Project de Congueros

The project of these talented percussionists has been in the making for 15 years. Their performances included highly skilled music percussion presentations with each player armed with 3-4 congas each with an all-star rhythm and horn sections. Originally conceived by Julio, Jaz and Adrian in the early 90’s from hours of practice on weekends over a two-year period. Peers Ben Krames and David Flores were frequent in the jam sessions at the Aquatic Park, La Raza Park and many nights sitting in with the… Show more local bands. Between them they have studied with the living legends of Bay Area percussionists including John Santos, Carolyn Brandy, Jesus Diaz, Josh Jones, Michael Spiro, Karl Perazza and more with strong influence by the Escovedo Family, Orestes Vilato, Richie Flores, Giovanni Hidalgo, Jose Luis “Changuito” Quintana and others.

PDC has taken on several different formats with performances including The Haight Asbury Street Fair, KPFA Radio, Kimble’s East (R.I.P) and various events. However with more than a decade old hiatus they have kept in touch over the years and with Sawyer’s recent return to the Bay Area the time seem right time revisit and to bring the vision to the present.

Adrian Areas is the son of Areas Nicaraguan percussionist José Chepito Areas who’s known for his for Santana, from 1969-1980. “Chepito” welcomed jam sessions at his house for Adrian and his friends to develop their craft. In his own right, Adrian has worked with performed with Tito Puente, Carlos “Patato” Valdez, Santana, Journey, The Doobie Bros, The Steve Miller Band, Arturo Sandoval, Los Munequitos de Matanzas. Recording credits include Mingus Amungus, Michael Franti, Spearhead and The Braxton Brothers.

Javier Navarrette (brother of trombonist Raul Navarrette) is one of Bay Area’s in-demand multi-percussionist working frequently as a teacher of youth and adults. Javier has studied with masters in Cuba such as Miguel Angá Díaz, Jose Luis “Changuito” Quintana, John Santos, Michael Spiro and Jesús Díaz. In addition, Javier has had the privillege of recording with world renowned artists Giovanni Hidalgo, Sandy Perez, Jimmy Bosch, José Fajardo, Orestes Vilató, Dafnis Prieto, Pedro Martinez and Andy Gonzalez. Javier was featured on three Grammy nominated albums with John Santos and continues to create and teach music.

Julio Areas is the nephew of the great timbalero “Chepito” Areas (from Santana’s group). Julio is a world-renowned player who has played with several top bands including, Avance, QBA, Ritmo y Armonia and Charanson. He is currently the timbalero for Orquesta Saboriche and one of the most in demand percussionist in the Bay Area and abroad.

Jaz Sawyer was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. He began playing drums at age 2, and learned to play the trumpet and bass before beginning music studies at the S. F. Conservatory of Music and later graduated from the S.F. School of the Arts. Sawyer holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from New School University, and a Master of Public Administration degree from M.C.N.Y. He has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Abbey Lincoln, George Benson, Irvin Mayfield, Bobby Hutcherson, Phil Lesh & Friends, Dee Dee Bridgewater and M’lumbo. He is a versatile in performing and producing in various genres and has studied the origins of various percussion instruments.

Adrian Areas Drums, Congas
Javier Navarrette Congas
Julio Areas Congas, timbales, Lead vocals
Jaz Sawyer Drums, Congas
Marco Diaz Piano
Bass Raul Perales
Mike Olmos Trumpet
Joel Behrman Trombone
Kasey Knudsen Saxes

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