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Richie
Gajate-Garcia is a drummer, percussionist, clinician and educator. He
has traveled the world and recorded with many renown artists. His
nickname is "El Pulpo" (which means the octopus in Spanish) a nickname
given to him for his unique independence and ability to play multiple
percussion instruments simultaneously.
Richie was voted to be one of the top Latin percussionists by his peers
in the Modern Drummer Reader's Poll and one of the top Rock
percussionists in DRUM! Magazine by its readers this year.
Gajate. who is Puerto Rican grew up on the island with friends of his
father which included Tito Puente and Armando Peraza and an appreciation
for salsa and a love for Latin percussion. Gajate obtained his
bachelor's degree in Music Education from the Conservatory of Music in
Chicago, as well as his teaching credentials.
Gajate is a sought after percussionist who has accompanied artists such
as Phil Collins, Sting, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Diana Ross, Hiroshima,
Patti Labelle, Amy Grant, Brooks and Dunn, Luis Miguel, John Denver, Art
Garfunkel and many, many more.
He has recorded on soundtracks to films such as " The Italian Job",
"Maid in Manhattan" with Jennifer Lopez, "I-Spy" with Eddie Murphy and
the classic "The Mummy Returns" with the London Symphony. He is the
percussionist of choice for the Disney studios and has played on many of
the Disney Animated films such as; Kronk's New Groove, Emperor's New
Groove, Brother Bear, Robots.
Richie has toured the world as a top clinician for Latin Percussion
Inc. and Sabian Cymbals Ltd. He has two instructional videos produced
by LP and distributed by Warner Bros. entitled "Close-Up on Congas" and
"Close-Up on Bongos and Timbales" from the Adventures in Rhythm series.
He is an author and has three instructional books on the market published
by Warner Bros. Publications entitled "Play Timbales Now", "Play Congas Now" and "Play Bongos
and Hand Percussion Now". Richie is also a contributing author to "DRUM!" Magazine.
Richie has three solo projects out. His "Entre Amigos" c.d. celebrates his Latin roots
and showcases Richie and his musician friends. This c.d. is a
celebration of Richie's life
His c.d. "Mis Tres Hijos" is an instrumental work of art, which
showcases his ability to master the finesse of graceful percussion.
His third CD Reggaeson con tumbao with R &
T, Richie and Thania. Reggaeson con tumbao is a hybred of today's
popular style Reaggaeton.
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