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Luis Aquino started playing the trumpet at age 11, in the municipal band of his hometown Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, which was conducted by the late Ramon Collado.
Shortly thereafter, he began studying with Emilio Reales and Julio "Yuyo" Martinez at the Libre de Musica in the neighboring town of Carolina. It was here where Luis started to show his special talent to play the trumpet.
In 1980, his family relocated to the San Juan area and Luis transferred into the Escuela Libre de Musica in Hato Rey. There, he was guided by another influential and extraordinary trumpet teacher, Miguel Pena. While in this school, Luis took part in a variety of groups, including: youth symphonic orquestra, symphonic band, big band, trumpet quartets and dance band. After school hours, Luis was becoming recognized for playing next to many seasoned and established trumpet players like the late Juancito Torres, Mario Ortiz and Eddie Feyjoo. This amazing list also includes trumpeters Wilson Brignoni, Elias Lopes, Angel "Angie" Machado, Manolin Allers, Tommy Villariny, Nestor Pow, Tito Rivera, Jochi Rodriguez, Marito Ortiz, Fernando Marcano, "Tito trompeta", Marcelo Rosario and many others.
By age 17, Luis had already played with bands like Kim de Los Santos, the late Tommy Olivencia, Conjunto Canayon, Jose Nogueras and Willie Rosario. It was during this crucial time in his musical development that Luis became a first called trumpet players for all kinds of recordings in Puerto Rico.
At age 19, he moved to Miami, FL to study with the late Gilbert Johnson at the University of Miami. Mr. Johnson was responsible for guiding, mentoring and developing Luis into a fine tuned musician. In his first semester, Luis entered the Concert Jazz Band (CJB) playing the 3rd trumpet chair, but by the second semester he was awarded the challenging lead trumpet chair. (As a side note, even to this day his reputation as an amazing lead trumpet player stands at the Music School.) Luis chose his course of study that included Studio Music and Jazz under the direction of Whit Sidener.
While in Miami, Luis again was one of the top called players for studio and live work.
From Miami, Luis moved to Las Vegas for a few months to take part in the "Latin Quarter" show at the Riviera hotel, produced by Kenny Ortega. After Vegas, he moved back to Puerto Rico where he continues to do work as a top called studio and recording musician.
Many artists have trusted Luis' talent to be part of their bands.
Artists like:
Yanni. "Tribute" Video, recorded live in India and China
Franco de Vita. Live DVD in Caracas
Ricky Martin. World Tour and MTV Unplugged(2006)
David Bisbal
Gilberto Santa Rosa
Juan Luis Guerra y 440
Alejandro Sanz El Tren de los Momentos Tour(2007-08)
and many others.
Many producers and artists have also preferred Luis' trumpet playing for studio work. Producers like: Sergio George, Ramon Sanchez, Humberto Ramirez, Freddie Mendez, Robert Cora, Cucco Pena, Manuel Tejada and countless others.
Luis has recorded in more than 500 albums, and more than a handfull of them have been Grammy nominated and Grammy winners.
Latin music has definitely been impacted and influenced by Luis' trumpet playing in so many salsa, merengue and latin pop recordings.
His bright, penetrating sound is a trademark that many people in the know identify and love. And he has influenced the performance of many trumpet players in many latin countries.
Luis plays Fides trumpets and Warburton mouthpieces. Go to www.gerrylopezmusic.com
