Freddie Gambrell

Federico Cervantes also known as Freddie Gambrell, Freddy and/or FC; born 1936, died 2004. He changed his name in or around the year of 1965 to Federico Cervantes, although he has performed all over the world with both names. Federico lost his sight at the age of 17, making him completely blind. Some people with whom I have communicated described him as a legend, a man of humble circumstances, with not enough credit granted for his amazing talent. One man, when told of his passing, described him as, "A Loss to the World". Federico Cervantes Trumpeter-pianist, Federico Cervantes, booked in San Francisco, California at the Meridien Hotel and the Maltese Grill, respectively, began his musical career at the end of the golden age of Bebop. Being able to work more steadily as a jazz pianist, Cervantes, throughout his early circuit of bookings had the privilege of knowing, playing, and being contracted with many well-known jazz artists and vocalists of that time. Back in the '50's Cervantes worked mostly locally; sometimes only as trumpeter, sometimes mostly as pianist, and was introduced on World Pacific Jazz label, (under a pseudonym in 1952), as featured pianist in the Chico Hamilton trio.Federico Cervantes also developed the Federico Cervantes Orchestra.