Hey , as an proud Puerto Rican , I have to mention that some of my fellw countrymen had played in this wouderful group that we all love.

But..... How many of them huh?

I think 5? Let's see.........
Roberto Vally
Oscar Cartaya
Richie Morales
Julio Fernandez
Manolo Badrena
An old friend of mine toured with them a long time ago. His name is Tony Cintron and is from NY. So that's a possible 6. Am I right? What do I win?

d_w

Not Bad at all David But....
Julio Fernandez and Roberto Vally are from Cuba.
Also I was at Tony Cintron's farewell party here in San Juan. It was great , sience he knew a lot of musicians that I also know.

Oh!! Sorry , there was no prize , but i'll figure something out.


Thanks!!
Eril

Eril ,if you have any way to contact Tony Cintron for me I would appreciate it. We both grew up in Mount Vernon, N.Y.
We also played in a band together called 'JPT'. My email address is dwalmz1@webtv.net and my phone number is 914-736-9455.
If not, no problem and thanks.

d_w

BTW guys...FYI...

I ran in to Oscar Cartaya at Spyro Gyra's recent show at the Hyatt Newporter in Newport Beach, Calif.

He's doing alot of producing, based out of Los Angeles, and also has a musical project going. He gave me his email address, but I have misplaced it for the moment. When I find it, I will pass it along!

Peace!
Paul

Amazing about the Puerto Rican connection...I ALWAYS found it fascinating that guys with names like Beckenstein, Schuman, and Samuels were making such seamless music with guys with names like Fernandez, Cartaya, Morales, Badrena.

BTW, What nationality are Gerardo Velez and Mark Quinones???

Peace!
Paul

Hi Paul!!!

Gerardo and Marc are also from my back yard.
Marc is currently on tour with Dave Valentin (flute player) and for Gerardo , I don't have any info right now. Also Oscar co-produced the album Passion Dance for Herb Alpert.

I also want to add the Marc plays his killer percussion in The Allman Brothers Band when that band is on tour...pretty diverse musician, eh?

BTW, I remember when Marc joined Spyro for(what I think was too brief)a stint...hows this for an introduction....

On that tour, though no one was familiar with Marc, the band actually had Marc OPEN the sets all by his lonesome, banging out about 3 to 5 minutes of awesome percussion.

BAPTISM BY FIRE???

Peace!
Paul