Carlos Bustamante’s musical studies began in Maracaibo, Venezuela, at the José Luis Paz Conservatory of Arts. Later, he moved to Caracas, Venezuela to attend the Grupo Madera Foundation, where he graduated as a percussionist. Carlos has performed with many renowned Venezuelan orchestras. In 2016, he left Venezuela for Panama City, where he had the honor and opportunity to back major salsa acts such as Tito Rojas, the Roberto Delgado Orchestra and Salsa Kids, among others. After moving from Panama to the U.S., Carlos had the privilege of backing Hispanic artists like Kinito Méndez from the Dominican Republic.

THE BACKSTORY

BORN IN:
Maracaibo Edo Zulia Venezuela
LIVES IN:
Madison, AL, USA    
DRUMMING SINCE: 1993   CURRENT PROJECT(S):
Drums & Percussion Salsa Kids Y Orquesta La Distincion

THE INSIDE SCOOP

BIGGEST INFLUENCE(S):
Orestes Vilato, Tito Puente, Irakere, Michael McDonald, Queen, The Beatles, Sting, Jeff Porcaro & Toto  
FAVORITE ALBUM YOU PLAYED ON: "Salswing!" A tribute to Hector Lavoe by Ruben Blades and Roberto Delgado Orchestra  
 

FAVORITE ALBUMS YOU DIDN’T PLAY ON: "Flash”, from the album Flash Gordon by Queen    
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

Performing at the 2021 Latin Jazz Festival in Guatemala, where I stood out as a percussionist. And the 2017 Panama Jazz Festival, where I performed with the singer Maria Rivas in her Latin Jazz quartet.  Also working with Tito Puente, Jr. was definitely a highlight - and much more to come!

 
 

THE GON BOPS SKINNY

FAVORITE GON BOPS INSTRUMENTS/SETUP:  Luisito Quintero Signature Timbales; Roberto Quintero Signature Congas
Website:

Carlos' Instagram Page