Dave Victorino
- Monterey Park, CA
- Latin Jazz Band
- 2 Verified Bookings
Brian M. said “Very good communication. Great music, very solid and professional. Would definitely hire again!”
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Hard hitting conguero, Johnny Blas has performed and recorded in the world of Jazz and Latin music for over 25 years. Charismatic and intense, Johnny is a seasoned performer whose musicality extends as a percussionist, saxophonist, composer and bandleader.
Johnny and his band put on a fierce show with swing, energy and heat than can melt asphalt. Blas, a New York native influenced by the music of Mongo Santamaria, Ray Barretto, Poncho Sanchez, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, exhibits a sound that is stylish and funky an infusion of Latin, Funk and Jazz with an Afro-Caribbean groove.
I'm a big fan of Latin Jazz and am picky about my bands. I just heard Johnny Blas play at Spaghettini's, and thought the band was incredible! They played a lot of salsa and cha-cha - I wish I were at a dance club. I'd say that Johnny is an up and coming Poncho Sanchez.
Price Range: $2,000 to 10,000
Gig Length: 45 - 120 minutes
Languages: English
As a conguero, Johnny’s performances are passionate and fierce; his dynamic ability is displayed in both flashy solos as well as in more restrained interior lines. Johnny Blas, an innovative performer, bandleader and composer, showcases many of his own original arrangements on five Latin Jazz CD recordings under the famed Ubiquity/CuBop label and has earned critical praise in the Latin and Jazz music press. N
Night in L.A. - 1994 - Corona Records
Skin & Bones - 1996 - Ubiquity/CuBop label
Mambo (phone number hidden)8 - Ubiquity/CuBop label
King Conga - 1999 - Ubiquity/CuBop label
Indestructible Spirit - 2007 - Ubiquity/CuBop label.
Johnny’s adventurous and eclectic music is sought after and enduringly popular throughout Europe and is played in the Top 10 U.S. radio markets.
Johnny has performed with or for various artists and companies including, Francisco Aguabella, Mindi Abair, Chuck Loeb, Jackiem Joyner, Greg Vail, Marc Quinones, Brenda Russel, Najee, Dave Pike, Greg Adams, Evelyn Champagne King, Max Bennett, Bobby Allende and Poncho Sanchez.
Listed below is a brief overview of past venues, artists and companies that Johnny has worked with or for:
Venues:
KLON Radio
Bally's Total Fitness
Catalina Bar & Grill
Steamers Jazz Cafe
Spaghettini's, Seal Beach
Playboy Jazz Festival
Cubby Bear, Chicago
Performed for: Celia Cruz
Opened for: Oro Sonido, Eric Beloit, La Sonora Poncena
TV Appearances:
The Jaime Fox Show
Dr Pepper Commercial W/Celia Cruz
Original music used by:
Miller Beer Co, Dockers, Hermosa Beach Festival, The New Fantasy Island TV Show, Levis Strauss, Benson & Hedges
Reviews:
A summer sizzler of some fresh Latin jazz from an emerging talent...the solos are exceptional, with Blas proving why he's boss as he tears into the cueros with authority and excitement."
-Latin Beat Magazine
"With a herd of trombones, a driving swing, jazz cat Dave Pike on vibes and a percussion section that will melt asphalt, Skin and Bones is a summer sizzler of some fresh Latin jazz from an emerging talent. Originally from NYC, Blas is a conguero with old school chops a la [Ray] Barretto and Mongo [Santamaria], who is infusing those influences with a vibrant ensemble that doesn't let up."
-Latin Beat Magazine
Complete System
Brian M. said “Very good communication. Great music, very solid and professional. Would definitely hire again!”
Rosalinda P. said “I especially loved the violinist. I would however contract a DJ instead of the playback. The guests did not enjoy the playback list and the volume was…”
Champagne V. said “Wedding was a blast! So thankful for Juanka participation. He is incredibly talented!”
Araceli R. said “My guests and I were extremely impressed by Victor and Jose’s performance! They play beautifully! Would highly recommend them. Thank you Victor!”