Elizabeth Pupo-Walker

Percussionist Elizabeth Pupo-Walker is based out of New York City, often performing and recording with artists in the Daptone Records family. She has worked with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, John Legend, Mark Ronson, Elvis Costello, Harry Styles, and with Netflix and HBO for score/soundtrack work. Elizabeth has performed on The Late Show with James Corden,Conan O’Brien,at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center,and Kennedy Center to name a few. She currently is performing steadily with five time Grammy nominee Allison Russell, who won album of the year at the 2022 Americana Awards. Elizabeth recorded on the entirety of Allison’s newest album to be released Fall 2023.

Elizabeth’s primary focus of study has been the research of Afro-Cuban percussion,primarily congas. She is of Cuban descent and studied in Havana, Cuba at Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba, and in Matanzas, Cuba with the world renown percussion ensemble Los Munequitos de Matanzas. She has sought out specific instructors throughout her career delving into the drumming dialects of Brazilian Batucadas, Carribean rhythms of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and more.

Elizabeth’s career developed when she moved to Seattle,Washington in 1992 and formed the eclectic percussive jazz group, Manah, featuring celebrated New York improviser Stephen Gauci on tenor saxophone. The group composed collaboratively, and gained recognition for their exciting live performances and tours. Elizabeth soon became a member of the band Tuatara, led by Barrett Martin, with members of R.E.M., Los Lobos, and Screaming Trees. She also recorded and toured with the band BRAD, featuring members of Pearl Jam. Elizabeth was part of a long standing weekly Seattle music residency performing and improvising regularly with comedian/musician Reggie Watts, who is currently band director of the Late Show with James Corden. The invaluable musical experience she gained in Seattle was formative to the development of her signature sound. 

Elizabeth moved to New York City in 2004 and formed the seven-piece latin jazz group La Buya, sharing composer credits with acclaimed west coast saxophonists Skerik, Cochemea Gastelum and Jessica Lurie, who’s self titled album is out on the Zipamusic label. Elizabeth has been featured in DRUM! magazine, and tours internationally. She had the honor of performing as the touring percussionist with Femi Kuti, summer of 2022. Elizabeth was co-composer for the entire Cochemea album, All My Relations, on Daptone Records which reached #4 on Billboard World Music charts,and #7 on the Billboard Jazz charts in 2019. Many of the groups Elizabeth works with have achieved critical acclaim from The New York Times,Pitchfork, Downbeat, Rolling Stone, JazzTimes, NPR, and more.

One of Elizabeth’s greatest strengths is her versatility. She has performed and/or recorded with a wide variety of artists, including Elvis Costello, Michael Leonhart Orchestra, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, John Legend, Mark Ronson, Femi Kuti, Brandi Carlile, Digable Planets, The Roots, Los Munequitos de Matanzas, Pedrito Martinez, Sheryl Crow, Lukas Nelson, Jovino Santos Neto, Dave Grohl, Harry Styles, Ozomatli, Antibalas, TV On the Radio, Obini Ashe, David Oquendo, Nels Cline, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Nile Rodgers, Chris Potter, Donny McClasin, Meshell Ndegeocello, Lee Fields and The Expressions, Mavis Staples, Robert Walter, Christina Aguilera, Aloe Blacc, Bilal, Jenny Scheinmann, Kenny Wollesen, Joey Baron, Zach Danziger,Steve Jordan, Uri Caine, Sinead O'Connor, Dj Logic, Michael Buble, The Tiptons, Skerik,Stuart Bogie,Kwaku Obeng, Les McCann, Divahn, The Menahan Street Band,and at Peter Gabriel's WOMAD festival with Zakir Hussain, Joan Osborne, Michael Franti, and Hukwe Sawosa. 

Score and studio work: Currently, Elizabeth is enjoying a variety of session work. In particular, she is affiliated with daptone records, Dunham Records, and Diamond Mine Recording.