Primary Instrument: Saxophone
Joan Velez
is an artist with a passion for jazz and latin music, he has a unique, big, sensual, and very percussive signature sound, his music is a new refreshing Experience.Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Velez began playing drums at age 11 before migrating to Tenor Saxophone one year later. While a student at the prestigious La Escuela Libre de Música in Arecibo, he also took up Soprano and Alto Saxophones as well as Flute. The Bomba and Plena rhythms of Puerto Rico, along with Cuban and Brazilian traditions, were among the biggest influences on Velez early taste in music. Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Michael Brecker and Paquito Dâ Rivera had the greatest impact on his playing.In 1996 enrolled at the Universidad de Interamericana de Puerto Rico with a major in jazz performance. In 2000, Joan Velez Received the Berklee College of Music Outstanding Musicianship Certificate. He have performed in jazz festivals and he has shared the stage with such jazz artists as Mike Arroyo, Angel David Matos, Ricardo Pons, Nidya Caro, Raymond Rousseu, Jimmy Rivera, Nick Schneider, Bruce Oscar, Rodney Reed Zawacki, Robin Watson, Ken Champion and others. In 2005 he moved to Chicago for a warm reception from critics, music lovers and fellow artists, as he continues to push his style and sound.
Cristian Velez
was born in 1979 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. By the time he was 11 years old he start playing percussion, guitar, trumpet and bass. At 16 he became a professional musician, playing percussion, drums, and singing in local churchs and bands. A few years later, Cristian began a student of the great drummer David Rivera, professor at Univ. Interamerican of P.R.. Very influnced by the music of Giovanni Hidalgo, Airto Moreira, Cepeda Family among others. Cristian Style its just a collage of the world rhythms.
Awards:
Berklee College of Music “Outstanding Musicianship” CertificateEverything I Love
Edson Record
2008
Feel The Rain
Edson Record
2009
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AMT Room 1 Elite Wireless Mic Fat Slap Electric Bass Cristian Velez Signature Series
