Louie Vega Presents Luisito Quintero

Luisito Quintero was born in Caracas, Venezuela where his musical influences first took root. Afro-Venezuelan rhythm surrounded him at home; his father was a respected percussionist and he tutored and encouraged Luisito on timbales through his adolescent years. Luisito continued on his musical journey, studying at Orquesta Simfonica de Venezuela (The Symphonic Orchestra of Venezuela) where his timbale technique impressed his professors and colleagues. After school Luisito joined the popular music ensembles Grupo Guaco and El Trabuco Venezolano, and traveled extensively with Oscar D'Leon, enjoying the worldwide exposure he received on tour. Luisito's performing credits, projects and recordings are extensive. He perfected his percussion style working with the late Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Richard Bona, Jack Dejonette, Willie Colon, George Benson, Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock, Nuyorican Soul, and Masters at Work to name a few.

As the backbone of the band, Luisito has been an influential part of Louie Vega's Element of Life projects Combining Afro-Latin rhythms with jazz and bossa nova sounds, Elements of Life was a worldwide hit. While on tour with the Elements of Life band for the past three years, Luisito has shared the stage with Robert Plant, Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys and more. The EOL band has played some of the top festivals from the likes of Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland), North Sea Jazz Festival (Netherlands), Roskilde (Denmark), Blue Note (Japan), Jazz Cafe (London) and the legendary New Morning Cafe (Paris).

Luisito continues his musical journey with a new release produced by Louie Vega entitled Percussion Maddness. The album shows the artistic side of a percussionist at his finest. Among the many collaborations, the soulful 'Love Remains the Same' and Afro Cuban 'Tumbao' both feature members of Blaze, while 'Our Love' showcases the vocal talents of EOL's Anane. Luisito also recreates hits by the late great Tito Puente and Fela Kuti, accompanied by Hilton Ruiz on Puente's classic 'Four Beat Mambo', and Francis Mbappe on Fela's 'Gbagada, Gbagada, Gbogodo, Gbogodo'.

Percussion Maddness exhibits Luisito Quintero's lively imagination and musical creativity throughout the release . His passion for the music and artful rhythms will impress first time listeners and for long time fans- this is the record you've been waiting for.

Enjoy the bliss of Percussion Maddness.