Ramon Vazquez

Ramon Vazquez Martirena (Bassist, composer,recording artist,arranger and producer) Born on August 15, 1970 in the Cuban Province of Matanzas. From a very early age, like many Cubans,he had to flee his country and moved to Puerto Rico with his family, with the hope of making their dreams come true.

He began in music while still in middle school, where there was a student band. His first musical steps were with the triangle and the clave. After learning from his professor that the band needed a bassist, Ramon accepted the challenge and this way began his dedication to the study of his instrument.

Ramon graduated from the famed Escuela Libre de Musica in 1989 with high honors. He studied the bass privately and participated in several workshops and seminars including: The Manhattan School of Music Summer Workshop, the Bass Summit at the National Guitar Summer Workshop, and for three years (1995-97) the Berklee College in Puerto Rico, where he was awarded for “Outstanding Musicianship” with a scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music, in Boston, Massachusetts. Ramon continued his musical studies at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music where he graduated in 1998 with a Bachelors of Music in Double Bass and Musical Education.

During his musical career, Ramon has worked as a private teacher, taught at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music and at the Music Department of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.

His talent and charisma have allowed him to work with a great number pop, jazz and classical artists, in and out of Puerto Rico; enabling him to become one of the most sought-after bassist in the local industry. He's had the gratifying opportunity to work next to some of the great performers of popular music, such as: El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Olga Tañon, Tony Vega, Enrique Iglesias, Eddie Santiago, Jerry Rivera, Lissette, Lucecita Benitez, Danny Rivera, Guillermo Davila, Lourdes Robles, Gina Maria Hidalgo, Jose Nogueras, Andy Montañez and Wilkins, among others. Ramon also has included to his musical resume performances with the Costa Rica National Symphonic Orchestra, Puerto Rico National Symphonic Orchestra and the San Juan Pop. He has also participated in dozens of recordings, including Olga Tañon's Grammy Award winning album “Olga Viva, Viva Olga”.

He has shared the stage with some of the best names in Jazz and Latin Jazz including: Chick Corea, Justo Almario, Hilton Ruiz, Paquito D`Rivera, Giovanni Hidalgo, Dave Samuels, Emil Richards, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, David Sanchez, Nestor Torres, Dave Valentin, Joel Rossenblat, Jane Bunnet and Miguel Zenon, among others.

His interest in creating a space where jazz musicians can express themselves freely and enthusiasts enjoy the experience, stems from his passion for jazz. To address this need, Ramon produces “Las Noches de Jazz Heineken en el San Juan Marriott” (Jazz Nights at The San Juan Marriott-Heineken Jazz Concert Series) in collaboration with Juan Carlos Vega of A-Z Music Corp. Every Wednesday, at the “ San Juan Mariott Resort & Stellaris Casino”, jazz fans gather to hear good music performed by some of the most gifted masters of the genre from Puerto Rico and other countries.

Ramon in October of 2003 completed his first recorded album as leader,titled “On The Move”. For this musical project he teamed with pianist Yan Carlos Artime, drummer Henry Cole, saxophonist Alejandro Aviles and special guests: saxophonists Jose “Cheguito” Encarnacion, percussionists Paoli Mejias and Candido Reyes, drummers Alex Acuña and Hector Matos, vocalist Eddie Wakes, pianist Amuni Nacer, guitarist Ramon “Moncho” Rios and violinist Paola Vazquez. The recording offers a nice blend of styles and soloists.There is a version of 'Lagrimas Negras' which showcases the piano work of Artime,and displays the musical bond between him and Ramon. This is expanded on the piece they co-wrote 'La Varita Magica',a danzón flavored number. The album's last track features Ramon on an extended bass solo at the 2003 Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest.

This takes us to his participation on the Paoli Mejias “Mi Tambor” in 2004, which was nominated for a Grammy in the Latin Jazz category. His bass foundation allowed master percussionist Paoli to shine in his first solo project, and was certainly a highlight for both musicians' careers. The same band on the “Mi Tambor” cd were the opening act at the 2005 Heineken Jazzfest. They turned in a stellar performance in front of a hometown crowd. A hard act to follow that night.

In his current project, he leads the Latin Jazz Trio, based out of San Juan. He is still with Yan Carlos Artime on piano, and often has veteran Efrain Toro on percussion and drums. They are a much in demand ensemble which is building a strong fan following due to their shows around the island.

Ramon Vazquez has become a fixture on the Puerto Rican jazz scene, and certainly one of its favorite sons. There is more to come.Stay tuned.