016 I AM The Band with Alex Acuña

Master drummer and percussionist Alex Acuña was born in Pativilca, Peru and recognized at an early age that he wanted career in music. One of the most successful drummers to come out of South America. He was a part of music history on a number of occasions and has drummed for countless albums and music greats. Raised in a musical family, Alex decided to take up the drums at the age of 4. Upon moving to Lima, Peru Alex quickly became known as one of Peru’s most accomplished session drummers recording for various artists and television shows. Alex moved to Puerto Rico and there studied at the art of classical percussion at the Conservatory of Music.

Alex worked in Las Vegas with Elvis Presley and Diana Ross before moving to Los Angeles. With the jazz group Weather Report, Alex recorded the first jazz fusion record to sell over 1 million copies. As an in demand session drummer and percussionist, Alex has played on hundreds of television shows and motion pictures. His album credits include artists such as U2, Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Ella Fitzgerald, Al Jarreau, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, Roberta Flack, Carlos Santana, The Gipsy Kings. A master hand drummer and percussionist, Alex is known for his unique style of drumming and is one of the most versatile drummers of Afro-Cuban and Latin music

What you will hear

• Alex’s upbringing and the influence of faith and prayer early on in his life.
  
• Recognizing his love for music at an early age.
  
• Early childhood musical experiences.
  
• Working in Lima, Peru and meeting Perez Prado which kicked off his touring career.
  
• Exposure to all styles and genres of music and auditing his siblings music lessons.
  
• Alex’s biggest influences.
  
• 1970’s fusion of music in New York.
  
• Racism
  
• Martial Arts and the importance of keeping the 6 S’s as you age:Stamina, Strength, Strategy, Skills, Speed, Spirit.
  
• Alex’s faith, walk and family.
  

Quotes

“I had to learn to be humble.”

“I’m a follower of the great players because I love to learn.”

“For me music is huge, it’s profound, it has no ending, it’s deep.”

“I learned how to listen to the heart of the player.”

“With every experience you become a warrior of life.”

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