Poncho Sanchez: Biography

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• Jerry Gonzalez
• Ray Barretto
• Mongo Santamaria
• Ray Mantilla
• David Sanchez
• Arturo Sandoval
• Cal Tjader

• Tito Puente
• The Jazz Crusaders

• Dan "Booch" Buchman
• Laudir DeOliveira

• Pete Terrace
• Jerome Kern
• Herbie Hancock
• Charlie Otwell
• Otto Harbach
• David Torres

• Jose Rodriguez
• Phil Edwards
• Mark Levine
• Arturo Velasco
• Tony Banda
• Ramon Banda
• Poncho Sanchez

Born:

Oct 30, 1951 in Laredo, TX

Genres:

Jazz Music, Latin Jazz Music

Decades Active:

1970's|1980's|1990's|2000's

Artistic Quality

Medium

Cultural Impact

Medium

Popularity

Medium

Ratings Guide

Ever since he led his first record date in 1982, Poncho Sanchez has headed one of the most popular and influential Latin jazz bands around. The youngest of 11 children, Sanchez taught himself to play guitar, flute, drums, and timbales before settling on the congas. After a period playing with local bands, he joined Cal Tjader's band in 1975 and was an important part of Tjader's pacesetting group until his idol's death in 1982. Shortly after he formed his own band and has since recorded on a regular basis for Concord Picante. Sanchez's group is very active, playing in clubs, concerts, and festivals on a regular basis.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide