Artist description Maestro Lázaro Galarraga is an Afro-Cuban folklore master from Havanna, Cuba. He sings and plays percussion to all his originally arranged compositions. Rumba, Bembe, Son, Congo, etc. are just a few of the musical forms he plays.

Music Style Afro-Cuban

Musical Influences Cachao, Buena Vista Social Club, Poncho Quinto

Similar Artists Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba

Artist History Born in Havanna, Cuba El Maestro was an international star dancing, singing and drumming with the world renown Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba. He defected to the US in 1981 where he was sought out by industry professionals, musicians, and folk drummers and singers to record and document the history of his music. In 1992 Galarraga's masterful vocals accompanied drum master Francisco Aguabella which lead them to a performance at the White House. In 1994 Maestro recorded on two Grammy Award Winning Albums: Israel "Cachao" Lopez "Master Sessions Vol.I" and Herbie Hancock "Dis Is Da Drum". He also released folklore albums produced by Bill Summers under the group name IROKO. Additional to these albums he has been featured on an array of Afro-Cuban Albums and is regularly seen in Southern California performing for live audiences.

Group Members Lázaro Galarraga

Instruments Vocals, Clave, Congas, Bata, Cowbell, Shekere, other hand percussion

Albums Carvana Cubana Late Night Sessions; Master Sessions Vol.II, Master Sessions Vol. I, Dis Is Da Drum, Francisco Aguabella y su Grupo Oriza, Ilu Orisha, Iroko

Press Reviews The trinity of the pulsating, soul-possessing, vibrant Afro-Cuban music is born within the song, dance and drum of "El Maestro" Lázaro Galarraga. Dedicating his life to his love of Afro-Cuban music, culture and folklore has transformed him into a teacher, performing artist, actor, writer, choreographer and mentor. A native of Havana, Cuba Maestro Galarraga was a founding member of the distinguished Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba, and currently the Folkloric Musical Director of the innovative international organization dedicated to the preservation of percussion, Percussion Artists Workshop (PAWS), in Los Angeles.Maestro Galarraga has achieved world-wide fame with his talent. He has recorded and performed with masters such as Cachao, Chucho Váldes, Paquito D'Rivera, Herbie Hancock and Placido Domingo among others. Other notable performances include the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, for President George Bush at the White House, the University of Southern California, the Latin Jazz Festival at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles and at private parties for Robert Duvall, Andy Garcia, and Edward James Olmos. His life is captured in films like actor Andy Garcia's 'Cachao Documentary', Oscar Valdes' 'Documental La Rumba' and the feature film 'Dance With Me' starring Chayanne and Vanessa Williams.At present, Maestro Galarraga is the musical director for the Galarraga Y Su Son project and PAWS Afro-Cuban Folklore Ensemble. He also provides stimulating lectures at museums, educational institutes and universities on Afro-Cuban music and culture. PAWS devotes its administrative and creative efforts in preserving and supporting his music. El Maestro received his Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Music Theory, History of Art and in Cuban Folklore from the Escuela Nacional de Arte for his prophetic vision and solid influence that have pierced the global heart with vibrant passion for Afro-Cuban music.

Additional Info Movies: Documental De La Rumba; Documentary Cachao; Sworn to the Drum

Location Los Angeles, CA - USA

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