Amoeba Music

Percussionist and singer Poncho Sanchez has recorded 24 albums in 25 years, combining Latin and Afro-Cuban jazz, salsa, soul, swing, and bepop. Originally from Laredo, Texas, Sanchez grew up in Los Angeles where he was influenced by the musical diversity that surrounded him, including jazz, Latin jazz, and soul. He taught himself to play...More

Percussionist and singer Poncho Sanchez has recorded 24 albums in 25 years, combining Latin and Afro-Cuban jazz, salsa, soul, swing, and bepop. Originally from Laredo, Texas, Sanchez grew up in Los Angeles where he was influenced by the musical diversity that surrounded him, including jazz, Latin jazz, and soul. He taught himself to play guitar, flute, drums and timbales, but settled on the congas. He began playing in vibraphone player Cal Tjader's band in 1974, at age 24, and continued with him until Tjader's death in 1982. After the death of his mentor, Sanchez signed to Concord records and released his first album, Sonando!, in 1982. Over the years, Poncho Sanchez has collaborated with artists such as Mongo Santamaria, Hugh Masakela, Arturo Sandoval, Clare Fischer, and Tower of Power. His latest (and his 24th) album for Concord is called Psychedelic Blues (2009).