Luis Conte

Luis Conte (b. 16 November 1954) is an Afro-Cuban percussionist.

Early years

As a child in Cuba, Conte began his musical odyssey playing the guitar. However, he soon switched to percussion, and that has remained his mode since.

He was sent to Los Angeles by his parents in 1967, in order to prevent him from being forced to serve in the Cuban military. This was a turning point in Conte's life, as the musical community in Los Angeles during this period was vibrant. It was during this time that he studied at Los Angeles City College.

Musical career

Conte proved himself versatile musically, and by 1973, he was playing regularly in local clubs. He quickly became a busy studio musician, and throughout the 1970s, he played in the Latin fusion band Caldera.

In the 1980s, Conte toured with several different musicians, including Madonna, guitarist Al DiMeola, and Andy Narell. His debut as a bandleader came in 1987, when he released "La Cocina Caliente", which included a Latinized version of Chopin's "Susarasa."

Recently, Conte has toured as part of James Taylor's "Band of Legends." He has also played alongside such famed musicians as Alex Acuña, Larry Klimas, and David Garfield, both as a bandleader and a sideman. Luis Conte was part of Phil Collins 2004 worldwide "First Farewell Tour", performing afro-cuban percussion and adding more depth into the concert songs.

Discography

*"La Cocina Caliente" (1987)
*"Black Forest" (1989)

References

*cite book | last = Yanow | first = Scott | title = Afro-Cuban Jazz | publisher = Miller Freeman Books | location = San Francisco | year = 2000 | isbn = 087930619X