Born in New York and raised in Puerto Rico where he resides and where he has polished his instinctive talent and skill for the past 20 years, Rai Torres has become one of Puerto Rico’s most accomplished and sought-after session drummers.
Rai’s honing seasons and early stages of his career date back to the 80’s where he could be found playing at churches and at studios, recording sessions for Latin Christian artists. His career grew as he was exposed to more audiences in the Christian market, while drawing attention from mainstream acts and performers who would perceive Rai’s innate and impeccable skills as a drummer, inviting him to share his talent with them.
Rai understands that his talent is first and foremost a gift from above, and he gives his all into each and every performance, no matter what style of music he is playing, making each stage he performs on his own. Drummers such as the late Jeff Porcaro and the late John Bonham have given Rai much inspiration in this craft. And like them, Rai is seeking and pursuing to be the best he can be in each performance.
The number of artists that Rai has recorded and performed with is inestimable; nevertheless, mentioning some will enlighten you to his remarkable career and opportunities that he’s had at every level over the past few years. Rai Torres has recorded and/or performed with major label artists such as Latin Grammy Nominee Luis Fonsi (Universal), who has recently been named Artist of the Year by People en español, having performed with Fonsi at the Viña del Mar, Chile’s world-renowned and prestigious Song Festival. He has also been honored to record and perform with Latin Grammy Winner Gilberto Santa Rosa (Sony BMG), Latin Grammy Nominee Victor Manuelle (Sony BMG), as well as singer/songwriter/producer Tommy Torres who has recently collaborated with and produced top artists such as Ricky Martin (Columbia), Jaci Velasquez (Sony) and Ednita Nazario (Sony BMG). Rai was also fortunate to have recorded with Latin artist Chayanne, Wilkins (Masa Records) whose repertoire includes over 40 releases, with singer/songwriter Yaire (kosamia) having recorded in Spain, and with salsa music singer/composer/producer Domingo Quiñones.
Although recording and performing in various studios and multiple stages is Rai’s daily activity, touring is also a big part Rai’s career. Most recently, Rai performed on tour with the rock band Bletzung, fronted by Ignacio Peña (Universal), opening for acts such as Eric Clapton, Roger Waters, Alanis Morissette, Collective Soul, Oasis, Saga, Christina Aguilera, No Doubt, Neil Young. He also toured with El Reencuentro Menudo in the United States and Puerto Rico in 2006, having recorded a soon-to-be-released DVD of the Reencuentro Tour.
Rai continues to perform and record with internationally known Latin Christian artists, such as Marcos Vidal (International Dove Award Recipient) and Dove Award Nominee Julissa, having toured with the latter in 2006 throughout Belgium.
He has worked with outstanding and preferred Puerto Rican producers, arrangers and musicians including José Lugo,Issac Sakko, Tony Rijos, Wiso Aponte, Charlie Hernandez, Jorge Laboy, Amuni Nacer, Mike Rivera, and José Gómez.
Most recently Rai toured Latin America with Grammy Award-nominated Mexican singer Christian Castro (Universal Music Latino) and will soon start touring Latin America with Ricardo Arjona (Sony BMG).
When not touring, Rai puts time into his own instructional DVD project, which will be released soon. Rai Torres is endorsed by Vic Firth.
