| Although he began his musical life as a guitarist, Ramon took
over the drum chair in the family band in 1967. Along the way
he has become one of the most respected and in demand Drummer/Percussionists
today. His unique style and hard grooving approach evolved naturally
from his formative years on the Los Angeles music scene.
Most familiar to U.S. and international audiences for his work
on timbales with the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band, Ramon participated
in over 22 recordings, countless world tours and educational
workshops over the past two decades. Ramon has now ventured out
on his own, working with a variety of artists, including live
performances, session work and private instruction.
Ramon's musical tastes run wide and deep from; Rashaan Roland
Kirk to Hank Williams and everything in between. His drumming
influences include; Max Roach, Billy Higgins, Jeff Hamilton,
Clyde Stubblefield and Al Jackson as well as percussion greats;
Tito Puente, Manny Oquendo, Willie Bobo and Orestes Vilato. Ramon's
versatility on drums and percussion have allowed him to perform
and/or record with many legends of Jazz and Latin music such
as; Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, Freddie Hubbard,
Carmen McRae, Mongo Santamaria, Celia Cruz, Eddie Harris, Al
McKibbon and The Jazz Crusaders. As well as the innovators of
today including Chick Correa, Dianne Reeves, Joey De Francesco,
Arturo Sandoval and Terence Blanchard. Playing with an energy
and conviction that is soulful, relaxed and intensely swinging,
Ramon signs all of his art that way, but never more so than when
he along with his brother Tony head up their own ensemble, The
Banda Bros. Group. Formed in 1996 with a powerful emphasis on
straight-ahead Jazz as well as drawing from the rich Afro-Caribbean
traditions. The sextet has a unique talent for bringing insight
and imagination to original material as well as covered classics,
providing the perfect balance of accessibility and invention. |