Percussion Prince

Venezuela is known for producing outstanding percussionists, who are scouted by the world’s biggest artists, from jazz to pop. Headed by the famous Quinteros family, Venezuela’s percussion royalty has planted its roots firmly across the world with the likes of Orlando Poleo, Alfredo Cutufla, William Cumberbache and Gerardo Rosales in Europe alone. Joining them is, Edwin Sanz, percussion’s latest aristocrat who debuts in the UK, hot of touring with Rodrigo and Gabriela, and releasing his Opera Prima, San Agustin. We caught up with the new prince of percussion ahead of his London concert this summer.

LatinoLife: Tell us about Edwin Sanz, who is he? Edwin Sanz: I am a Venezuelan born percussionist whose had the chance to work with some of the most exiting Latino artists such us Jose Alberto el Canario, Yan Collazo, Tito Nieves, Adalberto Santiago, Issac Delgado, Tito Allen, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Alex Wilson, Jerry Rivera and many more. LL: How did you manage you pull off your new project given all the difficulties Salsa musicians face these days? ES: I know it is very hard but thanks to the effort and organization put in by Alex Wilson and myself, we were able to record the album in two months. I’m very happy to have Luisito Quintero, Rodrigo Rodriguez, Oscar Cordero, Danny Labana y Johan Escalante (trombone player of los Adolecentes) as guests!. LL: What does San Agustin (the famous Caracas barrio that has produced so many great percussionists) represent for you? ES: San Agustin is my childhood, where I met my first love, where my friends and family remain, it is who I am and everything I left back home in Venezuela. LL: Who are your biggest musical influences? ES: Oscar De Leon, Grupo Madera, Guaco, Sonora Ponceña, Los Van van, Descarga Boricua, Eddie Palmieri, Giovanny Hidalgo, Julio Barreto and pretty much all types of music, when it’s good! LL: What are your plans for 2014-2015 ED: I plan to do a lot of concerts in San Agustin with Alex Wilson and to record an album of Afrovenezuelan music and Latin Jazz. Edwin Sanz will play at The Garage on 27th June at 9pm, followed by The Afro Latina monthly party. For tickets http://mamacolive.com/thegarage/