Ignacio Berroa

Percussionist. Recognized as one of the best drummers of our time. His numerous contributions to the American music scene have earned him a place among a very select group of artists who have managed to create trends. The versatility of his music has allowed him to build a successful career as one of the best drummers of our time.

He was born in Havana and followed in his father's footsteps, beginning his musical training as a classical violinist. But his life changed the day he heard two of the greats, Nat King Cole and Glenn Miller. That was when he realized he wanted to dedicate himself professionally to music and from then on he never stopped pursuing that dream with passion.

He studied music in 1965 at the National School of Art and later at the National Conservatory of Havana. In 1972 he made his professional debut with pianist Felipe Dulzaides' group. In 1975 he became part of the ICAIC Sound Experimentation Group.

Based in New York in 1980, he collaborates with Mario Bauzá and is invited by Dizzy Gillespie to join his quartet and, subsequently, all the important bands brought together by Gillespie, with whom he establishes a close relationship, being his last drummer.

He has been a professor at the University of Florida, has given master classes and seminars around the world, published various books: Groovin' In Clave and A New Way of Groovin and some educational videos, among which the famous Mastering The Art Of Afro-Cuban Drumming stands out. His debut album was delayed due to his multiple occupations. Codes (Blue Note, 2006) has been praised by specialized critics and nominated for the 2007 Grammy Awards.

He has recorded and performed with flautist Gonzalo Fernández, with Paquito D'Rivera and McCoy Tyner. In Puerto Rico he joined the group Batacumbele. On the recommendation of Mario Bauzá, he joined Gillespie's band, of which he was the last drummer.

He has collaborated and recorded with Kip Hanrahan, Mario Rivera, Claudio Roditi, Hilton Ruiz, Steve Turre, Tito Puente's Golden Latin Jazz All-Stars, Giovanni Hidalgo, Danilo Pérez and Michael Horta. Chick Corea, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Marsalis, James Moody, Slide Hampton, Ron Carter, Charlie Haden, Eddie Gomez, Phil Woods, Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Jaco Pastorius, Tito Puente, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Lalo Schifrin, Chico Buarque and Gilberto Gil.

Critical Opinions
"(...) He is the only Latin drummer in the world, in the history of American music, who intimately knows both worlds, the Afro-Cuban and jazz." "(...) The concert by Ignacio Berroa with David Sánchez at the Granada Festival is, without a doubt, a luxury finale of the Granada festival. As Wynton Marsalis says: Ignacio plays with intelligence, good taste, fire and soul. His music combines the best aspects of Afro-Cuban and American percussion styles... Hearing him play simply makes you feel good..."