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Luis Conte
Luis Conte
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Key Information

Luis Conte (born 16 November 1954) is a Cuban percussionist[1] best known for his performances in the bands of artists including James Taylor, Madonna, Pat Metheny Group, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart and Shakira.[2][3][4] He began his music career as a studio musician for Latin Jazz acts like Caldera.[5] Conte's live performance and touring career took off when he joined Madonna's touring band in the 1980s.[6] Neil Strauss of The New York Times describes Conte's playing as "grazing Latin-style percussion".[7]

Conte immigrated to Los Angeles in 1967, where he attended Los Angeles City College studying music, and entrenched himself in the music community.[8] Conte's career includes composing and playing in ABC TV's Dancing with the Stars band,[9] along with many TV and film projects.[10][11][8]

Early years

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Conte was born in Santiago de Cuba. As a child, Conte began his musical odyssey playing the guitar. However, he soon switched to percussion, and that has remained his primary instrument ever since.[11]

He was sent to Los Angeles by his parents in 1967, in order to prevent him from being forced to serve in the Cuban military. This was a turning point in Conte's life, as the musical community in Los Angeles during this period was quite vibrant. It was during this period that he studied at Los Angeles City College.[8]

Musical career

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Luis Conte (rear), plays with James Taylor's "Band of Legends."

Conte proved himself versatile musically, and by 1973 he was playing regularly in local clubs. He quickly became a busy studio musician, and throughout the 1970s he played in the Latin jazz band Caldera.[2]

In the 1980s, Conte toured with several different musicians including Madonna, guitarist Al Di Meola, and Andy Narell. His debut as a bandleader came in 1987 when he released La Cocina Caliente, which included a Latinized version of Chopin's "Susarasa". Conte also played percussion on the Pat Metheny Group release 'We Live Here' in 1995, on the Pat Metheny album 'From This Place' in 2020, as well as I Mother Earth's first two albums Dig (1993) and Scenery and Fish (1996).

Conte has toured as part of James Taylor's "Band of Legends." He has also played alongside musicians including Alex Acuña, Jaguares, Larry Klimas, and David Garfield, both as a bandleader and a sideman.[2]

Luis Conte was part of Phil Collins' 1997 "Dance into the Light" tour and 2004 "First Farewell Tour", performing Afro-Cuban percussion in both of them and adding more depth into the concert songs. He also performed during The Phil Collins Big Band tours in 1996 and 1998, and again during the Phil Collins Not Dead Yet tours in 2017–2018.[3]

In 1999 Conte collaborated in the Maná MTV Unplugged project.

In 2009, Conte worked together with Sergio Vallín in his Bendito Entre Las Mujeres album.

Discography

[edit]

As leader/co-leader

[edit]
  • La Cocina Caliente (Denon, 1987)
  • Black Forest (Denon, 1989)
  • The Road (Weber Works, 1995)
  • Cuban Dreams (Unitone Recording, 2000)
  • En Casa De Luis (BFM Jazz, 2011)

As sideman (in alphabetical order)

[edit]

With Peter Allen

With Anastacia

With Angelica

  • Angelica (Arista Records, 1997)

With Paul Anka

  • Rock Swings (Verve, 2005)

With Patti Austin

  • On the Way to Love (Warner Bros. Records, 2001)
  • Sound Advice (Shanachie Records, 2011)

With George Benson

With Michelle Branch

With Michel Jonasz

With Jackson Browne

With George Cables

With Glen Campbell

With Belinda Carlisle

With Steven Curtis Chapman

With Cher

With Chicago

With Toni Childs

With Joe Cocker

With Natalie Cole

With Phil Collins and The Phil Collins Big Band

With Rita Coolidge

  • Behind the Memories (Pony Canyon Records, 1995)

With David Crosby

With Gavin DeGraw

With Céline Dion

With Lara Fabian

With Clare Fischer

With John Fogerty

With Aretha Franklin

With Nelly Furtado

  • Loose (Interscope Records, 2006)

With Charlotte Gainsbourg

  • IRM (Elektra Records, 2009)

With Josh Groban

With Thelma Houston

With Al Jarreau

With Jewel

With Elton John

With Gregg Karukas

  • Sound Of Emotion (Positive Music Records, 1991)
  • Summerhouse (101 South Records, 1994)
  • You'll Know It's Me (Fahreheit Records, 1995)
  • Blue Touch (i.e. music, 1998)
  • Nightshift (N-Coded Music, 2000)
  • Heatwave (N-Coded Music, 2002)
  • GK (Trippin 'N' Rhythm Records, 2009)

With Chaka Khan

With Patti LaBelle

With David Lasley

With Julian Lennon

With Kenny Loggins

With Madonna

With Ziggy Marley

With Richard Marx

With Christine McVie

With Bette Midler

With Kylie Minogue

With Michael Nesmith

With Jennifer Paige

With Bonnie Raitt

With Emily Remler

With LeAnn Rimes

With Linda Ronstadt

With Brenda Russell

  • Kiss Me with the Wind (A&M Records, 1990)
  • Soul Talkin' (EMI, 1993)
  • Between the Sun and the Moon (Dome Records, 2004)

With Boz Scaggs

With Selena

With Shakira

With Vonda Shepard

  • Vonda Shepard (Reprise Records, 1989)

With Lisa Stansfield

With Rod Stewart

With Curtis Stigers

  • Brighter Days (Columbia Records, 1999)

With Barbra Streisand

With James Taylor

With Terence Trent D'Arby

With Julieta Venegas

With Roger Waters

With Tony Joe White

  • Lake Placid Blues (Remark Records, 1995)
  • One Hot July (Mercury Records, 1998)

With Deniece Williams

  • Special Love (MCA Records, 1989)

With Paul Young

With Carlos Santana (Supernatural) BMG 2000

With Warren Zevon

References

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Notes

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Luis Conte (born November 16, 1954) is a Cuban-American percussionist renowned for his mastery of Latin percussion instruments and his ability to fuse traditional Cuban rhythms with diverse genres such as , , and . Born in , he immersed himself in the island's vibrant musical traditions like El Son and Carnival rhythms during his early years, initially learning guitar before transitioning to percussion. At age 15, Conte emigrated to , , and later settled in Hollywood, , where he attended and played guitar in local rock bands influenced by and American R&B. He began studying percussion seriously at 18 after reconnecting with Cuban drumming traditions at , quickly establishing himself as a in the 1970s with the Latin fusion band and in local clubs. By the 1980s, his career accelerated through high-profile tours with artists like and , and his debut solo album, La Cocina Caliente, released in 1988, showcased his compositional talents. Throughout his extensive career, Conte has collaborated with over 70 major artists, including (on tours from 1996 to 2004), , Santana, , , , and Sergio Mendes, contributing to hundreds of albums, Hollywood film scores, and live performances. His versatility has earned him prestigious accolades, such as a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album with the for We Live Here (1995), "Percussionist of the Year" from Modern Drummer magazine (2009–2012) and DRUM! magazine (2007–2009), as well as a Grammy nomination for Best Album for Our World in Song (2015) with Wu Man and . More recently, he toured with in summer 2025 and continues to release solo works like En Casa De Luis (2011), solidifying his influence as an educator and innovator in percussion.

Early life

Childhood in Cuba

Luis Conte was born on November 16, 1954, in , . From an early age, he absorbed the vibrant musical heritage of his birthplace, a hub of Afro-Cuban traditions where rhythms like —a foundational genre blending Spanish guitar with African percussion—permeated daily life. Santiago's cultural landscape in the and featured exuberant festivals, with street performances by comparsas (conga groups) featuring drums, trumpets, and dancers parading through neighborhoods, embedding rhythmic vitality into the community's social fabric. Within his family, music served as a central pillar, fostering Conte's initial immersion. The household radio played incessantly, and relatives regularly performed on guitar, , percussion, or vocals, creating an environment rich in sonic exploration. His father's possession of a German-made further expanded this exposure, allowing clandestine access to Western genres such as rock 'n' roll, pop, and even after the 1959 restricted such broadcasts. This blend of local traditions and international sounds during a period of political upheaval shaped his formative auditory world. As a child, Conte first pursued the guitar, reflecting the instrument's prominence in Cuban son ensembles. He soon gravitated toward percussion, influenced by the inescapable drum-driven street music and processions that defined Santiago's social gatherings. This shift aligned with the broader cultural emphasis on rhythmic expression in 1950s-1960s , where percussion instruments animated festivals and everyday celebrations, laying the groundwork for his lifelong dedication to the art form.

Immigration and education

At the age of 15, one month before his birthday, Luis Conte departed to evade mandatory under the communist regime, initially traveling to , , where he stayed with Jesuit priests for four months, before relocating to , , to live with his father's third cousin. This emigration marked a pivotal escape from political constraints, separating him from his family and thrusting him into unfamiliar environments as a young teenager. Adapting to life in the United States presented significant challenges for Conte, including cultural shock, language barriers, and the isolation of being a minor immigrant without immediate parental support in a bustling urban setting like . He navigated these difficulties by enrolling in local schools, specifically attending where he played guitar in rock bands influenced by and American R&B, gradually integrating into American society while grappling with the contrasts between his upbringing and the fast-paced, diverse West Coast lifestyle. In the early 1970s, Conte enrolled at , where he pursued formal studies in percussion and drum set, building on his innate affinity for rhythm honed in . His Cuban roots, rich with traditions of and carnival music, strongly influenced his decision to focus on percussion, allowing him to reconnect with familiar instruments in a new context. During his college years, he gained his first substantial exposure to the vibrant American music scenes, immersing himself in , rock ensembles, and the eclectic sounds of R&B and soul that permeated .

Professional career

Early studio work and band involvement

Conte's entry into the professional music scene in during the early 1970s was marked by his role as a percussionist in the Latin fusion band , which he joined around the mid-decade and remained with until its dissolution in 1979. Formed by keyboardist Eduardo del Barrio and others in the vibrant LA jazz scene, Caldera fused with Afro-Cuban rhythms, drawing influences from groups like and . As the band's primary percussionist, Conte provided congas, , and bata drums, contributing essential rhythmic drive and textural depth to their sound on the albums Time and Chance (1978) and Dreamer (1979). His performances on tracks like "Time and Chance" showcased intricate polyrhythms that blended traditional Latin elements with electric fusion instrumentation, helping the band gain a in jazz circles despite modest commercial success. Parallel to his band commitments, Conte established himself as a in studios starting in the early 1970s, where his adaptability allowed him to contribute to a range of projects including early film scores and pop recordings. By 1973, he was regularly gigging in local clubs, building the precision and versatility needed for studio demands, and soon became a go-to percussionist for producers seeking authentic Latin flavors in contemporary arrangements. Notable early studio appearances included overdubs on sessions and for television, though specific credits from this period underscore his growing reliability in the competitive ecosystem rather than high-profile solo features. His educational background in classical percussion further equipped him for the technical rigor of these sessions. The late represented Conte's breakthrough, as Caldera's national tours and album releases amplified his visibility in fusion and communities, leading to increased session calls and solidifying his reputation as an innovative percussionist capable of bridging cultural styles. These experiences, combined with his studio output, positioned him for wider recognition, with his rhythmic innovations—such as layered conga patterns over grooves—becoming hallmarks of his early style.

Major tours and collaborations

In 1987, Luis Conte joined Madonna's Who's That Girl World Tour as the percussionist, providing live support for hits including "La Isla Bonita" across performances in Japan, Europe, and North America. Conte's long-term partnership with Phil Collins spanned the 1990s and 2000s, highlighted by his role on the 1997 Dance into the Light tour, where he handled Afro-Cuban percussion alongside Ricky Lawson on drums. He continued this collaboration on the 2004 First Final Farewell Tour, contributing to drum segments such as the trio with Collins and Chester Thompson. Beginning in the late 1990s, Conte became a key member of James Taylor's band, contributing percussion to the 1997 album and joining subsequent tours, including as part of the "Band of Legends" ensemble in the . Other notable collaborations from this period include Conte's percussion work on the Pat Metheny Group's 1995 album , which earned a Grammy for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. He also provided congas and percussion on Carlos Santana's blockbuster 1999 album , supporting tracks that propelled the release to multi-platinum success. In the , Conte recorded with artists such as , and on (2005), blending his Latin rhythms into diverse pop and soul contexts.

Recent projects and compositions

In 2011, Luis Conte released his solo En Casa de Luis on BFM , featuring a blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms, instrumentals, and original compositions performed with collaborators including Barry Coates, trumpeter Walt Fowler, and Jimmy Johnson. Subsequent solo and co-leader projects included Back in Time (2013) with Barry Coates, showcasing Conte's percussion alongside guitar-driven fusion tracks, and Boom (2018) co-led with drummer Pete Lockett, which explored global percussion dialogues with influences from Latin, Indian, and contemporary elements. Throughout the 2020s, Conte continued his long-standing role as a percussionist in James Taylor's All-Star Band, contributing to tours such as the 2023 U.S. Summer Tour and performances in in 2024, where his Afro- grooves enhanced Taylor's folk-rock arrangements. In 2020, he provided percussion for Pat Metheny's album on , adding rhythmic depth to tracks like the title song alongside guests and Gregoire Maret. This was followed by a 2024 live performance leading his Super Bien Septet at Sierra Madre Playhouse, delivering traditional in a one-night event that evoked Havana's vibrant club scene. That August, he contributed percussion to The String Revolution's single "America," a reimagined West Side Story track featuring saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, produced by Janet Robin and Markus Illko to highlight marching rhythms and Latin flair. Conte's compositional contributions have extended to television, including original music for the live band on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, where he has arranged and performed Afro-Cuban-infused pieces for dance routines since the 2000s. His work on recent film scores, such as those for Transformers (2007) and Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), demonstrates his role in crafting percussive elements for cinematic soundscapes, with ongoing involvement in Hollywood projects. In 2025, Conte released the album Ropa Vieja, featuring bassist Carlitos del Puerto and trumpeter Leider Chapotín, promising a return to Cuban roots with fresh ensemble arrangements.

Musical style and influences

Percussion techniques and instruments

Luis Conte is renowned for his mastery of Afro-Cuban rhythms, which he seamlessly integrates into diverse genres such as pop, , and rock, prioritizing a deep groove and subtle nuance over ostentatious displays. His approach draws from traditional Cuban Carnival drumming and son rhythms, adapting them to support melodic structures in non-Latin contexts while maintaining rhythmic authenticity. This versatility allows him to enhance tracks with layered percussion that feels organic, often using techniques to build complex textures without overpowering the ensemble. Conte employs a wide array of primary instruments, including congas, , , maracas, clave, guiro, bombo leguero, , and , often in hybrid setups that blend traditional Afro-Cuban elements with global influences for both live performances and studio recordings. He frequently layers these in sessions, such as combining congas with and guiro for rapid-fire clave patterns or grooves that drive the rhythm section. In live settings, his setups incorporate and alongside core Latin percussion to create dynamic, adaptable sounds suited to varying band configurations. Among his notable techniques are precise clave rhythms on congas, which form the rhythmic foundation of his playing, and polyrhythmic layering adapted for jazz and pop, where multiple instruments interlock to produce intricate yet understated grooves. On , he utilizes shell slaps and cross-stick patterns to add sharp accents and tonal variety, enhancing the subtlety of his contributions in ensemble settings. These methods reflect his emphasis on rhythmic precision and integration rather than soloistic flair. Conte endorses , for which he has signature instruments including hammered (14" and 15" sizes) designed for Cuban-style projection and his Artist Series congas and shakers, tailored to his versatile, genre-spanning sound. These custom pieces feature specialized materials like solid shells and ergonomic designs that support his hybrid live and studio applications, ensuring consistent tone across performances.

Key musical influences

Luis Conte's musical foundation is deeply rooted in the traditional sounds of his native , where he spent his formative years immersed in the vibrant rhythms of El Son, , and the exuberant music that defines the region's cultural celebrations. These elements, central to everyday Cuban life, shaped his early understanding of percussion as an integral part of communal expression and storytelling. Among the specific percussionists who influenced him during this period were the drummers performing in Santiago's processions, as well as masters like Tata Güines, , Papin, Patato Valdez, , and Francisco Aguabella. Upon immigrating to the at age 15, Conte encountered a broader array of American musical styles that expanded his palette, including , rock & roll, R&B, soul, and the innovative songcraft of . These encounters complemented his Cuban heritage, inspiring a distinctive fusion approach that blends Latin rhythms with contemporary pop and rock sensibilities. Additionally, exposure to Brazilian percussionist introduced dimensions, enriching his rhythmic vocabulary beyond traditional Afro-Cuban forms. This synthesis of influences guided Conte's selection of percussion instruments, allowing him to adapt diverse tools to suit cross-genre collaborations.

Discography

As leader/co-leader

Luis Conte released his debut album as a leader, La Cocina Caliente, in 1987, blending rhythms with fusion influences. The album featured contributions from keyboardist and guitarist Roland Vazquez, showcasing Conte's conga and percussion work in a vibrant, crossover style. In 1989, Conte explored world percussion traditions on Black Forest, incorporating diverse guest artists such as bassist Abe Laboriel, saxophonist Gary Herbig, and vocalist to create a fusion of , and global sounds. Highlights include the rhythmic track "Mere Wotimbo," which highlights Conte's multi-instrumental prowess on congas, , and , and "Susarasa," a Latinized rendition of Chopin's No. 2. The Road, issued in 1995, reflected Conte's extensive touring experiences with a mix of original compositions and covers, such as "Guava Jam," emphasizing grooves and Latin percussion drives. The album captured mid-career evolution, drawing from his global performances to infuse personal narratives into instrumental tracks. Conte returned to his Cuban heritage on Cuban Dreams (2000), integrating traditional elements like and in arrangements of classics such as "Drume Negrita" and "Isla Linda," performed with a focus on authentic Afro-Cuban percussion. The release highlighted his roots through medleys evoking Havana's carnival spirit, blending nostalgia with contemporary sensibilities. A Coat of Many Colors (2006) featured collaborations with world percussionists including Doudou N'Diaye Rose, , and , exploring explosive exchanges in global rhythms. Marímbula (2007), a trio project with Barry Coates and Jimmy Johnson, delved into Cuban-rooted percussion with hypnotic, evocative tracks like "Seeds of Truth." The Trio series (2002–2012), with David Garfield on keyboards and David Carpenter on bass, explored Latin-infused jazz across multiple volumes. En Casa De Luis (2011), an intimate project recorded primarily at home, featured Conte overdubbing layers of percussion including congas, timbales, and cajón, alongside collaborators like guitarist Barry Coates and bassist Jimmy Johnson for a warm, personal sound. Tracks such as the title song emphasized relaxed grooves and subtle world influences, creating a cozy atmosphere reflective of Conte's private creative space. Ear Candy (2024), co-led with Lea Mullen and featuring Pete Lockett and Mino Cinelu, showcased contemporary percussion explorations across 10 tracks. In 2025, Conte co-leads the album Ropa Vieja with arranger San Miguel Pérez, featuring bassist Carlitos Del Puerto and trumpeter Leider Chapotin, among others like trombonist Fabio Santana, in a style rooted in Afro-Cuban jazz, son montuno, and salsa. The project revives traditional Cuban rhythms with modern flair, as heard in tracks like "Rumba Del Cielo" and "Santiaguero," celebrating Conte's percussion legacy through collaborative energy.

As sideman

Luis Conte has contributed percussion to numerous high-profile albums across genres, enhancing recordings with his Afro-Cuban rhythms and versatile playing on instruments such as congas, , and shakers. His credits span , pop, rock, and , often providing rhythmic foundations that blend seamlessly with diverse ensembles. Below is a selection of significant album appearances, organized alphabetically by artist, highlighting his roles as a supporting percussionist.

Al Di Meola

  • Casino (1978): Conte provided percussion throughout the album, adding Latin flair to the jazz fusion tracks.

Carlos Santana

  • Supernatural (1999): Conte played congas and additional percussion on several tracks, including the hit "Smooth," contributing to the album's Grammy-winning fusion of rock, Latin, and pop elements.

George Duke

  • Brazilian Love Affair (1979): As percussionist, Conte infused the record with Brazilian and Latin rhythms, supporting Duke's funk-jazz explorations.

I Mother Earth

  • Dig (1994): Conte's percussion work added dynamic layers to the alternative rock sound.
  • Scenery and Fish (1996): He continued providing percussion, enhancing the band's textures.

James Taylor

  • (1997): Conte contributed percussion, bringing subtle Latin influences to Taylor's arrangements.

Madonna

  • True Blue (1986): Percussion by Conte supported the pop album's dance-oriented tracks.
  • Who's That Girl (1987): He played percussion on this soundtrack album, adding rhythmic drive to its upbeat songs.

Pat Metheny Group

  • We Live Here (1995): Conte's percussion complemented the group's style on live recordings.
  • (2020): He provided percussion, contributing to the album's contemporary sound.

Phil Collins

  • ...But Seriously (1989): Conte added percussion to several tracks, bolstering the pop-rock production.
  • (1996): His percussion work enhanced the album's lighter, rhythmic grooves.

Ray Charles

Shakira

  • Laundry Service (2001): As percussionist, Conte helped shape the album's rock-infused Latin pop aesthetic.

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Luis Conte has received one Grammy Award win (as a sideman) and one nomination (as a leader/co-leader).
YearCategoryNominated workResult
1996Best Contemporary Jazz AlbumWe Live Here (Pat Metheny Group)Won
2015Best World Music AlbumOur World in Song (with Wu Man and Daniel Ho)Nominated

Latin Grammy Awards

Conte received one Latin Grammy nomination.
YearCategoryNominated workResult
2003Best Latin Jazz AlbumBongó de Van GoghNominated

Other awards

  • Percussionist of the Year, Modern Drummer Readers' Poll (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
  • Percussionist of the Year, DRUM! magazine (2007, 2008, 2009)
  • Studio Percussionist of the Year, DRUM! magazine (2007, 2008, 2009)
  • Inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame (2018)

References

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