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| Bio Wilson “Chembo” Corniel, Jr. Born in Manhattan on November 22, 1953 of proud Puerto Rican parents, Chembo was raised in the humble streets of Red Hook, Brooklyn. It was during these years, as a quick-witted youngster, that he had the privilege and honor to study with such percussion luminaries as, Tommy Lopez Sr., “Little Ray” Romero, Louie Bauza, and Cachete Maldonado. Chembo honed his skills at The Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts in New York, and also at the prestigious La Escuela Nacional de Arte in Havana, Cuba under the direction of the great Chucho Valdez. His intense studies with such legends noted above channeled his energy onto a path where Wilson “Chembo” Corniel has now created a reputation for himself among musicians and the public. Today, he is considered as one of the best hard-hitting, versatile percussionists around. Chembo teaches percussion to students at the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music, and leads numerous clinics throughout the United States where he brings awareness to others of the rich Afro-Caribbean traditions. Among his credits, Chembo was chosen to create his own instructional DVD called, “An Introduction to Hand Percussion: Volume I—Congas”. It was released in December of 2000 and with distribution by Warner Brothers it has been a success. He’s been a vital endorser of Latin Percussion instruments since 1982 as he is currently for Remo drum heads and Instanbul cymbals. His touring credits are as long as his performing credits. Chembo has toured with many major artists throughout Europe, Asia, North & South America, and the Caribbean. Television credits include an appearance on the “Bill Cosby Show” and a recurring recording gig on Nickelodeon’s children show, “Dora the Explorer”. Chembo continues to perform and/or record with many artists of different genres. He is currently concentrating on leading his own Latin Jazz sextet, “Chembo & Grupo Chaworo”. This is a well-balanced Latin Jazz group that incorporates many rich traditions, such as writer Aurora Flores states, “ a sprinkling of be-bop, a touch of swing with a dollop of bomba, rumba, tango and danzon topped with ‘un chin’ de charanga.” ARTISTS: RECORDINGS: Ray Vega - Squeeze Squeeze 2004 Andrea Brackfeld - Back With Passion - 2003 Chris Washburne & SYOTOS - Paradise In Trouble - 2003 Steve Wilson - Soulful Songs - 2003 Elio Villafranca - Incantations/Encantaciones - 2003 Xemo Tebar - Embrujado(Spain)2003 Larry Harlows Latin Jazz - Live At Birdland 12/02 Chico Freeman - By The Way 4/2002 Ray Vega - Pa'lante 3/2002 Blood, Sweat & Tears - Christmas Album ( 12/2002 ) Chris Washburne & SYOTOS - The Other Side 4/2001 Raf Astor Band - The Walk 8/2001 David Gonzalez & LLB - Sofrito 3/2000 Bobby Sanabria BIG BAND - Live At Birdland 2/2000 (Grammy Nominated) Chris Washburne & SYOTOS - Nuyorican Nights 10/99 Ray Vega - Boperation 8/99 Larry Harlow - Latin Legends Band 5/98 The Bronx Horns - Silver In The Bronx 4/98 Greg Abate - Sweet Samba 3/98 Marlon Simon - Music Of Marlon 3/98 Martin Arroyo - Live At The Five Spot 2/98 Buddy Montgomery Trio - Here Again 1/98 Flip Deblasio - Flip Side 1/98 Ray Vega - Ray Vega 12/97 Willie Colon - Honora y Cultura Emmanuel - Ese Soy Yo Louie Ramirez - El Jenio de la Salsa Sexy Salsa - Vol. 1,2 &3 Superbanda Angel - Jungla Fria 1995 Jose Bello - Jose Bello y su Orch. Various Artist Latin NY - Live From Soundscape 1980-1983 Bobby Rodriguez y la Compania - Hay Que Cambiar La Rutina The Force Of The 80 La Sonora Poncena - Back To Work (Bata) Henri Guidon - Afro Temple (Paris, France) Cheche Abreu - Celebration Jorge Maldonado - En Su Mejor Momento Reynaldo Jorge - No Sufro Fonzi Cruz - Sensual y Salsero ARTISTS: TOURS/PERFORMANCES: · Chucho Valdez · Hilton Ruiz · Buddy Montgomery · Angela Bofill · Tito Puente · Larry Harlow · Willie Colon · Ray Vega · Bobby Sanabria Big Band · Charlie Sepulveda · Blood, Sweat & Tears · Jose Alberto “El Canario” · Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez · Orchestra Broadway · Tito Nieves · Louie Ramirez · Chico Freeman · Jane Bunnett & Spirits of Havana · Chris Washburne & the Syotos Band · Chico O’Farrill Big Band · Bebo Valdes Big Band (recent tour) · Bobby Rodriguez y Compania |
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