| Javier Muñiz was raised in the
tough Pico-Union district of Los Angeles, California. It was
here that he grew to worship the sounds of Cal Tjader, Willie
Bobo, Mongo Santamaria and Carlos Santana. His musical passion
has taken Muñiz all over Latin America to study with a number
of master musicians including; Roberto Vizcacaino, Regino Jimenez
Saenz, Mario Jaragui and Cuba’s legendary Changuito Quintana.
Still, Muñiz’s virtuosity does not end with percussion. At
any given time he may abandon his timbales, congas or bongo
and take up the bass, guitar, tres or lend his voice to the
chorus.
It has been more than thirty years that Muñiz has been leading
ensembles. Since his beginnings in Los Angeles, Muñiz has led
numerous groups including; The Rhythmagics, Salsa Cruz, Orquesta
Gitano, Tocara, Family Affair and The Bluemoons. Broken English
now celebrates over 20 years. |
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Ishmael Huggins Diaz was born
in Vieques, Puerto Rico in 1952. This was the same year Puerto
Rico became an Estado Libre Asociado and part of the United States
which paved the way for Huggins’ future migration. As a youth
Ishmael reveled in the music of the islands. His home Puerto
Rico provided him with the solid foundation of African influenced
songs and rhythms while neighboring Jamaica filled him with a
passion for reggae and ska music.
In 1967 Huggins made his trek to the United
States where he continued his musical journey as a vocalist
and front man of various bands including: Mighty High, Tao
Rythmical, Sensible Shoes and Broken English. |
