Bobby Matos

by Greg PratoPercussionist Bobby Matos is one of the most highly respected drummers in the entire Afro-Cuban/Latin jazz genre. Born in the Bronx, New York City, on July 24, 1941, Matos came from a musical family, but was more interested initially in dancing than playing an instrument. Matos didnt begin to take drumming seriously until his late teens, while also learning how to play conga in the basements of churches in Harlem, as he looked up to such artists as Tito Puente for inspiration. It was around this time that Matos joined his first band, Los Congueros, comprised solely of conga, flute, and bass. By the late 60s, Matos had graduated to bandleader (just as the salsa movement began to gain full steam), resulting in one of his best-known songs, My Latin Soul, produced by Joe Cain, a respected figure in Latin jazz. But instead of continuing on as bandleader, Matos decided to focus strictly on his percussion, as he worked as a sideman for the next two decades. By the 80s, Matos had relocated to California and began to record new material. In the 90s, he issued albums on a regular basis: 1993s Collage Afro Cuban Jazz, 1995s Chango Dance, 1996s Footprints, 1997s My Latin Soul, 1998s Sessions (a compilation of some sessions Matos played on over a 14-year period), 1999s Live at M.O.C.A., and 2001s Mambo Jazz, the latter of which was a collaboration with fellow jazz drummer John Santos.