Artist description A World Class West Coast Latin Jazz Ensemble. The Estrada Brothers have been making music since the 1950's, dynamically blending Jazz, Latin and Afro-Cuban elements into their distinctive sound.

Music Style Latin Jazz

Musical Influences Cal Tjader

Similar Artists Cal Tjader

Artist History Since the 1950's, The Estrada Brothers have been catering to the diverse musical needs and tastes of Ventura County audiences as well as other parts of California, something they have thoroughly enjoyed. Inspired by their father, who was also a musician, five of the seven brothers have either played or have been part of the band at one time or another. In the late fifty's, after listening to the recordings of vibists Lionel Hampton, Tito Puente and most importantly Cal Tjader, the band brought in a set of "vibes" vibraphone [vibraharp], an instrument that would figure prominently in the Estrada Brothers sound.

Group Members The Estrada Latin Jazz Sextet currently consists of two brothers, Ruben Estrada (Vibes & Leader); Henry Estrada (Alto Sax / Tenor Sax & Flute); Ruben "Cougar" Estrada Jr. (Drums) who is Ruben's son, joined the band in 1985; Malcom Ian Peters (Bass) also joined in 1985; Raul Rico Jr. (Congas & Percussion) has been with the band since 1974 also manages the band and Joe Rotondi Jr. (Piano) joined in 1987.

Albums (RJD-0010)_The Estrada Brothers Debut CD (CC-010)_The Estrada Brothers Debut-Cassette (CC-020)_Another Side of the Estrada Brothers (RJD-0030)_About Time (MCD-9260)_Get Out Of My Way

Press Reviews That Ringing Sound? It's the Estrada Brothers' pulse punctuating both fervid and melancholy rhythms, the vibraphone leads the way for the longtime Latin band. The vibraphone, a true percussion instrument with ties to congas, cowbells, timbales and cymbals, is a natural lead for a Latin Jazz band. Its ringing sound, as Cal Tjader so amply demonstrated decades ago, is suited to both the lively spirit of salsa and the melancholy of bolero. That traditional sound rang out Saturday at Steamers Cafe in Fullerton when the Estrada Brothers, a six-piece Latin band with vibraphonist Ruben Estrada, struck up Tjader's "Cuban Fantasy." Estrada's swirling vibraphone lines mingled gracefully with the rhythm section's pulse, sometimes leading the way into fervid play, sometimes floating gently above the beat. "We play a lot of Cal Tjader," Estrada told the audience between tunes. And indeed, even as they turned Rodgers and Hart's "Blue Moon" into a light-footed cha-cha and jazz-walk, Tjader's influence resided in the sound of Estrada's vibes. The Estrada Brothers band comprises Henry Estrada, Ruben's brother, on saxophone and flute and Ruben's son, Ruben "Cougar" Estrada Jr., on drums. Pianist Joe Rotondi Jr., percussionist Raul Rico Jr. and bassist Malcolm Ian Peters have been with the Ventura County ensemble for most of this decade. There has been an Estrada Brothers band in various forms for nearly 45 years. The group's shared genes and longevity show up on the bandstand in its tight ensemble play and in the ease with which it navigated turns of mood and pace. Still, there's a wide range of solo voices in the group, from Henry Estrada's lyrical flute and alto work to the he-man displays of muscle and timing from percussionists Rico and Estrada Jr. With both Estrada brothers picking up a cowbell or some other noisemaker, the band locked into tight grooves filled with embellishments and accents. Vibraphonist Estrada used the sometimes assertive percussion instrument as a springboard for more melodic statements, moving with emotion into its upper range, and sounding just the right note combinations as he descended. His tone was especially measured and romantic on "The Good Life"; he let notes reverberate in the ballad before moving on. Pianist Rotondi is a strongly rhythmic player whose insistent clave figures often freed the drums and congas to pursue other agendas. On "Blue Moon," the blend of piano, vibes and flute gave the music an attractive glow. BILL KOHLHAASE Los Angeles Times.

Location Camarillo, CA - USA

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