Ignacio Berroa has been recognized by many as one of the greatest drummers of our times. His numerous contributions to the American music scene have earned him a place among a very selective group of artists known to have set new musical trends for the 20th century. Jazz Legend Dizzy Gillespie best defined Ignacio as “the only Latin drummer in the world, in the history of American music that intimately knows both worlds; his native Afro-Cuban music as well as Jazz.” Highly respected among his peers, Ignacio’s musicianship and versatility have enabled him to build a successful career by gaining the recognition of some of the most important artists in the business.

Q & A

BORN IN: Havana, Cuba

LIVES IN: Cliffside Park, NJ

DRUMMING SINCE: 1968

CURRENT BAND/PROJECT: Ignacio Berroa Quartet

BIGGEST INFLUENCE(S): Gene Krupa, Max Roach, Tony Williams, Roy Hynes, Jack DeJohnnette

FAVORITE ALBUM PLAYED ON:
“Codes”

FAVORITE ALBUM DIDN’T PLAY ON: “Four & More”, Miles Davis

CAREER HIGHLIGHT(S): Being Dizzy Gillespie’s drummer for 10 years

FAVORITE SABIAN CYMBAL: My prototypes