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Wilson Corniel, Jr.
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. 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. In Cuba Chembo studied with Roberto Vizcaino Guillot, Jose Luis Quintana “Changuito”, Papo Angarica, Alejandro Cavajal Guerra, Lazaro Poderoso, Julito Fantoma, Sandy Perez (Grupo Afro Cuba De Mantanzas).
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 taught percussion to students at the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music and at The Drummers Collective he also leads numerous clinics throughout the United States and around the world 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 has been a vital endorser of Latin Percussion instruments since 1982 as he is currently for Remo drumheads, 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 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 for “BEST LATIN JAZZ ALBUM” for his 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. Discography
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“Afro Blue Monk” – “I was captured from the opening bars of the first track and was relentlessly but delightedly held until the very end. There is integrity and exploration to be found here… and so much beauty.” “Chembo’s Quintet takes every opportunity for powerful solos and they do not disappoint.” -Travis Rogers, JazzTimes
Chembo Corniel is the consummate contemporary percussionist…whose technique is like adding hot spices to a cold salad and the blend of this group of musicians can make me sing forever.— Grady Tate, Jazz Vocalist
Mongo Santamaria
percussion
Duke Ellington
piano
Stan Getz
saxophone, tenor
Shirley Horn
piano
Cal Tjader
vibraphone
Chucho Valdes
piano
Chano Dominguez
pianoLos Muñequitos de Matanzas
band / ensemble / orchestra
Tatá Güines
congas
Wilson Corniel, Jr.
Location: New York City
Instrument: Congas
Born: November 22, 1953
