Edsel's Conga Connection

The Conga Connection is where you can sign up for Conga lessons and learn to play the Conga Drum, Bongo or another Ethnic Drum. You can also sign up for a study trip to Curaçao in the Caribbean sea to learn, "Island Style" about Ethnic Drums like the Chapi, Wiri, Bari, Matrimonial, or the Benta.

If you are in need of assistance with selecting the right type of Conga Drum to fit your level of playing and budget, Edsel has more than 20 years of professional musicianship at your service to aid and inspire you.

Tuning tips, head mounting and Drum repair are also available.

Availability For Gigs

Does your band need an excellent percussionist for a specific event? Edsel has the talent that can add that edge to your bands sound for a gig or a recording session. Backed up by more than 20 years of experience in the music business, Edsel has a very good ear for blending his percussion talents in with different styles of music. Versatile in Afro Cuban, Afro Caribbean, Latin, Jazz, Blues and top 40 styles.

Edsel Bio

Edsel was born in Maria Mai, Curaçao. He began playing congas at age 16. During his upbringing, an uncle of his named Nilo Rivero lead a Latin band and knew all the great percussionists of that time. Whenever a great percussionist was performing in town he would get them to teach Edsel a new conga technique. The bands Edsel has performed with include, in Curaçao: Nilo Rivero y Su Conjunto, Grupo M.O.C.A, Typico Pica Piedra, Typico Piti Pua, Virus Jazz Orchestra, Fantasy, Clark Elisabet, Ike Jeserum and Four Connections, Survivors and Crusaders. In the USA: Amandla Tune Smith, Patrick Foy and The Conk Critters, Orchestra Matata, SideWinders, Supernatural, Bop City, Los Selectos, Poder Intenso, Rocksteady@8, Strangeways, Enlaces, Grupo Mango and currently with Big Night Out. Edsel's most exciting gig was backing up the legendary Cuatrista from Puerto Rico "Yomo Toro" while playing with Los Selectos.

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