Happy 58th Birthday To Percussionist Poncho Sanchez, Who Has New CD
Latin percussionist Poncho Sanchez is celebrating his 58th birthday today, October 30th, with a brand-new CD. The Concord Music Group recently released Psychedelic Blues, a 10-song collection of songs such as Herbie Hancock’s “Cantaloupe Island,” John Coltrane’s “Grand Central” and Freddie Hubbard’s “Crisis.” It’s Sanchez’s 23rd solo CD, following 2007’s Raise Your Hand.
Sanchez, the youngest of 11 children, was born in Laredo, Texas, but moved to the Los Angeles area when he was 4. He grew up listening to Tito Puente and other great Latin players and bands. Sanchez taught himself to play guitar, flute, drums and timbales before settling on the congas.
In 1999, Poncho picked up a Grammy Award in the Best Latin Performance category for his CD titled Latin Soul. Fans who want to wish Poncho a happy birthday can do so today if they are in Southern California. He’s performing at Vitello’s Italian Restaurant in Studio City.