I find that sound is so demanding, especially when you are not listening.
By Nicky Marrero
The Grammy Award winning Percussionist Nicky Marrero who was born in the Bronx in 1950 started his professional career at the age of 13 with the "Orchesta Caribe". One year later he joint Willie Colon's band and recorded Willie's first album "EL Malo" where he was featured on the song "Jazzy" because of his artistic soloing.
In 1966 Nicky won his first prize "The first prize" in a talent show at the Dodge High School for playing his favorite instrument the timbales.
1965-1971: Member of Eddie Palmieri's band.
In 1972 he attended the "Jazzmobile School of Music" for one year and started teaching at the "Johnny Colon School of Music" for about 3 years.
1971-1973: Member of Larry Harlow's band.
During these years he recorded various albums with both artists.
In the following years he performed and recorded with artists like Ray Barretto, Machito, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Orchesta Broadway, Joe Cuba, La Plata Sextet, Charanga America, Chito Velez, Ismael Miranda and Hector Lavoe to name a few. In 1974 he joint "Tipica 73" where he is a member until today. 1976 he was called from the "Fania all Stars" and is a member ever since.
In the mean time he recorded two Grammy Award winning albums with Eddie Palmieri, 1975 "The Sun of Latin Music" and 1976 "Unfinished Masterpiece".
In 1976 Nicky won "The Best Timbalero" Award in the Latin New York Music Polls.
He continued to perform and record with artists like Mongo Santamaria, Ricardo Ray and Bobby Cruz, Dizzy Gillespie, Manhattan Tranfer, Esther Williams, Paul Simon, Spyra Gyra, Linda Ronstadt, Joe Farrell, Esther Phillips, Carlos and Jorge Santana, Jerry Gonzales, Jorge Dalto and many many more.
In 1989 he moved to Europe where he stayed for 7 years, teaching in major institutes and conservatories like The Conservatory of Rotterdam in Holland, recorded and performed with Conexion Latina, Nueva Manteca, recorded and toured with "The Piano has been Drinking" and recorded various albums with Jan Kazda, Buitenkunst, Jay Stapeley, Mezcla and others.
Back in the US he joined Larry Harlow and his Latin Legends Band, recorded with Dave Valentin the Latin jazz album "World on a String" which was nominated for a Grammy in the category best Latin jazz album 2006. Being busy performing all over the world and teaching he continues to bring joy to people through his mastered and unique way of entertaining which earned him many recognition awards from fans, communities and the Puerto Rican Government for his lifetime achievements.
2008 he did a Live recording called "Live at Willie's Steak House"with his old time friends and colleagues Willie Rodriguez (Piano), Andy Gonzalez (Bass), Roland Guerrero (Conga)and Richy Mely (Bongo) which was realeased on March 5 th 2008. A new CD will come out this summer 2009 with songs that are based on Puerto Rican composers. So be on the look out!!!!!
Much more is to come this year of 2009we will keep you posted!
Pictures taken by Allen Spatz at Martin Cohen's Birthday Party 2008.
Enjoy.
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