Alex Torres

Based in Amsterdam, NY, a small city near Albany, bass player and vocalist Alex Torres leads the fourteen-piece ensemble Los Reyes Latinos, known in English as The Latin Kings. The group has drawn worldwide notice through its energetic, horn-heavy style of Latin dance music. Metroland Magazine named the band “Best Latin band” in 1995, 1996, and 1999, while the repertoire has steadily incorporated stronger jazz influences. Their fourth release, Entre Amigo, appeared in April 1999 and reached Grammy award semi-finalist status.

Alex Torres Y Los Reyes Latinos came together in October 1980. For the next five years the musicians refined their sound through weekend engagements at weddings, benefits, and telethons. In that period they issued three singles: “Ël Pilonero” in 1983, “Como Yo Te Quiero” in 1984, and “Estoy Desengado” in 1985. Shifting toward a more professional footing, they issued their debut album, Noche Habanera, in late 1985. The following June the ensemble took first place in a battle of the bands held in Hartford, CT.

Alongside Torres, Los Reyes Latinos comprises Nicholas Lue on assistant director duties, piano, and vocals; lead vocalist Miquel A. Cruz; Jimmy “Pelu” Fontanez on bongos and tambora; Todd Fabozzi on congas; trumpeters John Bronk, Kevin “Pan” Hendrick, Brian Patneaude, Terry Gordon, Mike Perry, and Chuck “The Mime” Yurgans; trombonists Ken “Snoopy” Olsen and William “Professor” Merkley; timbalero Juan Carlos Marrero; and Angel “Sweet Pea” Dueno on guira and vocals.