dafnis prieto

Dafnis PrietoA native of Santa Clara, Cuba, the New York based drummer, composer and percussionist Dafnis Prieto studied at the School of Fine Arts in Santa Clara, Cuba and later at the National School of Artist in Havana. He received a thorough classical education and ever broadening knowledge of Afro-Cuban, Jazz and World Music.

At the age of 29, Dafnis Prieto has more than ten years of professional experience. His career started with a succession of talented pianists including Carlos Maza, and Ramon Valle.

Since then he has performed with some of the world's greater jazz artists including Jane Bunnett's Spirit of Havana, Steve Coleman and Five Elements, Henry Threadgill, Zooid and Make a Move, Eddie Palmieri's Afro-Caribbean Jazz Orchestra, Chico O' Farril Afro-Cuban Big Band, Dave Samuel's Caribbean Jazz Project, DD Jackson Trio, Andrew Hill, Ed Simon Trio, John Benitez Quartet, Jorge Sylvester, Afro-Caribbean Experimental Trio, Claudia Acuña, Don Byron, Kip Hanrahan, Roy Hargrove's Havana Crisol, World Economic Forum with Branford Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Arturo Sandoval, Michel Camilo's Trio, and Chucho Valdez's Quartet, NYC.

He has also performed with his own band, Dafnis Prieto Quintet at the Verona Jazz Festival in Italy, and the Jazz Gallery in NYC. He has toured the United States and Europe performing at notable jazz festivals throughout the world.