David Mora was born on March 13, 1961 in Harbor City, CA, grew up in Wilmington, CA and has been no stranger to jazz music. At the age of 5, he began playing drums. There was always music in his home. His grandfather, Gus Mora played spanish guitar. His grandmother, Alma Mora, a Hawaiian native, played ukulele. His father, David Sr. listened to blues and jazz. As a self taught drummer, listening to a wide variety of genres influenced his style and technique.
In 1979, David bought his first set of conga drums. In 1981, he landed a job at the legendary Concerts By The Sea in Redondo Beach, CA, where the heavyweights of jazz came to play. "I was getting my education" says David, "listening and watching the greatest players in the world!" David began performing at the age of 21, when he had his first professional gig at "Lil Archies" playing top 40 tunes.
Throughout the years David has had three exceptional percussion teachers; Robertito Melendez, Arturo Oliva and Long John Oliva. David had the opportunity in 2003 to be executive producer on Long John Oliva's CD "Buscando La Ortographia". Long John, who passed away in 2004, "was one of the greatest congueros and best teacher I ever had" says David. "He gave me the most and expected me to play hard and good. He taught me Afro-Cuban, Folklore and Rumba. I miss him deeply".
Today, in addition to performing with his band "David Mora and the Conga Lovers", David is a Longshoreman working in the Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors. His debut CD "Conga Love" includes an original song used in the documentary "From Wharf Rats To Lord Of The Docks", a film about Harry Bridges, the founder of the West Coast Longshoremen's Union. "Harry Bridges Mambo" is an uplifting unity song intended to join all the national and international union locals.
"The entire CD is a reflection of me" says David, "Jazz, Straight or Latin, Brazilian, Rumba, R&B, Funk, Blues and Spiritual. That's me, that's what I am. Enjoy and God Bless!"
