I met Armando Peraza through Latin Percussion almost 7 years ago. He and his lovely wife, Josephine, have been wonderful friends every since. Armando and Josephine are very private people who still enjoy hearing live music and being at NAMM with Latin Percussion. Every once in a while, if we are lucky, Armando will sit in on his favorite instrument, Bongos.

When Armando begins to tell you about who he has played with, it is a survey course of the best Jazz and Afro-Cuban artists of the last 60 years. From Mongo and Tito to Garland and Miles. Peggy Lee and George Shearing to Tjader and Dizzy. Peraza came from a generation where it was important to have your own unique sound. I can close my eyes and know it is Peraza playing from his unique style. Many LP endorsers have told me the same thing, Armando's hands are the perfect size for the bongo. Check out my Mister Latin Jazz.com page with Armando, his daughter and grandchildren. There you can see a video of Armando sitting in with Tata Guines after over 50 years of not seeing each other or playing together!

Armando is shown at the San Jose Jazz Festival with wife, Josephine and Bay Area percussion legend, Carol Steele. The photos above were taken way back in 2000 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco and show Jesus Alemany (Cubanismo Bandleader), Afro-Cuban percussion legend , Tata Guines. and unknown Bongocero on tour with Cubanismo. All photos by Arturo Riera also known as Mister Latin Jazz. Mister Latin Jazz loves Armando and Josephine!