, (WARAPO PRODUCTIONS) ARTIST’S BIOGRAPHY MAYKEL BLANCO Regarded as one of the most gifted young musicians in Cuba today, Maykel Blanco is an outstanding percussionist and pianist, as well as a talented composer and producer. Not to mention his numerous accomplishments as leader of one of the world’s most popular timba bands: “Maykel Blanco y Salsa Mayor”. Maykel studied percussion at the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory, but taught himself to play piano because he was dissatisfied with the arrangements that other people were doing. His percussive background can be appreciated in his rhythmic piano style, which has appealed to many timba enthusiasts throughout the world. Heavily influenced by NG La Banda, Charanga Habanera, and other classic timba orchestras, Maykel formed his first group at the tender age of 15. Three years later, he founded “Maykel Blanco y La Suprema Ley,” with whom he recorded his debut album “Llegaron Los Cubanos” (Envidia, 2003). In 2005, Maykel and Javier Sotomayor joined forces to create a new group, which soon became known as Maykel Blanco y Salsa Mayor, conducting their first European tour in 2007 and rapidly attracting the attention of numerous timba dancers in Cuba and abroad. In fact, Maykel’s main objective with Salsa Mayor is to make people dance and win a prominent place in the hearts of the dancers. The band has a powerful rhythm section comprised of trap drums, timbal, congas, bongó, minor percussion, electropads (played by the lead trumpeter), baby bass, and keyboards. The equally potent horn section includes two trombones and two trumpets, while the featured singers are known for their excellent skills and abilities. There is no doubt that Maykel Blanco y Salsa Mayor (whose third acclaimed album, “Soy lo Que te Hala,” was released in 2010) have taken a prominent position in the affection and preference of timba fans worldwide. MAYKEL BLANCO Y SALSA MAYOR’S DISCOGRAPHY: 1.- Recoge Y Vete 2.-Anda Y Pegate 3.-Soy Lo Que Te Hala