As a percussionist, he’s L.A.’s answer to
Mongo Santamario; as a band leader, Poncho Sanchez’ crisp arrangements, Cubop
flair and informed jazz sensibility bear comparison to Machito’s.”
Afro-Cuban music and jazz have been among Sanchez's obsessions since his
pre-teen years. Born in Laredo, Texas on October 30, 1951 but raised in L.A., he
was the youngest of eleven kids - some of them hardcore jazz enthusiasts, and
all of them devoted salseros. For Sanchez, it wasn't hard to be exposed to such
Latin greats as Tito Rodriguez, Tito Puente, Machito, Celia Cruz, and Ray
Barretto (along with heavy doses of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Clifford
Brown and Thelonious Monk) on a daily basis. Mambo, son, cha-cha, rhumba,
guaracha - Sanchez quickly absorbed all of these Afro-Cuban styles (which fall
under the umbrella term "salsa") as well as the art of jazz improvisation. One
of Sanchez's primary inspirations was the late vibist Cal Tjader, who did so
much to popularize Latin jazz in the 1950s. After idolizing Tjader most of his
life, a 23-year-old Sanchez ended up joining his band in 1975--and would remain
with him until his death in Manila in the Philippines on May 5, 1982,
at the age of 56.
Mongo Santamario; as a band leader, Poncho Sanchez’ crisp arrangements, Cubop
flair and informed jazz sensibility bear comparison to Machito’s.”