Gabriel
Being the youngest in the band, Gabriel Cerna is a latin multi-percussionist who has been playing music since the age of 7.
To read more about our director visit the link here.
Our Nuyorican conguero carries tumbao and the heartbeat of the music in his blood.
Joel brings that Puerto Rican flavor of sazón, spice and everything nice to Yambambo.
As a dynamic multi percussionist ranging from drum kit where he has played various styles to cuero where he connects with his Puerto Rican heritage not only through salsa but also through bomba y plena!
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COURT
Introducing Court on baby and electric bass!
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Court has been performing in the United States, Mexico, Peru, and Cuba since 1979.
Court’s passion for Yambambo’s music comes from his childhood in Nueva York, and his experiences as a percussionist playing West African, Haitian, and Cuban folkloric styles. He’s traveled to Cuba twice and Puerto Rico once to study bass in the Caribbean traditions. He’s studied with masters in the tradition and brings so that to bear on Yambambo’s bottom end.
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Aman Almeida is a jazz and salsa pianist based in Seattle. He grew up in South India, where he began playing drums and piano in local rock bands from a young age. From a young age, he was enamored by pianists like Eddie Palmieri and Chick Corea.
After graduating high school, he left the country to study at the Berklee College of Music, where he obtained his BA degree.
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WALTER
Introducing Walter on bongo!
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Coming from Perú and having played in various salsa groups in the PNW throughout the years such as Cambalache and Nueva Era, Walter brings his experience and adds to the heartbeat of the music with his cuero, campana and guiro.
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