Tuesday, July 3, 2012

RIP - Yomo Toro


We lost a big one.  The great Puerto Rican musician Yomo Toro has passed.  My condolences go out to his family.  Yomo Toro born in Guanica, Puerto Rico is better known for playing the "Cuatro" the national instrument of the island.  He started playing at age 6 and by 15 had formed his first trio - "La Bandita de la Escuela trio".  He is credited for being the first to play the Cuatro in Salsa music and  bringing the indigenous instrument to the rest of the world.  Yomo also played with the greatest Salsa band of all times "Fania" started in 1968.  He recorded an amazing over 150 albums and worked with all sorts of other artist and genres.  The Cuatro is used mainly in "Jibaro" music and that is something he displayed his entire carer.



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