Endorsements

At the present time I am being endorsed by the following companies whom I truly trust when it comes to quality, durability, and most important, satisfaction.

LP (Latin Percussion)

Mind you I was about three years old when my Pops placed me on his lap and had me touch the Conga that immediately a spirit burst inside me and LP was that drum! You could say it was "Love at First Slap!" My father was once an endorsee for the company at a time when endorsements really were not household term . LP founder Martin Cohen has known my family since he first saw my cousin play, the "late" José Mangual Sr (1924-1998) back in 1956 with the incomparable Machito Orchestra. My Dad recently left us (1943-2003) but the last set of congas he had were Wooden Matadors. I currently use the Raúl Rekow fiberglass Matadors. I don1t know if there's a better all-around Performance Conga out there!! I would like to thank Martin Cohen, Steve Nighosian, Terry Tlatelpa and Memo Acevedofor bringing me on board and I want to especially thank Mr. Karl Perazzo for helping me get there (thanks bro.)

Remo

I first started playing drumset at 15 years of age and I remember I saw the Remo logo and it's been that way ever since. In recent years they have revolutionized and revitalized the hand drumming world with synthetic heads for not only Afro-Cuban percussion, but Brazilian, Western Europe and now as far as India and the Far East .They continue to work on these skins too and that's very important in today's fast paced business market. Tremendous work! I would like to thank Remo Belli, Chalo Eduardo, Michelle Torres and two guys who have shown me their love and support, Chris Hart and Matt Connors (Stop it!!)

Sabian Cymbals

I bought my first Sabians back in college from legendary orchestral Percussionist and former principal timpanist with Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fred Hinger. They were a pair of orchestral cymbals that sounded so incredible to me that I still have them. Over the years I have tried other cymbals and now I find myself  back with Sabian. I guess I never got over my first pair of Sabians. I'm extremely proud to now be a part of the Sabian family and I would like to thank Bobby Boos and Chris Stankee for welcoming me and a huge thanks to an incredible drummer Joey Heredia.

Vic Firth

I've been using Vic Firth sticks basically since I began playing drums. I might have used other sticks every now and then, but I always ended up with a Firth pair. 5B American Classic were my first pair and immediately fell in love with them. When I began to play Timbales I used the Alex Acuña "el palo" model. It made great sense that Vic Firth could jump into the latin market with a stick precisely for the Timbal. They have gone to make all kinds of sticks and mallets as well as many innovations. I'm truly honored to be endorsing Vic Firth and I would like to thank Marco Soccolli for bringing me into the Vic Firth Family.

JP Custom Cases

I first came in contact with JP through a gentleman from whom I sad to say is no longer with us, Lucho Avellaneda. Lucho was a great musician who could sing and play all percussion. He wanted to make soft custom cases for the everyday percussionist that were durable and made to fit that particular drum. He made the first prototype case for my LP Bata Drums and upon returning the drums, he gave them back to me-with the cases and said Thank you. Not long after that he left us, but his vision and inspiration lives on. Joe Gougis was his business partner who is also the co-founder and CEO has carried that vision out and along with Lucho's nephew Henry Cabrera are making the best cases on the planet and now they make cases for just about any musical instrument you can find. I must mention that they are very affordable too! Joe and Henry, I believe in you both!! Musicians-please check them out!

About my Website

I’d also like to extend a special thanks to my web designer, Tony Bailey. He’s an amazing graphic artist, web designer, and human being! If you like my website, I highly recommend Tony. Visit his website at BaileyCreative.com.