by 117-1185347433 » Sat Jul 28, 2007 6:54 am
My 1st percussionist inspiration was Paulinho Da Costa (w/ Sergio Mendez & Brazil 66) during the 70s. I watched them live in the Philippines. Not only was he a world-class percussionist, but he was very colorful on stage.
Being a primarily a pop percussionist at the moment, I also count the following as my inspiration: Sue Hadjopoulas (Joe Jackson Band), Santana's percussionists (Jose "Chepito" Areas, Armando Peraza, Michael Carabello, Pete Escovedo, Raul Rekow & Karl Perazo), Tito Puente, etc.
When it comes to fundamentals, my inspiration are: Mongo Santamaria, Jose Luis "Changuito" Quintana, David "La Mole" Ortiz, Giovanni Hidalgo, etc.