Poncho Sánchez | |
|---|---|
 Poncho Sanchez performing in 2014 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ildephonso Sanchez |
| Born | (1951-10-30)October 30, 1951 (age 73) Laredo, Texas, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
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| Instruments | |
| Years active | 1975–present |
| Labels | |
Poncho Sánchez (bornIldefonso Sanchez,[1] October 30, 1951[citation needed]) is an Americanconguero (conga player),Latin jazz band leader, andsalsa singer. In 2000, he and his ensemble won theGrammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album for their work on theConcord Picante albumLatin Soul. Sanchez has performed with artists includingCal Tjader,Mongo Santamaría,Hugh Masekela,Clare Fischer, andTower of Power.[2][3]
The youngest of eleven children, Poncho Sanchez was born inLaredo, Texas and reared inNorwalk, California, while he attendedCerritos College.[1] Growing up, he was exposed to and influenced by two different styles of music:Afro-Cuban music (mambo,son,cha-cha,rumba,guaracha, and Changui) byTito Puente and others, andbebopjazz, including the works ofDizzy Gillespie andCharlie Parker.[4]
Originally aguitarist, he discovered his talent for singing during an audition for theR&B band The Halos that rehearsed across the street from his residence.[5] Sanchez became the lead vocalist of The Halos, and would go on to teach himself theflute, thedrums, andtimbales before finally deciding inhigh school to pursueconga drumming above all.
Sanchez has released dozens of LP and CD albums.[6]
In 1975, Sanchez's idol,vibraphonistCal Tjader, invited him to perform a set with his band.[7] 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 asconguero for several years until Tjader's death in 1982.
Before he died, Tjader suggested thatConcord Records founderCarl 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 collaboratorClare Fischer. Sanchez went on to produce 19 albums for the label, eventually garnering aGrammy for his work.[8][9]
AllMusic described Sanchez as "among the most influential percussionists in jazz."[10] He has been performing frequently in venues varying in size from concert halls to local jazz festivals.[6] His 2005 CD,Do It!, features the funk bandTower of Power on two tracks, as well as South AfricantrumpeterHugh Masekela.[11]
Sanchez is a frequent collaborator with bandleaderJosé Rizo. He played conga on the Grammy-nominated albumMongorama produced by Rizo.[12]
Sanchez was featured onIlya Serov's single "Tangerine", released on January 9, 2018.[13]
WithBenny Golson
WithWoody Herman
WithArt Pepper
WithCal Tjader
WithIlya Serov
