by Isaac » Tue Aug 07, 2007 10:09 pm
I was introduced to Rolito by Percussionist Melena at
the NAMM show a few years ago. He was one her teachers
also. Rolito was surrounded by some of his other students
whom I also got to meet including Michito.
The next day I watched Rolito play a very nice rumba
at one of the Show's Vendor booths. His knowledge & playing
are way deeper than anything you can observe in his videos -
they don't do him justice.
Rolito also had a career as a professional draftsman
and designed some 5 lug bongos we spoke about.
I don't which recordings of Rumbavana he is on
but they were a Cuban band way ahead of their time,
paving the way for a lot of new younger guys
that built upon their rhythmic innovations.
~ ISAAC