Biography
Poncho Sanchez (born October 30, 1951), is a Mexican-American 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 Santamaría, Hugh Masekela, Clare Fischer and Tower of Power, among others.[1]
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 "The Halos" that rehearsed across the street from where he lived with his neighborhood friend Ralph Vasquez then 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.
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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.
[edit]Discography
Straight Ahead - 1980
Clare Fischer & Salsa Picante Present "2 + 2" - 1981
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
Psychedelic Blues - 2009
Chano Y Dizzy! - 2011
Live in Hollywood - 2012
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.