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Pete Escovedo

As far as household names in percussion go Pete Escovedo ranks high on the list. A prominent San Francisco/Oakland area multi-percussionist and a force in the local festival and recording scene, even in his seventies, Pete is known worldwide for his session work and solo albums.

Born in California, Pete's first encounter with music was the saxophone. By school end, however, the instrument yielded place to the bongos. Pete's first explorations were on a makeshift pair, cobbled together out of tin cans and household adhesives. During the sixties, armed with the real thing, Pete joined his brother Coke and gigged the Bay Area in a unit called the Escovedo Brothers Latin Jazz Sextet. It didn't mark the end of his day job, but it led to chops, stamina and a growing respect for his professionalism.

In 1972, both Pete and Coke joined Santana, touring and recording several albums with the guitarist and establishing a high standard to which their successors would have to adhere. Pete's timbale playing drew the spotlight but he was becoming increasingly well-versed in other Afro-Cuban percussion instruments.

Not content to accompany, Pete and Coke departed Santana and founded one of the most revered west coast Latin bands, Azteca. The band fused Afro-Cuban, South American, jazz, funk and pop elements in infectious proportions. Azteca sent down roots in the west coast, while many of its members, Lenny White and Stanley Clarke, to name but two, went to New York and enjoyed further success. Azteca released two albums on Columbia before calling it quits.

To list his session tally would be almost impossible. Suffice it to say, if it's an important musical figure, Pete Escovedo has probably been involved, either in the studio or on the road. To name just a few of the diverse artists on his discography: Tito Puente, Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Boz Scaggs, George Duke, Angela Bofil, Woody Herman, Mongo Santamaria, Cal Tjader, and Prince.

As a sideline and forward looking move, Pete opened nightclubs in Oakland, Berkeley, Almeda and San Jose, all featuring live music. Somewhat appropriately, Pete's seventieth birthday was roundly celebrated in a club, the legendary Yoshi's in San Francisco.

Pete has put out solo albums along with recordings with his daughter Sheila E. and sons Peter Michael and Juan. Family-oriented, genial, and devoted to music, his passion for fueling the Latin jazz scene has been recognized with numerous awards, including a congressional citation and ABC Television Profile of Excellence! His Toca signature timbales reflect his deep experience in the heart of the Afro-Cuban scene and incorporate the best features of vintage drums with added modern durability.

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Album Review

Yvonne Flores: Sheer Bliss

Read "Sheer Bliss" reviewed by Edward Blanco


The debut album from Bay Area vocalist and composer Yvonne Flores, Sheer Bliss is musical magic from a wonderful singer armed with a sensuous voice and is sure to grab critical attention. The album contains seven original sand two standards in an offering of contemporary jazz and pop with a touch of the Latin and Brazilian flavors. Flores draws upon the talents of eighteen players with several heavy hitters among them. Latin jazz guitarist and producer of this ...

11
Book Review

My Life in the Key of E

Read "My Life in the Key of E" reviewed by Richard J Salvucci


My Life in the Key of E: A Memoir Pete Escovedo with Sarah Spinner Escovedo 284 Pages ISBN: 978-0-692-87885-9 2017 It's not news that the music business is tough. There are some phenomenally talented people who scuffle for years trying to pay the rent. And, yes, there is the other phenomenon too,a commercially successful mediocrity elevated by the vagaries of popular taste. If for no other reason, Pete ...

239
Album Review

Pete Escovedo: Live!

Read "Live!" reviewed by Jim Santella


Today, Pete Escovedo stands as one of the primary standard bearers of Latin jazz – along with Poncho Sanchez, Eddie Palmieri and Ray Barretto. At this live session recorded last summer in San Diego, the vibrant timbalero shows why – with nods to Cal Tjader, Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, and Azteca, the large Latin funk band that Escovedo co-led along with his brother Coke in the early 1970s. His children sit in with the band as emotions rise and fall ...

134
Album Review

Pete Escovedo: E Music

Read "E Music" reviewed by Jim Santella


A “tipico” album of smooth jazz and Salsa, Pete Escovedo’s 5th Concord release is reminiscent of Tito Puente’s popular appeal. Mambo, guajira, cha cha cha, bolero and samba provide the listener a romantic evening with gentle, flowing motion. Escovedo’s heartfelt vocals, sensitive guest instrumentalists and his family’s rhythmic, percussive accompaniments drive the session. Son Peter Michael, daughters Sheila & Zina, and wife Juanita help balance the latest family project. Since the early 1950s, family has influenced Escovedo’s professional music choices. ...

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3

Festival

Celebrate Valentine's Day weekend 2019 with Poncho Sanchez, Pete Escovedo, and more aboard the Latin Love Boat

Celebrate Valentine's Day weekend 2019 with Poncho Sanchez, Pete Escovedo, and more aboard the Latin Love Boat

Source: All About Jazz

Latin Cruise Events is proudly announcing “Latin Love Boat“ Valentines Weekend Jazz Cruise. The luxurious Carnival Imagination will depart on Thursday, February 14th sailing from Long Beach, California to Ensenada Mexico and returning February 17th, 2019 (Thursday to Sunday). This 3-Day Music Festival Cruise will include: Legendary Jazz artists, Poncho Sanchez, Pete Escovedo, as well World Famous “SaSoul Godfather" Joe Bataan, PLUS Southern California's own The B-side Players and Northern California's Mike Torres Band and more. The Cruise concerts will ...

149

Interview

Latin Jazz Conversations: Pete Escovedo (Part 1)

Latin Jazz Conversations: Pete Escovedo (Part 1)

Source: The Latin Jazz Corner by Chip Boaz

When a musician looks back upon their lifetime, their accomplishments leave an impact upon their musical community and the depth of this impact defines their legacy. Individuals destined to leave a major footprint upon the musical world generally start early, dedicating all their spare time to the pursuit of musical growth. These individuals spend all their time listening, talking about music, practicing, and playing with other musicians. Their agenda is only served by their passion; they simply have a desire ...

72

Interview

Latin Jazz Conversations: Pete Escovedo (Part 2)

Latin Jazz Conversations: Pete Escovedo (Part 2)

Source: The Latin Jazz Corner by Chip Boaz

Music has a funny way of changing over time--the ebbs and flows of creativity bring different ideas onto a musicians plate, forcing them to deal with it. Any musician has the option of ignoring the changes in popular taste, but they run the risk of becoming antiquated. Steadfast adherence to stylistic norms are important in some circles, but they close the door on any musical evolution. Musicians that take the time to investigate new trends at least have the option ...

77

Interview

Latin Jazz Conversations: Pete Escovedo (Part 3)

Latin Jazz Conversations: Pete Escovedo (Part 3)

Source: The Latin Jazz Corner by Chip Boaz

Any Latin Jazz scene with an established tradition carries an identifiable “sound," a clear aural representation of the culture and values held by the area's musical community. The area's “sound" rises from the combination of musical choices prioritized by the musicians on the scene and the continued support for a group of musical ideas. Individuals certainly play a part in the development of this sound, but it's really a collective effort that relies upon interaction of a large community of ...

272

Festival

Playboy Jazz Festival Adds the Pete Escovedo Orchestra Featuring Sheila E., Peter Michael and Juan Escovedo to Line-up on Saturday, June 12th at the Hollywood Bowl. Los Van Van Tour Cancelled.

Playboy Jazz Festival Adds the Pete Escovedo Orchestra Featuring Sheila E., Peter Michael and Juan Escovedo to Line-up on Saturday, June 12th at the Hollywood Bowl. Los Van Van Tour Cancelled.

Source: Michael Ricci

The Pete Escovedo Orchestra featuring Sheila E., Peter Michael and Juan Escovedo will join the Playboy Jazz Festival line-up Saturday, June 12th, it was announced today by Dick Rosenzweig, President of the Playboy Jazz Festival.

The group will replace Los Van Van, who regretfully have had to postpone their upcoming tour. “The coordinators of the tour of Los Van Van regret to announce that, due to an unresolved business matter between the group and a third party and circumstances beyond ...

226

Performance / Tour

Latin Percussionist Pete Escovedo, Son Juan and Daughter Sheila E Visit Seattle's Jazz Alley

Latin Percussionist Pete Escovedo, Son Juan and Daughter Sheila E Visit Seattle's Jazz Alley

Source: Michael Ricci

For Los Angeles percussionist Pete Escovedo, music has always been a family affair. The Northern California native first made his mark with his siblings Coke and Phil in the Escovedo Brothers Latin Jazz Band, a sextet that expanded the West Coast Afro-Cuban sound pioneered by Cal Tjader. Along with his brother Coke (who passed away in 1986), he went on to found the seminal Latino rock band Azteca in 1970, though Pete reached a much larger audience touring and recording ...

118

Festival

Eddie Palmieri and Pete Escovedo at the Healdsburg Jazz Festival

Eddie Palmieri and Pete Escovedo at the Healdsburg Jazz Festival

Source: All About Jazz

Summer means one thing to the jazz world - the return of several festivals around the country, showcasing a variety of artists, including Latin Jazz musicians. These events take many shapes and sizes; some cover several days while others employ a number of different musicians throughout the course of one day. Many of these summer events take advantage of the beautiful weather and place the artists (and audience) under the sun. In many cases, these festivals evolve into parties that ...

93

Performance / Tour

Gemini Soul w/ Ajamu Akinyele Opens for Latin/Jazz Percussionist Pete Escovedo (Cyber Jazz)

Gemini Soul w/ Ajamu Akinyele Opens for Latin/Jazz Percussionist Pete Escovedo (Cyber Jazz)

Source: All About Jazz

Cyber Jazz recording artists Gemini Soul w/ Ajamu Akinyele opens for Latin/Jazz percussionist Pete Escovedo Saturday - June 16th @ The San Jose Juneteenth Festival.

Cyber Jazz recording artists Andre Ajamu Akinyele (Ah-jah-moo + Ah-kin-yay-lay) on bass & programming; Jon O'Bergh on keyboards, piano & programming; Andrew Foster on percussion; and Alex Marks on drums will be performing their eclectic blend of smooth jazz - funk fusion with an electronic element as Gemini Soul at the 2007 San Jose Juneteenth ...

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Music Industry

Pete Escovedo and Freddie Ravel to Perform at Benefit November 11, 2001

Pete Escovedo and Freddie Ravel to Perform at Benefit November 11, 2001

Source: All About Jazz

Concord Vista recording star and Latin Jazz legend Pete Escovedo and Universal Recording Artist with the Number 1 Adult Contemporary Jazz hit, Freddie Ravel, will perform a very special evening of music HEROES AND MUSIC, Sunday, November 11, 2001. The benefit will honor those who have helped to uplift the human spirit in the wake of the September 11, 2001 tragedies and David Galligan, director and producer who, through music, has raised millions of dollars for charities. An evening of ...

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Sheer Bliss

Cristabel Records
2022

buy

Live!

Concord Music Group
2003

buy

Pete Escovedo Live!

Concord Music Group
2003

buy

E Music

Concord Music Group
2001

buy

E Music

Concord Music Group
2000

buy

E Street

Concord Music Group
1997

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