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The Bobby Torres Ensemble
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Born in the Bronx and cradled in the rhythmic culture of his Puerto Rican heritage, Bobby Torres had to wait for his parents to fall asleep at night so that he could open windows to hear percussionists in the streets below. As a young child, he came to Tfeel strongly that the only thing in life both fascinating and frightening was the conga drum.
Studying under Raymond Hurry (from "The Last Poets"), Bobby Torres played percussion for African and Latin dance groups. He realized that there was an idiom of rhythmic conversation that was yet to be touched in Rock n' Roll. One night, when Joe Cocker was performing "Feelin' All Right" Bobby asked if he could sit in with him. Joe liked him so much he made him a member of the Grease Band. This connection gave Bobby exposure and the start of his show-biz education in production, recording, band leading, and touring. It also opened the door to work with such artists as Al Jarreau, Tom Jones, The Beach Boys, The Captain and Tennille and many more that are listed in his resume.
Bobby has been influenced by many Latin and Jazz artists including Oliver Nelson, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Mongo, Santamaria, Olatunji, Vince Medoza and Changuito. This collage of influences, experiences and ideas has helped him create a signature sound. It is a rhythmic blend of Latin, Jazz & Rock n' Roll performed by the best band Bobby believes he has ever played with, The Bobby Torres Ensemble.
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