Percussionist Luis Conte Releases New Album “En Casa de Luis”

Luis Conte’s “En Casa de Luis” Features the Many Sides of the Powerful Percussionist

Los Angeles, CA (Vocus/PRWE March 08, 2011) – Luis Conte, most famous as a masterful percussionist, has announced the release of his latest album, “En Casa de Luis,” out March 8th through BFM Jazz. Conte can play virtually any style of music and has performed with a very wide range of major artists, including James Taylor, Madonna, Barbara Streisand, Phil Collins and Pat Metheny, to name a few. Conte is also an important bandleader, and a very skilled songwriter and singer. His many musical talents are on display throughout “En Casa de Luis,” his seventh recording as a leader.

On En Casa De Luis, Conte welcomes such talented players as guitarist Barry Coates, trumpeter Walt Fowler, bassist Jimmy Johnson and (on “Dance Of The Firefly”) pianist Larry Goldings. Each of the musicians adds color and their own personality to the music, under the guidance of the leader. Luis Conte is heard on congas, timbales, shakers, guiro, cajon, djembe, claves, bongos, cowbells, pandeiros, maracas and many other percussion instruments. On “Conga Melody” he also plays bass, accordion, and keyboards. In addition, Conte is the composer of six of the 11 selections and he takes three personable and spirited vocals.

The music ranges from exciting percussion displays and instrumentals for the Latin jazz quartet to a few particularly unique performances. The opening “En Casa De Luis” has a likable and memorable melody that Conte sings along with three background vocalists over his percussion. “The Last Resort” is an Afro-Cuban jazz piece that has a very good trumpet solo by Walt Fowler. The chant piece “El Rumbero Mas Chevere” features several vocalists including guest Hector Crisantes. “Water Pots,” a duet with Coates that has a catchy riff, puts the focus on Conte’s percussion. “Sticks And Stones” gives the core quartet an opportunity to stretch out.

Luis Conte’s interpretation of the Peggy Lee hit “Fever” is one of the most unusual ever heard of this standard, featuring his chanting and percussion. He also takes the vocal on the brief but hypnotic “Conga Melody.” On “Eden,” Conte is heard on all of the instruments (including electric bass) except for the guitar, which is prominently played by Coates. “Dance Of The Firefly” has Conte in a supportive role, setting a relaxed groove for the rhythm section of Larry Goldings, Barry Coates and Jimmy Johnson. The same group, with Walt Fowler in Goldings’ place, plays the moody instrumental “There’s Only Love” before Conte and Daniel Willy conclude the memorable set with some percussion fireworks on “Mi China.”

About The Artist:

Luis Conte has had a remarkable career thus far, and he continues to grow in power and stature every year. He was born in Santiago de Cuba where he could not help growing up surrounded by music. From an early age, he was interested in not only traditional Cuban music but jazz, rock, r&b, soul and mixing together all of the above. When he was 15 he immigrated to Madrid, Spain and soon settled in Hollywood where he gained experience playing guitar in rock groups as a teenager. While attending L.A. City College, he switched back to drums and percussion, developing quickly into a major musician.

As a studio and touring percussionist, Conte has been in demand for years by superstars of every genre. The list includes Sergio Mendes, Colbie Caillat, Ray Charles, Beck, Shakira, Sade, Santana, Herb Alpert, Phillip Bailey, Steve Winwood, Andy Narell, Louie Bellson, Toni Braxton, Cher, Goo Goo Dolls, Eric Clapton, Christina Aguilera, Sammy Hagar, Dou Dou N’diaye Rose, Robben Ford, Julio and Enrique Iglesias, Jewel, Yellowjackets, Pat Metheny, Elton John, Chaka Khan, The Eagles and Queen Latifa.

In addition, Luis Conte has been on numerous film soundtracks and is the percussionist in the orchestra that plays on the ABC hit series “Dancing With The Stars.” No matter what the setting or style, Luis Conte contributes class, swing, personality and his own brand of Cuban musical magic to every session.

Luis Conte has won many awards including a Grammy, Percussionist of the Year from Modern Drummer Magazine, and both Percussionist and Studio Percussionist of the Year from Drum Magazine, where Luis had been inducted into the Reader’s Choice Hall of Fame. He will be a featured musician on the 2011 James Taylor US Tour.

One of the most respected and recorded percussionists in the world, Luis Conte is heard at his most creative throughout “En Casa de Luis,” the latest accomplishment in his impressive career.

About BFM Digital, Inc.

BFM Digital is a global digital music company committed to serving the independent music community and delivering quality music, spoken word and video content to leading online retailers worldwide. Representing a diverse catalog of indie labels, artists and publishers, BFM distributes to all of the major music services including iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, eMusic, Napster, Walmart, Nokia and many more. With an unparalleled commitment to personalized service, BFM works closely with their content providers from around the world to ensure maximum exposure of their catalog by customizing marketing efforts and building strong relationships with BFM’s digital store partners.