Product Description
Toca Eric Velez Signature Wood Bongos in Gun Metal Glitter
Toca is committed to being green and environmentally-friendly. The wood we use is harvested from a plantation in Thailand, where our drums are then lathed and handcrafted by local musicians. This carefully managed resource is much easier on the environment than wood taken from primary forests
Features:
- Eric VelezÛª blurring style is based heavily on Afro-Cuban technique. He prefers a finger-sensitive, controllable drum that he doesnÛªt have to fight to play quietly or loudly.
- Unique 7Û & 9Û bongos with steel bottoms
- Premium two-ply high Asian Oak construction
- Black Mirror chrome hardware for a sleek look and appeal
- Gun Metal Glitter Finish gives it that old-school look with a modern flair thatÛªs sure to attract attention!
- EasyPlay hoop
- Rib design gives bongos an authentic look and feel
- Feature in natural sunburst high gloss finish
- 8 tuning lugs
- Matching congas available
Eric Velez is one of the most respected Latino percussionists of his generation. He is of Puerto Rican descent, and was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Eric learned to play congas, bongos, and timbales at the young age of three with the assistance of his brother. His first musical performance was with Grupo Fascinacion at the age of fifteen. At the age of seventeen, Eric played with Eddie Palmieri and in 1993 made his first recording with Marc Anthony for the movie soundtrack ÛÏCarlitoÛªs Way.Û In 1996, Eric continued to record under RMM Records with producer Isidro Infante. Eric also traveled with the RMM Band, featuring Tito Puente. In 1997, Eric joined Marc AnthonyÛªs band and later that year performed for President ClintonÛªs 1997 Inaugural Ceremony. A year later, Eric recorded with Celia Cruz. In 1999, Eric joined D.L.G. and also recorded with various artists under record producer Sergio George.
Between 2000 and 2004, Eric performed with Marc Anthony on two tours, several TV shows, including Jay Leno, as well as the HBO Special: Marc Anthony the Concert. In 2005, Eric joined the ÛÏJuntos en Concierto TourÛ featuring Marc Anthony. Later that year, Eric and his brother, Joe Juicy Jusino recorded a Salsa CD titled, ÛÏJuicy and Eric ÛÒ Huracan.Û In 2006, Eric went on another ÛÏJuntos en Concierto Tour 2Û featuring Marc Anthony. In October, Eric recorded with Marc Anthony for ÛÏMarc Anthony in Tenerife.Û In 2007, Eric continued to play with Marc Anthony and also began playing percussion with Jennifer Lopez and appeared on American Idol and David Letterman. The following year, Drum! Magazine named Eric ÛÏRunner-up for Percussion Rising Star.Û
In 2009, Toca Percussion launched the Eric Velez Signature Series Congas and Bongos. In October, Eric returned to the White House and performed with Marc Anthony for the ÛÏFiesta LatinaÛ performance. Eric has received many renowned distinctions, including another award by Drum! Magazine in 2009. He was named ÛÏLive Percussionist of the Year,Û ÛÏRunner-up Percussionist of the Year,Û ÛÏRunner-up Latin Percussionist of the Year,Û and ÛÏRunner-up Percussion Product of the Year.Û In 2010, EricÛªs influence was significantly recognized once again when he was awarded Drum! MagazineÛªs ÛÏRunner-up Live Performer of the YearÛ and ÛÏRunner-up Latin Percussionist of the Year.Û
In May 2011, Eric performed with Marc Anthony during the season finale of American Idol. Once again, his accomplishments were recognized when Eric received the award for ÛÏRunner-up Latin Percussionist of the YearÛ by Drum! Magazine. In 2012, Eric performed with Marc Anthony during the finale of QÛªViva: The Chosen. In June, Eric played for President Obama at the ÛÏLatinos for Obama FundraiserÛ at the Jackie Gleason Theater. That same year, Eric received an award by Drum! Magazine as ÛÏRunner-up Latin Percussionist of the Year.Û Eric toured this summer with the ÛÏGIGANT3S TourÛ featuring Marc Anthony. He will be ending the year in Latin America with the ÛÏGIGANT2S TourÛ featuring Marc Anthony.
