| Julio "Jimmy" Ledezma | |
|---|---|
Jimmy Ledezma on the Kike San Martín Studio in Miami in 2011 |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Julio Ledezma |
| Origin | Posadas, Misiones, Argentina |
| Genres | Rock, pop, New Wave, jazz, progressive rock, |
| Occupations | Musician, composer |
| Instruments | Drums, percussion, guitar, charango, bombos, cajon |
| Associated acts | band Arco Iris |
| Website | Jimmy Ledezma official site |
Julio "Jimmy" Ledezma (born March 28) is an Argentine-born American musician, born in Posadas, Province of Misiones, Argentina.[1]
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At 6 years old started playing in Scolas do Samba (Samba Schools) in this city heavily influence by Brazilian music. Won 4 awards consecutive years in Posadas Misiones and in later years participated in the "Defensores de la Patria" Scola do Samba based in Porto Alegre, performing in Florianópolis and Lagoa, Brazil. About at the same age started studying Piano, Guitar and Drums in Buenos Aires Conservatory (Posadas Misiones) for 5 years and continued at the Fracassi Conservatory for another two years. In 1973 moved to Rosario Argentina to continued his education and studied music at SADAIC (Musician Union of Argentina).[2]
In 1978 moved to the United States of America[3] and in 1981 joined the band Arco Iris. Since then has recorded five albums composing and playing: Drums, Guitar, Charango and Bombos Legueros. One of the songs he composed -Peace Pipes- with world distribution through Passport Jazz, was 17 on the Radio Performance Charts.
He also performs Bombos, Charango and Guitar with the Glendale Philharmonic conducted by fellow Argentine Composer and Director Lalo Schifrin at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Also with Arco Iris, under the direction of Lalo Shiffrin played Charango and Bombos Legueros as part of the Movie Score of the Shirley MacLaine's Out on a Limb. Is feature playing the Peruvian Cajon with a Flamenco Band in the last movie produced by Spike Lee and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood "Love and Basketball".
Is currently a member of the Andean Group Huayucaltia, with whom he has recorded four albums[4], one of them winner of the 1989 Indy Award in Los Angeles, California.[5]
The full spectrum of Latin American music -from traditional to contemporary- has been explored by Los Angeles-based band[6], Huayucaltia. Blending Andean folk music, jazz, classical and nueva cancion (new song), Huayucaltia continuously stretch the limits of their repertoire. The recipients of a National Association of Independent Record Distributors And Manufacturers (NAIRD) now American Association of Independent Music award for "Best Latin Music Album" for their 1989 album, Horizontes, Huayucaltia has been hailed by the press for their unique approach to Latin music.
In the last album of this band, "Destinos" Julio's composition titled "Para Aymara" was chosen by the world recognized Native American organization Four Winds as the title track of their last "Red Feather" World Sounds Compilation. He also played and recorded in the last Gloria Loring CD.
Julio has composed the music for the Short Movie "Share the Vision", winner of First Place at Valencia Independent as the Best Educational Feature, and Top Applause Award. This same film is nominated at the Burbank Independent Film Festival.
Was invited to play as a guest artist with Al De Meola and Stanley Clark at the Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland in 1993 as a percussionist sharing the stage with, George Duke in piano, Chester Thompson on drums, Al in guitar and Stanley in bass. Julio is an International artist capable of composing and performing different South and Central American as well all Latin Styles.
"Jimmy" had also performed in Fruit of Life, the debut album for American Alternative band Wild Colonials, released in 1994 (see 1994 in music).
The album features many well known drummers. These include session musician and Edie Brickell & New Bohemians/Tori Amos drummer, Matt Chamberlain on the initial Hollywood sessions. Elvis Costello & The Attractions drummer Pete Thomas was brought in to record during the Real World sessions. On a break from touring, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith played many gigs with the band during this time and can be heard on the track "Dear Mike". Argentine drummer Julio Ledezma from the band Huayucaltia can be heard on the track "Philadelphia Story". Playing percussion on several tracks is singer/percussionist Joel Virgel Vierset, who went on to play some gigs and Radio Sessions with the band around the time of the album's release. Touring behind the album's release, the band was joined by Thaddeaus Corea on drums/percussion who later became a full member.
"Jimmy" Ledezma lives in Marina Del Rey, California.