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Percussionist from
Puerto Rico who moved to The Bronx and became a member of Gypsy Sun and the
Rainbows, famously playing Woodstock with Jimi
Hendrix, a performance that has been immortalized on audio and video. Hendrix downsized his band to a
power trio and Velez was free to pursue a successful career as a session
musician.
Some of the
artists and groups he has worked with include David Bowie, Chic, Duran Duran, Elton John, Jessica Simpson, and Stevie Wonder. In the late ‘70s, he hooked up
with the jazz-fusion outfit, Spyro Gyra, and has appeared off and on with them since their
breakthrough album, Morning Dance. Other albums on which you can hear
him include Hypnotized and Neal Black and the Healers.
He has also
worked as a music director and event producer for a quarter of a century
and some of his high-profile clients include HBO, The New York Stock
Exchange, the National Football League, and the United Way.
Velez’s
recording career has garnered him seven Grammy nominations, multi-platinum
album sales, and enshrinement in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Sources:
- http://www.gerardovelez.com/bio.html
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6goDP9Yp2us
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerardo_Velez
- http://www.discogs.com/artist/Gerardo+Velez
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