“I am sure it would come as little surprise to know that of all the variety of musical styles the one that has had the most influence on my own musicianship is what has gone by the name of jazz. Still, even within the majestic mansion that is African-American classical and popular music there are so many rooms and hallways.

One of the most important is the contribution of Latin and Afro-Cuban and Brazilian musicianship, particularly in the art of percussion.

Our guest in this episode, Frank Colon is one of the leading masters in this field. I know him more for his stint in the Tania Maria band since I have been an avid fan of her starting in the 1980s. I suppose you could say that when I watched her perform I hadn't the slightest notion that I would one day have any kind of show where I could discuss the life and career of any of the musicians with whom she has worked. Back then there were no podcasts.

So it was with great delight that Frank Colon responded to a message I left on one of his videos on his channel.

It is a mysterious thing really why any of us in music gravitate towards the music we love.

On this episode you will hear me asking about a lot of pianists who might not be household names or famous, like the late, great Jorge Dalto, Frank Colon has played with these and many more. 

I think from time to time it is good to mention these cats. Who knows; maybe they and their music will find more or newer listeners in the future?

But the love of the music is the important thing and, additionally like many guests on our show, Frank Colon is multi talented in seemingly depart fields, even becoming a master at martial arts.

Someone so multi talented and accomplished makes, of course, for a most exciting episode and I hope you enjoy hearing about his journey as much as we enjoyed exploring it in this episode.”

Frank's Bio:

Frank Colón’s music will move your body and soothe your soul.  His sophisticated, hot, and soulful music raises consciousness, brings people together, and promotes peace!

Frank is a specialist in Latin-Caribbean, Brazilian, and Asian percussion instruments, including congas, bongos, timbales, bata drums, shekere, cuica, berimbau, and tabla drums, among others.

The Frank Colón Band consists of (1) a Quartet (piano/keyboards, bass, drums, percussion) or (2) Quintet (piano/keyboards, bass, sax/trumpet, drums, percussion) performing songs from his CDs.

Frank is also available for motivational percussion clinics as well as recording work.

Links to Frank’s beautiful work: 

www.frankcolonpercussion.com 

https://youtu.be/S0inko59oTw