pat Travers, Chris Gero, Rocky Ruckman and The Beat Heathens, Al "Coffee"
McDaniel, Shawn Brown, Derrick Williams, Dwight Champagne, Munir Doumet, and other artists and bands in the Florida
and Southeastern United States region.
Rex has also written, arranged, and recorded in the United States and Japan ranging in genres such as Jazz, Smooth
Jazz, R&B, Pop, Rock, Blues, Jazz Fusion, Electronica, and Trance. He worked with producers and artists such as Neil
Boisen, Chis Gero, William Keskey, Black Market, Levy DeAndrade, Level 10, Yovannis Roque, Allon Sams, Derrick
Williams, Rocky Ruckman & The Beat Heathens, and many others.
Rex blends the musical genres of his background in a manner which creates a sax playing style that is exciting and
aggressive yet lyrical and tells a musical story in such a way that draws the listener in and takes them on a musical
journey.
Soprano, Alto, Tenor Saxophones:
Rex grew up in the Tampa, Florida bay area, graduating from East Bay High School earning recognition in the national
high school “Who’s Who for Music”. He attended the University of South Florida majoring in jazz performance and
composition playing Saxophone, Clarinet, and Flute in the top jazz band and ensembles. During his college years Rex
also spent time with another passion of his as a member in Drum Corps International (DCI) marching with the Suncoast
Sound Drum and Bugle Corps from Saint.Petersburg, Florida playing percussion and earning “Top 12 in the World”
honors.
During the mid ‘90’s Rex could be seen regularly at Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island with several bands playing the
main stage, jazz club, 3 story beach club, and country club on the island showcasing his adeptness and flexibility in a
variety of musical styles ranging from Pop/Rock/R&B to Country to many flavors of Jazz.
Throughout his career Rex has played numerous festivals, concert venues, and TV shows ranging in many musical styles
such as Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Brazilian & Latin Jazz, Jazz Fusion, R&B, Rock, Blues, Pop, Symphonic, Christian and Gospel
music. He has either played with, or opened up for, name artists such as Paquito D'Rivera, Christopher Cross, Keiko
Matsui, Najee, Kim Waters, Eric Darius, Pat Travers, Chris Gero, Rocky Ruckman and The Beat Heathens, Al "Coffee"
McDaniel, Shawn Brown, Derrick Williams, Dwight Champagne, Munir Doumet, and other artists and bands in the Florida
and Southeastern United States region.
Rex has also written, arranged, and recorded in the United States and Japan ranging in genres such as Jazz, Smooth
Jazz, R&B, Pop, Rock, Blues, Jazz Fusion, Electronica, and Trance. He worked with producers and artists such as Neil
Boisen, Chis Gero, William Keskey, Black Market, Levy DeAndrade, Level 10, Yovannis Roque, Allon Sams, Derrick
Williams, Rocky Ruckman & The Beat Heathens, and many others.
Rex blends the musical genres of his background in a manner which creates a sax playing style that is exciting and
aggressive yet lyrical and tells a musical story in such a way that draws the listener in and takes them on a musical
journey.
Levy DeAndrade
Acoustic Piano, Keyboards:
One of the area’s most respected and sought after keyboard players, has earned the admiration and respect of fans and
peers alike for his talent and professionalism. His artistry in blending Latin dance rhythm with soulful jazz styles have given
his music an unforgettable trademark sound which has earned recognition by local and national jazz music experts. He has
been described by a fan as “one of a kind when it comes to piano jazz explorations, and his unique playing style is all his
own.” His playing is a “lovely delight to savor and enjoy!”
Born on March , 1969, in Parana, Brazil, Levy’s first inspiration came when he was given a tape recorder and guitar for his 7th
birthday. His musical prodigy was realized when, in two months time, he was composing and performing on the instrument for
his friends and family. Within the next two years, he was performing on stages in his hometown for the public. After being
introduced to the piano by his instructors at school, Levy developed a love for the instrument and soon mastered the keys.
After graduating from high school and receiving a scholarship and grant to study music in the US, Levy relocated to the states
where he started his music career as a performer in San Francisco’s top jazz venues.
After a successful stint in California, Levy was invited to relocate to New York City to become a ‘first call’ studio musician for
The Hit Factory. There he composed, arranged and shared the stage with many musical greats. Having enjoyed being in
great demand for his recording sessions and live performances, Levy then decided to establish his own recording studio.
There he mastered the mechanics of the music business and engineered and produced albums for both clients and himself.
Leaving the cold and snow behind, Levy relocated to Tampa, Florida with his family in 2004. Having founded a successful
recording studio and producing several albums, Levy decided to use his musical expertise to form a band. After four years of
searching out local talent, he found not only the best players in their fields, but also the right chemistry to create a mature
group of musicians dedicated to creating soul inspiring world jazz music.
Rehearsals begin in a local rented studio where Levy and the band begin to arrange and develop his compositions. The
band, named Level 10, took the area by storm when after only a year together, they decimated the competition in a local
radio station contest. After winning the title of Tampa Bay’s Best Smooth Jazz Band by CBS Radio in 2009, the requests
began pouring in for appearances and performances. Since that time, Levy and Level 10 have performed for jazz festivals,
city organizations, Carnival Cruise Lines, local jazz clubs, national radio stations, and have appeared on FOX TV news for
interviews and live performances. Both Levy’s original compositions and new arrangements of popular songs have been
leaders on the jazz charts on CD Baby, Rhapsody and iTunes.
In celebration of their rapid rise to acclaim as an award-winning, underground jazz band, Level 10’s first album was named
“Together.” Released in 2009, the CD features original compositions by Levy as well as inspiring arrangements of popular
tunes. Levy’s music has developed and matured over the years and combined with the talent and determination of his band
members, Level 10 has been and will continue to be a dominating force in the world of Jazz and Latin music.
Now Playing:
Infinity by Levy DeAndrade "Together " CD by Level 10
Infinity by Levy DeAndrade "Together " CD by Level 10
Follow Levy
Follow Rex
Follow Yovannis
Download this song here:
2010All Rights Reserved Level10Band Levy DeAndradeMusic.Ascap
EPK
Sean Fote - Drums
Born August 9,1989, a native resident to St.Petersburg, Florida, Sean began studying percussion in middle school where his
passion for music sparked. In high school, Sean was an active member in the marching band and concert band and by his
senior year decided to audition for the notorious Boca Ciega High School Jazz Ensemble where he wanted to play the
vibraphone. Little did he know he wouldn't be playing vibes! At one rehearsal, Frank Williams, the Music Director at Boca
Ciega, decided to pull Sean from the vibes and put him on the drum set. From that day on Sean has been focused on
pursuing drum set as a career. Immediately following graduation from high school, Sean toured the United States for two
summers performing as a member of the Teal Sound Drum and Bugle Corps drumline where he continued to grow as a
percussionist by further developing his hands. After his time with Teal Sound, Sean enrolled as a music major at Saint
Petersburg College where he performed with the Concert Band directed by John Bannon (Florida Orchestra Principle
Timpanist) and the Percussion Ensemble directed by John Shaw (Florida Orchestra Principle Percussionist). Along with the
classical percussion study, Sean took private drum set lessons from Patrick Hernly. His first semester with Hernly consisted
mainly of latin drum set and various latin hand drumming. The following semester he continued the study of hand percussion,
more specificly in the area of Indian Tabla drumming.
Sean's drum set experience outside of High School began with a local funk/blues trio called The Paramount Project.
They performed around the Tampa Bay area for a few years before they left the area for college. As a result of playing in the
Boca Ciega jazz combo, Sean was able to network with Ruth Eckerd Hall where he got some opportunities to perform with the
Ruth Eckerd Hall Jazz Combo. Aside from jazz drumming, Sean got a call to play in the pit for a Ruth Eckerd Hall musical
production. Following that production, Sean had performed in twelve more musicals that year all over the bay area in a few
different local community theaters as well as Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Sean is currently pursuing his Bachelors Degree in Music Education and in the future would like to attend graduate
school with the hopes that one day he can contribute to the spread of music to all who wish to grasp it. He is very excited and
honored to now be apart of the power house ensemble Level 10 Band. To be playing along side of such experienced and
humble musicians is indescribable, and he is looking forward to all the good things that are to come as being a member of
Level 10.
Born August 9,1989, a native resident to St.Petersburg, Florida, Sean began studying percussion in middle school where his
passion for music sparked. In high school, Sean was an active member in the marching band and concert band and by his
senior year decided to audition for the notorious Boca Ciega High School Jazz Ensemble where he wanted to play the
vibraphone. Little did he know he wouldn't be playing vibes! At one rehearsal, Frank Williams, the Music Director at Boca
Ciega, decided to pull Sean from the vibes and put him on the drum set. From that day on Sean has been focused on
pursuing drum set as a career. Immediately following graduation from high school, Sean toured the United States for two
summers performing as a member of the Teal Sound Drum and Bugle Corps drumline where he continued to grow as a
percussionist by further developing his hands. After his time with Teal Sound, Sean enrolled as a music major at Saint
Petersburg College where he performed with the Concert Band directed by John Bannon (Florida Orchestra Principle
Timpanist) and the Percussion Ensemble directed by John Shaw (Florida Orchestra Principle Percussionist). Along with the
classical percussion study, Sean took private drum set lessons from Patrick Hernly. His first semester with Hernly consisted
mainly of latin drum set and various latin hand drumming. The following semester he continued the study of hand percussion,
more specificly in the area of Indian Tabla drumming.
Sean's drum set experience outside of High School began with a local funk/blues trio called The Paramount Project.
They performed around the Tampa Bay area for a few years before they left the area for college. As a result of playing in the
Boca Ciega jazz combo, Sean was able to network with Ruth Eckerd Hall where he got some opportunities to perform with the
Ruth Eckerd Hall Jazz Combo. Aside from jazz drumming, Sean got a call to play in the pit for a Ruth Eckerd Hall musical
production. Following that production, Sean had performed in twelve more musicals that year all over the bay area in a few
different local community theaters as well as Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Sean is currently pursuing his Bachelors Degree in Music Education and in the future would like to attend graduate
school with the hopes that one day he can contribute to the spread of music to all who wish to grasp it. He is very excited and
honored to now be apart of the power house ensemble Level 10 Band. To be playing along side of such experienced and
humble musicians is indescribable, and he is looking forward to all the good things that are to come as being a member of
Level 10.
TONY CINTRON - Drums & Percussion
A native New Yorker of Puerto Rican descent, Tony has recorded and toured with some of the entertainment industry's
best performers. As a drummer/percussionist, his list of experience extends across the world of R&B, smooth-jazz, latin-
jazz, salsa, gospel, pop and into the world of rock.
As a drummer, his first gig out of New York City would be with legendary vocalist Roberta Flack at Carnegie Hall, sharing
rhythm section duties with bassist Marcus Miller and percussionist Ralph MacDonald. From that experience, his
drumming would land him gigs with R&B singers Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofill, Audrey Wheeler, Lisa Lisa, Toni Smith, Phil
Perry, trumpeter Tom Browne and various artists from the recording industry in New York City. His skills would then find
him recording with producers that tracked hit artists like
Unlimited Touch, France Joli, and Faith Evans.
A different musical experience with Puerto Rican bassist and producer Oskar Cartaya would introduce him to latin
session musicians in NYC and to salsa legend Willie Colon. Performing concerts and recording jingles in Puerto rico
during these years exposed his talent among artists and singers like Ednita Nazario, Glenn Monroig, Luna and producer
Cucco Pena. A longtime friendship with legendary percussionists Marc Quinones and Bobby Allende would bring about
the opportunity to develop the latin side of his drumming. The results brought him the gigs playing with the likes of Celia
Cruz, Tito Puente, Gato Barbieri, Tania Maria, Jorge Dalto, Sal Cuevas, Nicky Marrero, Patato Valdes, Jose Feliciano,
Tito Nieves, Ruben Blades y Son del Solar, Sergio George, Cheo Feliciano, La India, DLG, Ray Sepulveda, Jerry Rivera
and Obie Bermudez.
In 1991, after returning to New York from a lengthy stay in Puerto Rico, Tony and Marc Quinones would become apart of
the instrumental jazz group Spyro Gyra. Subbing for drummer Richie Morales on a tour in the U.S. opened new doors
and gave him the opportunity to work with bassist Oskar Cartaya for the next decade. As a duo they would produce an
annual jazz concert backing up greats like Marc Anthony, Kirk Whalum, Roberta Flack, Herb Alpert, Humberto Ramirez,
Warren Hill, Bob Baldwin, Paquito D'Rivera, Regina Carter, and Eddie Palmieri.
In 2000, he was called to join legendary rock producer Tom Dowd ( Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, Allman Bros Band, Eric
Clapton) and record the drums for the debut Sony release of young legendary guitarist Joe Bonamassa. The CD titled "A
New Day Yesterday" features Tony's rock grooves accompanying Greg Allman, Rick Derringer and Leslie West along
with the Bonamassa Trio. A tour with Bonamassa would place the newly formed power trio on stages with The Derrick
Trucks Band, The Doobie Brothers, and Dr. John. It was during this period that tony would also tour with latin pop star
Ricky Martin in Europe and South America. Then a tour with "Wicked" broadway vocalist Idina Menzel would add to his
list of rock drumming experience.
As a musical director, his credits include: Sony Music Conference NYC, Angela Carrasco & Celia Cruz at Lincoln Center.
His list of recording credits consists of: Dizzy Gillespie, Yoshiaki Masuo, Jan Hammer, Noel Pointer, Willie Colon, Cheo
Feliciano, Fania-Allstars, Dave Valentin, Faith Evans featuring P.Diddy, Vinny Valentino & Colorfunk, Eartha Kitt Live at
The Carlyle, George Benson, Louie Vega & Elements of Life, Louie Vega & Nuyorican-Soul, Patti Austin Live, Bob
Baldwin, Marion Meadows Live at Toad's, Oskar Cartaya, Steve Clarke, Humberto Ramirez, Joe Bonamassa and Cosmic
Jibaros.
A current addition to the contemporary-jazz group "Level 10", he now resides in Orlando, florida.
Tony endorses Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks and LP MUSIC instruments exclusively.
*(Tony's second self is playing competitive baseball as a second baseman for the MSBL National Orlando Astros team)*
A native New Yorker of Puerto Rican descent, Tony has recorded and toured with some of the entertainment industry's
best performers. As a drummer/percussionist, his list of experience extends across the world of R&B, smooth-jazz, latin-
jazz, salsa, gospel, pop and into the world of rock.
As a drummer, his first gig out of New York City would be with legendary vocalist Roberta Flack at Carnegie Hall, sharing
rhythm section duties with bassist Marcus Miller and percussionist Ralph MacDonald. From that experience, his
drumming would land him gigs with R&B singers Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofill, Audrey Wheeler, Lisa Lisa, Toni Smith, Phil
Perry, trumpeter Tom Browne and various artists from the recording industry in New York City. His skills would then find
him recording with producers that tracked hit artists like
Unlimited Touch, France Joli, and Faith Evans.
A different musical experience with Puerto Rican bassist and producer Oskar Cartaya would introduce him to latin
session musicians in NYC and to salsa legend Willie Colon. Performing concerts and recording jingles in Puerto rico
during these years exposed his talent among artists and singers like Ednita Nazario, Glenn Monroig, Luna and producer
Cucco Pena. A longtime friendship with legendary percussionists Marc Quinones and Bobby Allende would bring about
the opportunity to develop the latin side of his drumming. The results brought him the gigs playing with the likes of Celia
Cruz, Tito Puente, Gato Barbieri, Tania Maria, Jorge Dalto, Sal Cuevas, Nicky Marrero, Patato Valdes, Jose Feliciano,
Tito Nieves, Ruben Blades y Son del Solar, Sergio George, Cheo Feliciano, La India, DLG, Ray Sepulveda, Jerry Rivera
and Obie Bermudez.
In 1991, after returning to New York from a lengthy stay in Puerto Rico, Tony and Marc Quinones would become apart of
the instrumental jazz group Spyro Gyra. Subbing for drummer Richie Morales on a tour in the U.S. opened new doors
and gave him the opportunity to work with bassist Oskar Cartaya for the next decade. As a duo they would produce an
annual jazz concert backing up greats like Marc Anthony, Kirk Whalum, Roberta Flack, Herb Alpert, Humberto Ramirez,
Warren Hill, Bob Baldwin, Paquito D'Rivera, Regina Carter, and Eddie Palmieri.
In 2000, he was called to join legendary rock producer Tom Dowd ( Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, Allman Bros Band, Eric
Clapton) and record the drums for the debut Sony release of young legendary guitarist Joe Bonamassa. The CD titled "A
New Day Yesterday" features Tony's rock grooves accompanying Greg Allman, Rick Derringer and Leslie West along
with the Bonamassa Trio. A tour with Bonamassa would place the newly formed power trio on stages with The Derrick
Trucks Band, The Doobie Brothers, and Dr. John. It was during this period that tony would also tour with latin pop star
Ricky Martin in Europe and South America. Then a tour with "Wicked" broadway vocalist Idina Menzel would add to his
list of rock drumming experience.
As a musical director, his credits include: Sony Music Conference NYC, Angela Carrasco & Celia Cruz at Lincoln Center.
His list of recording credits consists of: Dizzy Gillespie, Yoshiaki Masuo, Jan Hammer, Noel Pointer, Willie Colon, Cheo
Feliciano, Fania-Allstars, Dave Valentin, Faith Evans featuring P.Diddy, Vinny Valentino & Colorfunk, Eartha Kitt Live at
The Carlyle, George Benson, Louie Vega & Elements of Life, Louie Vega & Nuyorican-Soul, Patti Austin Live, Bob
Baldwin, Marion Meadows Live at Toad's, Oskar Cartaya, Steve Clarke, Humberto Ramirez, Joe Bonamassa and Cosmic
Jibaros.
A current addition to the contemporary-jazz group "Level 10", he now resides in Orlando, florida.
Tony endorses Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks and LP MUSIC instruments exclusively.
*(Tony's second self is playing competitive baseball as a second baseman for the MSBL National Orlando Astros team)*
| Level 10 Band has been nominated by the Los Angeles Music Awards for Best New Independent Jazz Artist of the Year! Level 10 Band is a Semi-Finalist in the Florida Grammy Awards |