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The Band
Biography
 La
Misión is a West Coast Latin Jazz ensemble from the San Francisco Bay
Area that strives to preserve the “old school” traditional sound of the
genre. Taking its name from the predominately Latino-populated Mission
District of San Francisco, California, La Misión pays homage to the
musical giants the genre. Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, and Mongo Santamaria
are credited as influencing La Misión, and the ensemble adheres to the
sound pioneered by these greats in the 1960’s and 1970’s. It is “The
Mission” of the band to perform the old school sound for the new
generation.
The
 band
is lead by conguero John Ulloa who holds an MA in Latin American history
from San Francisco State University. He has studied Afro-Cuban
percussion in the United States and Havana, Cuba. His performance
credits include Dr. Loco, WAR, Pete Escovedo, The Mario Flores Band,
John Calloway, Wayne Wallace, Songo, and Stymie & the Pimp Jonz Luv
Orchestra.
La Misión’s lineup include some of
the Bay Area’s finest and most sought after musicians: Brian Andres,
percussion; Bob Crawford, piano/keyboard; Silvestre Martinez,
percussion; Steve Senft-Herrera, bass; and Darren Smith, saxes/flute.
This group is extremely versatile,
and provides a dynamic atmosphere ranging from mellow dinner or cocktail
sets to a “full throttle” dance engagement. La Misión delivers
high-caliber musicianship and a vibrant repertoire of material presented
with unbridled enthusiasm. |
