Years active 40 Website www.pulpomusic.com Albums Pulpo's Hot Bread | Labels The Mambo Project Record label The Mambo Project Genres Salsa music, Latin jazz | |
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Born December 28, 1953 (age 63) ( 1953-12-28 ) Origin New York City, New York Awards Independent Music Award for Best Album - Latin Similar Eddie Montalvo, José Mangual Jr, Oscar Hernández, Milton Cardona, Rafi Val Y La Diferente | ||
Gilberto "Pulpo" Colón Jr. (Born December 28, 1953) is a pianist, composer, arranger, producer, and band leader. Most notable is his role as Musical Director for salsa superstar singer Héctor Lavoe in which he served for over 16 years (1977–1993). He is also credited for working with all three of the "Big 3" (Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, & Machito Orchestras).
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Early musical influences
Colon's early musical influences include old Rock N Roll groups such as The Beatles, Elvis Presley and other groups of that nature. He also enjoyed what the Puerto rican people call "Jibaro" music. (Hibaro) A music style native to puerto Rico. Colón's family moved to the United States from Puerto Rico in the 1940s and immediately settled in the Bronx.
Recording debut
After playing New York City's Latin circuit, Colón joined the young orchestra of Rafi Val y La Diferente. It was with La Diferente where Colón made his recording debut on the self-titled album (1971). Colón continued to perform and record on the subsequent La Diferente albums (La Sociedad '72, Fuerza Bruta '74). It was in the winter of 1975 when Colón was approached by Héctor Lavoe to join his orchestra. Colón's first recording with Lavoe was in 1977 on the acclaimed Fania album Comedia (album). Colón's extended piano solo on the song 'Bandolera' earned him the award of 'Best Latin Piano Solo of the Year'. Initially awarded to former Lavoe pianist Prof. Joe Torres due to an editorial mistake, the award bolted Colón to the forefront of Latin Music's notable musicians. Today, this is still considered one of the most memorable piano solos ever recorded on a commercial salsa album. Along with Lavoe and the Big 3, Colón has worked & recorded with Latin music's most popular artists including Pete 'El Conde' Rodríguez, Francisco 'Kako' Bastar, Louie Ramirez, Adalberto Santiago, La Bruja, and many more.
Recordings
Colón has participated in the following recordings (In chronological order):
Currently
Colón recorded his first solo album titled 'Hot Bread' which won the 2009 Independent Music Award's 'Best Latin Album'. As a performing artist Colón stays active with his own band 'Ensalada De Pulpo', The Machito Orchestra, Orquesta De La Gente, Los Hermanos Moreno, and Boriqua Legends Band.
Songs
PulpoAmar Te Duele · 2002
Sonero mayorPulpo's Hot Bread · 2008
GuanabíAmar Te Duele · 2002