International Salsa Magazine

Wilson “Chembo” Corniel Jr.

Wilson “Chembo” Corniel Jr.“A sprinkling of be-bop, a touch of swing with a dollop of bomba, rumba, tango and danzón topped with ‘un chin’ de charanga.”

Grammy award nominated percussionist Wilson “Chembo” Corniel was born in Manhattan on November 22, 1953 of proud Puerto Rican parents; Chembo was raised in the humble streets of Red Hook, Brooklyn.

1- Wilson “Chembo” Corniel Jr

Wilson “Chembo” Corniel Jr

It was during these years, as a quick-witted youngster, that he had the privilege and honor to study with such percussion luminaries as, Tommy Lopez Sr., “Little Ray” Romero, Louie Bauzo, and Cachete Maldonado.

Chembo honed his skills at The Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts in New York, and also at the prestigious La Escuela Nacional de Arte in Havana, Cuba under the direction of the great Chucho Valdés.

His intense studies with such legends noted above channeled his energy onto a path where Wilson “Chembo” Corniel has now created a reputation for himself among musicians and the public. Today, he is considered as one of the best hard-hitting, versatile percussionists around.

Chembo teaches percussion to students at the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music and leads numerous clinics throughout the United States where he brings awareness to others of the rich Afro-Caribbean traditions.

Among his credits, Chembo was chosen to create his own instructional DVD called, “An Introduction to Hand Percussion: Volume I—Congas”. It was released in December of 2000 and with distribution by Warner Brothers it has been a success.

He’s been a vital endorser of Latin Percussion instruments since 1982 as he is currently for Remo drum heads, Vic Firth sticks and Sabian cymbals.

His touring credits are as long as his performing credits. Chembo has toured with many major artists throughout Europe, Asia, North & South America, and the Caribbean. Television credits include an appearance on the “Bill Cosby Show” and a recurring recording gig on Nickelodeon’s children show, “Dora the Explorer”.

Chembo continues to perform and/or record with many artists of different genres. He is currently concentrating on leading his own Latin Jazz quintet, “Chembo Corniel Quintet”. Chembo received a GRAMMY NOMINATION by NARAS IN 2009 for “BEST LATIN

JAZZ ALBUM” for his 2009 cd “Things I Wanted To Do”. This is a well-balanced Latin Jazz group that incorporates many rich traditions, such as writer Aurora Flores states:

“A sprinkling of be-bop, a touch of swing with a dollop of bomba, rumba, tango and danzón topped with ‘un chin’ de charanga.”

Wilson “Chembo” Corniel Jr. ARTISTS: RECORDINGS:

  • Wilson “Chembo” Corniel – “Land Of The Descendants” – 2016
  • Wilson “Chembo” Corniel – “Blue Monk” (ASM) – 2012
  • Wilson “Chembo” Corniel – “Things I Wanted To Do” – 2009
  • Akiko Tusuruga – Orient Express – 2009
  • Wilson “Chembo” Corniel – “For The Rest Of Your Life” – 2007
  • Mark Sherman – Family – 2007
  • Carlos Jimenez – El Flautista – 2007
  • Akiko Tusuruga – Sweet And Funky – 2006
  • Chris Washburne & SYOTOS – Land Of Nod – 2006
  • Chembo Corniel & Andrea Brachfeld – Beyond Standards 2006
  • Willie Martinez – La Familia – 2005
  • Hilton Ruiz – Steppin’ With T.P. – 2005
  • Wilson “Chembo” Corniel – Portrait In Rhythms – 2004
  • Ray Vega – Squeeze Squeeze2004
  • Chris Washburne & SYOTOS – Paradise In Trouble – 2003
  • Steve Wilson – Soulful Songs – 2003 Larry Harlow’s
  • Latin Jazz – Live At Birdland -12/02
  • Chico Freeman – By The Way -4/2002
  • Ray Vega – Pa’lante -3/2002
  • Blood, Sweat & Tears – Christmas Album -12/02
  • Chris Washburne & SYOTOS – The Other Side – 4/2001
  • David Gonzalez & LLB – Sofrito3/2000
  • Bobby Sanabria BIG BAND-Live At Birdland -2/2000
  • (Grammy Nominated) Chris Washburne & SYOTOS – Nuyorican Nights -10/99
  • Ray Vega – Boperation- 8/99
  • Larry Harlow – Latin Legends Band – 5/98
  • The Bronx Horns – Silver in the Bronx – 4/98
  • Greg Abate – Sweet Samba – 3/98
  • Buddy Montgomery Trio – Here Again -1/98
  • Ray Vega – Ray Vega -12/97
  • Willie Colón – Honra y Cultura Louie Ramirez – El Genio de la Salsa Jose Bello – Jose Bello y su Orchestra Bobby Rodriguez y la Compañia – Hay Que Cambiar La Rutina

ARTISTS: TOURS/PERFORMANCES:

  • Chucho Valdés
  • Hilton Ruiz
  • Buddy Montgomery
  • Angela Boll
  • Tito Puente
  • Grady Tate
  • Machito
  • Willie Colón
  • Toshiko Akiyoshi
  • Jane Bunnett & Spirits of Havana
  • Bobby Sanabria Big Band
  • Charlie Sepulveda
  • Andrea Brachfeld
  • Ray Vega
  • Bob Baldwin
  • Jose Alberto “El Canario”
  • Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez
  • Larry Harlow
  • Tito Nieves
  • Louie Ramirez
  • Chico Freeman
  • Chris Washburne & the Syotos Band
  • Chico O’Farrill Big Band
  • Bobby Rodriguez y Compañia
  • Lainie Kazan
  • Celia Cruz

Augusto Felibertt
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