Poncho Sanchez: Success In and Out of the Lime Light
Written by: Cristina E. De Leon
Edited
by: Simone Emmons
Here
is something new for Latin Jazz Lovers. If you have not heard already, Poncho
Sanchez just released his new CD, entitled "Out of Sight," and it is one of Poncho
Sanchez's most creative work yet. We had a chance to interview him and in our
interview he stated, " 'Out of Sight' is one of my favorite CD's because it has
some of my best music and special guests." Several artists that appear on his
new CD are Ray Charles and Sam Moore. With over two decades in the music industry,
Sanchez's career is already flourishing, and his new CD promises an imaginative
blend that is sure to be a success.
Perhaps because Poncho Sanchez was
born in Texas, but raised in Southern California explains why his musical influences
are so diverse; he enjoys experimenting with tropical Latin rhythms and classic
R & B and Soul. Because of Sanchez's tremendous talent as a musician, he has been
able to fuse together these two strikingly different sounds into a danceable beat
comparable to none. Poncho Sanchez creates his music through a variety of instruments,
including of course, the congas, which he plays.
His band (watch
video here) is composed of the following musicians and instruments, and each
providing his own flavor into Sanchez's creative blend. Poncho
Sanchez congas - David Torres piano and musical director - George Ortiz timbales
- Tony Banda bass - Sal Vasquez bongos & tres - Scott Martin saxophones and flute
- Serafin Aguilar trumpet and flugelhorn - Francisco Torres trombone - David Urquidi
baritone saxophone - Larry Sanchez sound engineer.
Despite
being perpetually busy with his career as a musician, Sanchez still has time to
be with his family and have a personal life. With his wife, Stella, Poncho Sanchez
has had two sons, Monguito and Julian, both who are currently in college. He also
has ten brothers and three sisters who all live in the Los Angeles area. He describes
his wife and family as "understanding and supportive" and stated, "I'd like to
take more time off to be with my new grandson, to go deep sea fishing and to be
with my family." Aside from spending time with his family, Sanchez also enjoys
collecting old records and relaxing at home. His favorite vacation destinations
include New Orleans, the San Francisco Bay area, San Diego and Japan.
With
a successful professional and personal life, Poncho Sanchez has a delightful past
to look upon and a bright, eager future for even more success awaiting him. In
our interview he stated, "I have accomplished much beyond my wildest dreams."
Poncho Sanchez has excelled in an incredibly competitive industry and shown the
power of talent. To those up and coming artists he wishes to state the following:
"It
is a difficult business but always have a goal; concentrate and stay focused;
Don't give up and remember why you are doing this: for the joy of music."
With
an established presence in the music industry, Poncho Sanchez gives pride not
only to Latino music, but also to the art of making music.
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Married 
