| Bob Quaranta | |
|---|---|
| Origin | New Jersey, United States |
| Genres | Jazz Latin Fusion Afro Cuban |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
Bob Quaranta, pianist, received his B.M. in music theory from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts. For over ten years, he was a member of Mongo Santamaría's band and served as musical director. Additionally, he composed songs for the band, five of which appeared on Mongo's recordings. Two recordings Bob appeared on with Mongo were nominated for Grammy Awards: Mongo Magic and Free Spirit/Espíritu Libre. Quaranta has also performed and/or recorded with: Dave Valentin, Willie Colón, Ray Barretto, Tommy Igoe, Angel Canales and Jellybean Benitez.
With John Scofield, he recorded on the Yamaha instructional video The Drumset, A Musical Approach. Other studio sessions include TV commercials for IBM and soundtrack work for Vestron Video. Quaranta has also recorded a piano disk for the Yamaha Disklavier. He appears on the Hudson Music Drummers Collective 25th Anniversary Celebration & Bass Day 2002 DVD and CD. He continues to serve as an integral member of the Ed Palermo Big Band and currently is on the faculty of The Collective School of Music in New York City. He is also playing piano with Andrea Brachfeld and the Phoenix Rising Latin Jazz Ensemble. On Brachfeld's recording, Into the World, A Musical Offering, Jazz Improv NY, reports "Quaranta's wealth of experience in Latin music grounds the ensemble" in the song "Q" (composed by Quaranta). Additionally, Quaranta's playing has been characterized as "magnificent" in the book, Latin Jazz: The First of The Fusions, John Storm Roberts.
Contents |
Mongo Santamaría
Angel Canales
Ed Palermo Big Band
Andrea Brachfeld
Various
Jellybean Benitez Just Visiting This Planet (Chrysalis)
Chris Coleman Ecclesiastes 12:13
Willie Colón Top Secrets (Fania)
Eisenhauer Bros. Orchestra Golpeando Hiero (DROPS)
Guido Freddi Taranta Steps (Guido Freddi)
Tommy Igoe New Ground (Premier)
Bob Quaranta La Bamba (Yamaha Disklavier)
Adalberto Santiago Cosas Del Alma (WS Latino)
Patricia Tortorici New York Story ([sic] sisters)
| Year | Artist | Album Title | Chart | Chart Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Jellybean Benitez | Just Visiting This Planet | The Billboard 200 | 101 |
| 1989 | Willie Colón | Altos Secretos (Top Secrets) | Tropical/Salsa | 3 |
| Year | Artist | Album Title | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Mongo Santamaría | Mongo Magic | Best Tropical Latin Performance |
| 1986 | Mongo Santamaría | Free Spirit/Espiritu Libre | Best Tropical Latin Performance |
| 1990 | Willie Colón | Altos Secretos /Top Secrets | Best Tropical Latin Performance |
| Year | Artist | Album Title | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Jellybean Benitez | Just Visiting This Planet | Gold |
| 1989 | Willie Colón | Altos Secretos /Top Secrets | Gold |