Robby Ameen

Drummer Robby Ameen's stellar discography includes multiple recordings with Latin luminaries Dizzy Gillespie, Eddie Palmieri, Ruben Blades, and Dave Valentin. In addition, he has had a long affilliation with producer Kip Hanrahan, for whom he's recorded several albums . Ameen has also recorded with Sting, trumpeter Alfredo "Chocolat" Armenteros, jazz pianist Don Pullen, New Orleans' Charles Neville and Allen Toussaint.

Ameen also recorded an album for blues and rock bassist Jack Bruce, and toured Europe and Japan Bruce and with Deep Rumba. Other recent projects include a film score for HBO television, and a video companion to the popular instruction book he co-wrote, "Funkifying the Clave." The book and video address traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms and their application to funk, rock, and jazz.

The New York-based Ameen began playing drums almost 30 years ago. His early musical influences included Elvin Jones, Ed Blackwell, Steve Gadd, and Patato Valdez. He acquired his first LP instrument, a fiberglass conga, some 25 years ago. "LP allows me to incorporate an Afro-Cuban percussion sound onto the drumset," Ameen says. "They are constantly inventing new instruments and sounds while always respecting the integrity of the instruments' roots. This allows me to play with the same kind of approach."

Robby also has a new double-drummer record with Horacio Hernandez called EL NEGRO AND ROBBY AT THE THIRD WAR. It also features Ruben Blades, Pedrito Martinez, John Beasley, and many others, playing music ranging from Cuban to European avant garde, hip hop to jazz.

Equipment list: LP Congas, LP Timbales, LP Mambo Cowbell, LP Salsa Cha-Cha Cowbell, LP Rock Ridge Rider Cowbell, LP Jam Block, LP Gajate Bracket

For more information on Robby Ameen please visit his site at: http://www.jazzcorner.com/ameen/