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 Conga dynamo, Henry Brun, was nicknamed "Mr. Ritmo" by his fans to describe the authenticity, dynamics, and "cadencia" of the music he plays. Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, Henry started playing congas at seven. After returning to Puerto Rico with his parents, he was playing professionally by the time he was eleven years old. While listening to and being influenced by such sixties Latin music pioneers as Tito
Puente, Patato
Valdez, Jose
Mangual Sr., Mongo
Santamaria, and Candido Camero, Henry developed his own unique style and technique on bongos and timbales.
Henry was afforded the unique opportunity of traveling around the world when he was selected to play in the United States Air Force’s international show band, "Tops in Blue". During this experience, he expanded his knowledge of global ethnic rhythms, and had the privilege of working with such luminaries as legendary trumpet player, Maynard Ferguson; Bob Hope; Lucille Ball; Barbara Mandrell; and many others.
In 1989, Henry decided to pursue music as a fulltime career, and created The Latin Playerz, an ensemble of musicians who play a variety of Latin styles, which range from the slower Cuban Cha-cha, to the more upbeat mambo, conga, rumba, timba, and meringue. The group also integrates rhythm and blues, swing, and straight ahead Jazz, with the Latin beat, making them popular in the United States and around the world.
When not performing with his band, Henry can often be found playing with international acts such as Arturo Sandoval, Peter Erskine, Eric Marienthal, Los Lobos, Ernie Watts, Freddy Fender, Ruben Ramos, Gilberto Puento y Los Tres Reyes, Millie Corretjer, Jerry Rivera, and many others. Henry’s vivacious performances infect the audience with the desire to join in on the fun during his shows.
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