From Goiânia, Brazil, young percussionist Alex Calatayud descends from a long line of musicians and is recognized as one of the most exciting and unique performers on the pandeiro (Brazilian tambourine) as well as the timba. Alex has music in his blood: his mother Eva is a percussionist, his father Gregorio a guitar player, and he is the youngest of three brothers, all of whom play music.
Alex's commitment to the pandeiro started around age 8. While most kids his age were playing with toys or video games, young Alex was busy playing pandeiro. Alex left school after the fifth grade and started performing professionally at age 13, playing 5 nights a week with bossa nova groups in hotel bars. Alex and his brothers also performed regularly with their father, playing mostly Spanish boleros.
For booking info or lessons contact 510 706-6965 or 415 640-3055.
Email: [email protected]
At age 14 a contest between young Alex and the most respected pandeiro player in his hometown, a man in his 30's, was cancelled after the man did not show up. At age 15 Alex went on his first tour. He eventually followed his brothers Marcos (cavaquinho, vocals) and Marcio (guitar, vocals, percussion) to the United States, where they founded the very successful San Francisco Brazilian band Entre Nos. In addition to the three brothers, Entre Nos included such great musicians as Zeca do Trombone and percussionist Jose Rivera.
The Calatayud Brothers remain a vital source of Brazilian music in the San Francisco Bay Area, performing annually for the San Francisco Carnaval festivals. They have been voted Best Music for the past three years while playing with Carnaval Parade Grand Champion Group Fogo na Roupa. Alex and his brothers are also among the truest local representatives of the popular style of samba known as pagode. Alex eventually connected with the talented American guitarist and singer/songwriter Kevin Welch, founder of the original band Boca do Rio, one of the most popular acts on the Bay Area Brazilian music scene. Alex has performed at the Sierra World Music Festival, The Hollywood Palladium, The Fillmore, The Great American Music Hall, San Francisco's Black and White Ball, and many other prestigious venues.
With Boca do Rio opening for Thievery Corporation
A rare, sought-after musician who “plays from the heart,†Alex continues to play regularly with Boca do Rio and The Calatayud Brothers/Little Brazil, and freelances with many other local artists, touching audiences and fellow musicians night after night with his special technique and warm stage presence. His natural skill allows him to play with ease in various styles including samba, pagode, bossa nova, choro, funk, and jazz. He has accompanied, recorded, and shared the stage with many top Brazilian, Latin, and American artists including Marcos Silva, Ricardo Peixoto, Carlos Oliveira, Rick Udler, Los Van Van, Mingo Lewis, Wilfredo Reyes, Calvin Keys, Harvey Weinaple, James Henry, and Zigaboo Modeliste, to name a few. Alex recently played on four tracks on the popular cd "Brazilian Footprints" by Bay Area artist Mary Fettig. Essentially self-taught but inspired by the great Jackson do Pandeiro and João Parahyba, Alex is especially known and respected for his innovative style of pandeiro playing. Alex is also starting to teach privately and assist with workshops and music camps.
Benefit Show - Marcos Calatayud, Alex Calatayud, Scott Thompson
For booking info or lessons contact 510 706-6965 or 415 640-3055.
Email: [email protected]
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For booking info or lessons contact 510 706-6965 or 415 640-3055.
Email: [email protected]
