Work in Progress

A song about embracing the unknown, the uncertain, and the journey despite the struggles. This song was conceived and produced over the Pandemic and served me in many ways. Pregones Theater was the catalyst that launched me into the mission that was recording myself performing all the instruments and voices, producing the song, and releasing it. Not only was it an expression for my own processing of the times, but also a test for myself to see if I could bring something from an idea to a fully completed and released work accessible by anyone. Enjoy on all platforms.

“…the woody thunder of the barril and the resonant thump and caress of the congas at the hands of Víctor Pablo García.”

Latin Jazz Network on Kalí Rodoríguez-Peña’s Melange (2022)

La_(rumba)_Santa

This was part of the experiments I was conducting during lockdown of merging the produce world and the acoustic world in my way. Turned a popular Puerto Rican trap song into an oddly formed rumba complemented by a track and performed with congas, and a multi percussion kit consisting of drum set parts, timbales parts, and a Yamaha DTX with sounds I designed.

© Germán Baratto / Meinl Percussion (2019)

“…with layered time, moving in tandem like Geneva watch drives…classically trained conguero Víctor Pablo are key to the clockwork…”

Downbeat Magazine on Fernando García’s Guasábara Puerto Rico (2018)

CHIKI - by People of Earth (PoE)

(PoE) is a collective of world class musicians that meet in NYC and engage in a new concept that we call American Timba Music. Deeply rooted in salsa and timba, the ensemble departs from this base and stretches beyond the constraints of the genres, often exploring further into its’ various members’ international roots and experiences, and never ceasing to make you move your feet. This song is an early arrangement and composition of my own. Expertly recorded by the great Martin Cohen and Javier Ráez at Congahead studios.

“…boiling percussion…”

Jazz Times on Arturo O’Farrill’s …dreaming in Lions… (2021)

la campo rico

It’s an avenue in Puerto Rico near where I grew up (actually it’s been renamed “Avenida Roberto Sánchez Vilella”). It’s notorious for its many and deep potholes that make it feel like your riding a rollercoaster and force you too swerve left and right too avoid breaking your car. The tutti percussion break is (to me) much like the feeling of avoiding these potholes.