The Banda Brothers
The brothers have participated in countless tours, played major music festivals around the globe and have recorded with a long list of world renowned artist including Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, Celia Cruz, Freddie Hubbard, Jimmy Smith, Ry Cooder, Kenny Burrell, Woody Herman, Ray Charles, Carmen McRae, Mongo Santamaria, Al Jarreau, Chic Correa, Bette Midler, Buddy Colette, Dianne Reeves, Joey DeFrancesco, Al McKibbon, Stanley Turrentine, Joe Pesci, Francisco Aguabella, the Jazz Crusaders, Eddie Harris, Arturo O’Farrill, Terence Blanchard, Jackson Browne... and the list goes on.
Playing with an energy and conviction that is soulful, relaxed and intensely swinging, Tony & Ramon sign all of their art that way, but never more so than when they now head up their own group "The Banda Brothers Sextet". Formed in 1996 with a powerful emphasis on straight-ahead Jazz but also drawing from the rich Afro-Caribbean tradition. They have assembled some of the most talented, young musicians working today, including Javier Vergara - Tenor sax, Chris Barron - Piano, Francisco Torres - Trombone, Joey De Leon - Percussion. The group has a unique talent for bringing insight and imagination to original material as well as covered classics, providing the perfect balance of accessibility and invention. Their 2004 debut release Acting Up! is on the WJ3 label.