Anthony Carrillo The Legendary and Virtuoso Bongocero for Batacumbele and

Anthony Carrillo was born in New York City on 117th Street and Lexington Avenue, a neighborhood marked by significant complexities in terms of violence and drugs. This is why his father decided to move the family back to Puerto Rico in 1972.

“I remember that when I opened my eyes the second day, I heard the music of Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe”.

Me opening my eyes, and the smell of the earth. It’s a scene I’ll never forget in my life.”

Once in Puerto Rico, his father continued to play music and was connected with musicians such as David “La Mole” Ortiz, who would later become a great mentor and collaborator for Anthony.

In the mid-1970s, Anthony and his brother began collaborating with the Areito Folkloric Ballet.

Anthony Carrillo: Master Percussionist

Master percussionist Anthony Carrillo comes from a proud Puerto Rican musical heritage. Although perhaps best known for his performances alongside his childhood friend and famous LP artist, Giovanni Hidalgo, Carrillo has performed with numerous renowned musicians throughout his career, including Eddie Palmieri, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Paul Simon, and Harry Belafonte.

He was also an integral member of the outstanding percussion ensemble, Batacumbele, and, in contrast, the Puerto Rican metal band, PUYA. Piano legend Eddie Palmieri has referred to Carrillo as “the best bongocero in the universe.”

Under his own name, Anthony Carrillo has released three CDs, which include the historic first rumba recordings from Puerto Rico. His most recent performances include the off-Broadway musical “I Like it Like That” in 2017, and recording bongos with Puerto Rican artist Residente on his recent track “Hijos del Cañaveral.”

In April 2018, his Latin jazz group, AA team, released two original singles featuring Carrillo on bongos, drums, and vocals.

In August 2018, his dance orchestra, YÁMBAWA, released a four-track EP with originals and English-language pop standards infused with Spanish rap. He has stated that these two productions form his most prolific and inspired body of work in his career so far.

Musical Origins

Anthony Carrillo was born in New York City of Puerto Rican ancestry. From childhood, he expressed a special interest in music. His father, Mr. Roman “Don Nan” Carrillo, was his first teacher.

Through his father, Anthony Carrillo was exposed to the music of “Ramito” (one of the greatest exponents of folkloric music in Puerto Rico) and Rafael Cortijo.

Anthony’s earliest influences were “Papi Andino” (Ramito’s bongocero) and Roberto Roena (Cortijo’s bongocero).

When he was only nine years old, Anthony Carrillo’s family returned to Puerto Rico.

It was then that his father asked David Ortiz “La Mole” who was considered one of the best Rumberos in Puerto Rico to teach his son the techniques and patterns of Rumba. By age 13, Anthony was already part of the touring National folkloric group Areito, directed by Mrs. Irene Mcleane.

In the early 1980s, Anthony Carrillo became a member of the famous folkloric group, La Familia Cepeda, the foremost exponents and keepers of the traditional “Bomba” and “Plena” styles.

Collaborators:

Yova Rodriguez

Planet Drum

Also Read:  Papo Vázquez the Pirate & Troubadour of Our Latin Music