Luis Conte

Luis Conte is a master percussionist whose extraordinary talent has bridged the rich musical traditions of his native Cuba with the vibrant soundscape of American pop music. Born in Santiago, Cuba, Luis was immersed in the rhythms of "El Son" and the lively energy of Carnival from a young age, cultivating a deep love for music that would shape his life's work. At 15, he emigrated to Madrid, Spain, before making his way to Hollywood, where he honed his skills and passion for percussion.

By the early 1970s, Luis was a fixture in the local music scene, playing regularly in clubs and joining the Latin fusion band Caldera. His versatility quickly made him one of the most sought-after studio musicians, leading to collaborations with legendary artists like Madonna, Ray Charles, Phil Collins, Santana, Shakira, and many others. His debut as a bandleader came in 1987 with the release of *La Cocina Caliente,* showcasing his ability to fuse Latin rhythms with classical influences.

Throughout his illustrious career, Luis has been a key figure in numerous iconic tours, including those with Madonna, Al Di Meola, and James Taylor’s "Band of Legends." He also contributed to the Pat Metheny Group's Grammy-winning album *We Live Here* and played on I Mother Earth's acclaimed records *Dig* and *Scenery and Fish.* His work with Phil Collins, particularly during the "Dance into the Light" and "First Farewell" tours, solidified his reputation as a top-tier percussionist, adding depth and Afro-Cuban flair to Collins' performances.

In addition to his studio work, Luis has been involved in high-profile projects like Maná's *MTV Unplugged* and Sergio Vallín's *Bendito Entre.* His collaboration with Wu Man and Daniel Ho on *Our World In Song* earned him a Grammy nomination in the World Music category.

Luis's dedication to his craft has been recognized with numerous accolades, including multiple "Percussionist of the Year" awards from both *Modern Drummer* and *Drum Magazine.* Despite his many achievements, Luis remains humble about his beginnings, often reflecting on his lifelong connection to rhythm: "As far back as my memory will go, I owned a drum. It's like asking someone how long they've been breathing."

Today, Luis Conte continues to inspire with his unparalleled ability to weave the powerful rhythms of his Cuban heritage into the fabric of modern music, making him one of the most respected and recorded percussionists in the world.