Representative Albums: "Worldwide," "Time Shifter," "Hands of Rhythm"
Representative Songs: "From This Moment On," "And Sammy Walked In," "Barandanga"
Biography
Widely acknowledged among the greatest congueros of his generation, Giovanni Hidalgo was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1963, first taking up the drums five years later; the son of the noted percussionist Jose "Manengue" Hidalgo, he was educated in Latin rhythms from childhood onward, and as a teen regularly walked to local gigs with his congas strapped to his back. He soon caught the attention of the legendary Dizzy Gillespie, touring in his United Nations All-Star Orchestra for four years; Hidalgo also became a noted session player, recording with Freddie Hubbard, Paul Simon and Mickey Hart's Planet Drum project. In 1992, he recorded his debut solo LP, Villa Hidalgo; Worldwide followed a year later, and for 1997's Hands of Rhythm, a collaboration with pianist Michel Camilo, Hidalgo earned a Grammy nomination in the Best Latin Jazz Album category. His Greatest Hits collection followed the next year. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
Hidalgo was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico where he received his primary education. His grandfather had also been a musician as well as his father, José Manuel Hidalgo "Mañengue", who was a renowned conga player. Therefore, Hidalgo was raised in a household surrounded by drums, bongos, congas and timbales.[1] He received a conga for his eighth birthday which had been handmade by his father. As a young child he practiced and developed his speed and playing skills on the conga and on the other instruments in his house. Hidalgo would drum a tune with sticks and then play the same tune with his hands. [2]
Musical career
Hidalgo auditioned and was hired by the Batacumbele Band in 1980. In 1981, he traveled with the band to Cuba where he met a musician by the name of José Luis Quintana "Changuito". Together they were able to create a unique style of rhythm and ushered in a new musical era in Latin music.[1][2]
In 1985, Hidalgo was performing with Eddie Palmieri at The Village Gate in New York City, when the legendary jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie walked in and listened to Hidalgo play. He was so impressed with Hidalgo that he told him that someday in the future they must get together and play—this happened in 1988 when Hidalgo joined the Dizzy Gillespie United Nations Jazz Orchestra.[1]
First recording
In 1992, he released his first album titled Villa Hidalgo and that same year he was hired as an adjunct professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. There he taught all types of rhythms; Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, reggae, African and jazz. He believed that every country has their own musical style and his objective was to capture the musical essence of these cultures. He held this academic position until 1996, when he decided to continue performing on tours.
Recordings with other musicians
Among the musicians with which Hidalgo has either performed or recorded with are:
