Biography
Emerging as a leading percussionist from Cuba in the tradition of masters like Chano Pozo, Candido Camero, and Armando Peraza, Daniel Ponce exhibited exceptional command over both ancestral Cuban rhythms and modern African-American beats. His initial instruction came from his grandfather, a renowned player of the bata drum. At the age of eleven, Ponce performed on cowbell alongside Los Brillantes in Havana. During his teenage years, he transitioned to congas while performing with Comparso Federacion Estudiantil Universitario. Following his arrival in the United States in 1980, he promptly relocated to New York. There, Andy and Jerry González arranged for him to join a performance at the Village Gate, introducing him to saxophonist Paquito d'Rivera. Ponce contributed to two albums by d'Rivera and participated in recordings with Eddie Palmieri. Significant support came from producer and bassist Bill Laswell, who secured Ponce a spot on Herbie Hancock's project, resulting in the acclaimed Future Shock during the mid-1980s. He recorded extensively for OAO and Celluloid labels before releasing his debut as bandleader, New York Now!, in 1983. Subsequent releases included Arawe in 1987 and Chango Te Llama in 1991. Ponce directed the New York ensembles New York Now and Jazzbata while maintaining an active role as a sideman on numerous projects.
Albums
Singles
