 |
Samuel Torres
______________________________
Born in Bogota, Colombia, Samuel graduated
in Music Composition from Universidad
Javeriana.
He started playing percussion at age twelve
with local bands and recalls learning a great
deal from in-home jam sessions with friends
of his musically inclined grand parents and
relatives. While in Colombia Samuel played
with the most respectful Colombian musicians
and worked as musical director and arranger
for films and local soap-operas.
In 1999 he traveled to Miami, where after a
couple of months he was hired by Grammy
Award winner Arturo Sandoval with whom he recorded and toured throughout the world for four
years.
Upon his arrival to the US, Samuel has played with renowned jazz artists such as the late Tito
Puente, Chick Corea, Paquito D'Rivera, Poncho Sanchez, Pete Escovedo, Dave Valentin, Michael
Becker, Don Byron, Caribbean Jazz Project, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Lila Downs, Candido Camero,
Mike Stern and Claudio Roditi, and Richard Bona amongst others. He has recorded for Latin Pop
artists like Shakira, Marc Anthony, Thalia, Jerry Rivera.
He has also performed as a guest of the Florida International University's big band, the 4th of July
Esplanade 2000 with the Boston Pops, 2000, Singapore Arts Festival, the "5 de Mayo" Celebration
2001 with the Nashville Symphony, the Hollywood Bowl Latin Festival 2001 with the L.A. Philharmonic,
2001 Newport Jazz Festival in Madarao, Japan and many more.
Samuel's stellar playing landed him second place at the 2000 Theolonius Monk International jazz
competition for hand percussion.
He creates beautiful, yet challenging music designed to appeal to the discriminating listener. With
artfully, dynamic and relaxed chops that match speed with precision, the Boston globe describes
his playing: "a ferocious conga solo by Samuel Torres that seemed not humanly possible."
Samuel moved to New York in late 2002, where he gained recognition and respect in the most
competetive musical settings while continues performing in leading venues and festivals through-
out the world.
Latin Percussion, Inc., the renowned percussion builder appointed him as the leader, composer,
producer, of "Drum Solos Revisited" as DVD targeted to those interested in learning and/or improving
their technique and soloist/improvisational skills.
Founder of LP, Martin Cohen claims that "he had not met an arranger/producer so talented in over 25
years".
For more information about amuel Torres visit www.samueltorres.com