Walfredo Reyes Jr.

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About Me

“Few drummers playing today can successfully combine the rich history of Latin, Afro-Cuban and World Percussion with the drum set. For Walfredo Reyes, Jr., fusing the two disciplines has been his driving passion. In fact, by blazing this path, Reyes has challenged the technical levels of our instrument. Born in Cuba, raised in Puerto Rico, and culminating his musical style in the U.S., Wally (Walfredo Jr.) learned the traditions from the master, his father Walfredo Sr. He married those principles with his love of the drum set, coming up with his own truly global rhythmic style. Simply put, Wally is able to sound like a drummer and a percussionist at the same time. Add blistering chops and a penchant for playing unusual patterns to the mix, and you have only a small idea of what this man can do.

Not surprisingly, this “one man percussion show” has gathered an impressive list of gigs over the years, including touring and / or recording with: Carlos Santana, Traffic, Steve Winwood, Jackson Browne, Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, David Lindley, Ricki Lee Jones, Richard Marx, Sergio Mendes, Smokey Robinson, Robbie Robertson, Joe Sample, Boz Scaggs, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Johnny Hallyday, Khaled, Lindsey Buckingham, Chicago and many others.

Because of his versatility, Walfredo is one of the most in demand musicians in the world today. He continues to expand his talents to recording, producing, composing, education, live performance, and touring.”

Written by Rick Van Horn.

Walfredo is currently touring with the world renown Classic Rock band, Chicago, playing drumset. For more tour info visit: http://www.chicagotheband.com/tour

Graham Webb

"Some years ago I met Wally’s amazingly musical Dad Walfredo, when I took one of my four musical kids to a Kosa Percussion event in America. A year or so later I met one of Walfredo's offspring – Wally. Wow, I thought – yet another multi talented Reyes family member. When Wally said he was coming on tour to the UK, he said he would contact me. One of the many things that has made Wally successful – he is a reliable man who keeps his word! Wally was completely open, and willing to share and inspire my four young professional musician offspring, who have since gone on to great things. Now to his talent. There are not enough words in the dictionary – but one only has to look at the wide variety of the worlds top musicians seeking his services – it says it all!"

Graham Webb, Member of the Order of the British Empire / Entrepreneur / Inspirational Speaker / Musician

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-19T12:40:43-08:00

Graham Webb, Member of the Order of the British Empire / Entrepreneur / Inspirational Speaker / Musician

"Some years ago I met Wally’s amazingly musical Dad Walfredo, when I took one of my four musical kids to a Kosa Percussion event in America. A year or so later I met one of Walfredo's offspring – Wally. Wow, I thought – yet another multi talented Reyes family member. When Wally said he was coming on tour to the UK, he said he would contact me. One of the many things that has made Wally successful – he is a reliable man who keeps his word! Wally was completely open, and willing to share and inspire my four young professional musician offspring, who have since gone on to great things. Now to his talent. There are not enough words in the dictionary – but one only has to look at the wide variety of the worlds top musicians seeking his services – it says it all!"

David Garfield

"I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Walfredo Reyes Jr. for over 30 years. Coming from several generations of the top musicians in Spain and then Cuba, Walfredo is as equally skilled and talented on both drum set and percussion. We have worked together with Rock artists such as Boz Skags, as well as Jazz artists such as Joe Sample. Both in the studio and on tour, Walfredo is the consummate professional and a true team player. He is always positive, upbeat, funny, and yet serious and attentive to the most intricate musical details. Truly one of the greats and one of my all time favorites!"

Musical Director of George Benson / Keyboard Recording Artist / Producer / Composer

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-19T12:40:09-08:00

Musical Director of George Benson / Keyboard Recording Artist / Producer / Composer

"I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Walfredo Reyes Jr. for over 30 years. Coming from several generations of the top musicians in Spain and then Cuba, Walfredo is as equally skilled and talented on both drum set and percussion. We have worked together with Rock artists such as Boz Skags, as well as Jazz artists such as Joe Sample. Both in the studio and on tour, Walfredo is the consummate professional and a true team player. He is always positive, upbeat, funny, and yet serious and attentive to the most intricate musical details. Truly one of the greats and one of my all time favorites!"

Tris Imboden

"Walfredo Reyes Jr. may be one of the most gifted percussionists and musicians I have ever had the honor of working with. Anything he touches responds with incredible feel, groove, technique and musicality. He also has impeccable taste musically. He is truly one of a kind!"

Clinician / Multi Award Winning Recording and Touring Drummer for the band Chicago / Kenny Loggins

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-18T15:44:50-08:00

Clinician / Multi Award Winning Recording and Touring Drummer for the band Chicago / Kenny Loggins

"Walfredo Reyes Jr. may be one of the most gifted percussionists and musicians I have ever had the honor of working with. Anything he touches responds with incredible feel, groove, technique and musicality. He also has impeccable taste musically. He is truly one of a kind!"

Carl Verheyen

"Walfredo is one of those rare musicians that can play any style of music authentically, and still retain his unique personality. You always know it’s Wally: Perfect time, a deep funky pocket, tone for days and an uncanny ability for making the cowbell work anywhere, any time!"

Award Winning Guitarist / Vocalist / Composer / Member of band Supertramp

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-19T12:36:08-08:00

Award Winning Guitarist / Vocalist / Composer / Member of band Supertramp

"Walfredo is one of those rare musicians that can play any style of music authentically, and still retain his unique personality. You always know it’s Wally: Perfect time, a deep funky pocket, tone for days and an uncanny ability for making the cowbell work anywhere, any time!"

Carlos Santana

"Walfredo Reyes is extremely and supremely insightful with the joy of creating music from the heart of color and rhythm. He and his father are pillars in American music and I am very grateful for their spirits."

Legendary Multi Award Winning Guitarist / Composer / Producer

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-19T12:38:12-08:00

Legendary Multi Award Winning Guitarist / Composer / Producer

"Walfredo Reyes is extremely and supremely insightful with the joy of creating music from the heart of color and rhythm. He and his father are pillars in American music and I am very grateful for their spirits."

Manny Charlton

"Wally Reyes jr. is probably one of the best drummers I ever had the good fortune to work with. An absolute gentleman in the truest sense of the word. Professional to a fault. He played drums and percussion on all of the songs on my recent CD “Hellacious” playing a range of rock styles that would have given many drummers I know serious problems. He was patient, hard working , always in the pocket and always ready with a suggestion and a smile. I’d work again with him in a heartbeat …Love you, Wally. Un abrazo fuerte para ti y su familia!"

Founding Member and Guitarist / Composer of the band Nazareth

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-19T12:42:26-08:00

Founding Member and Guitarist / Composer of the band Nazareth

"Wally Reyes jr. is probably one of the best drummers I ever had the good fortune to work with. An absolute gentleman in the truest sense of the word. Professional to a fault. He played drums and percussion on all of the songs on my recent CD “Hellacious” playing a range of rock styles that would have given many drummers I know serious problems. He was patient, hard working , always in the pocket and always ready with a suggestion and a smile. I’d work again with him in a heartbeat …Love you, Wally. Un abrazo fuerte para ti y su familia!"

Brian Auger

"Walfredo has earned his place in the pantheon of those drummers we respect as the world’s finest. He is able to play across the musical spectrum with fantastic technique and groove. I love playing with him and I call him “The Flying Wallito” because soloing in one of Wallito’s grooves always gave me the sensation of flying. Walfredo’s Latin heritage is also evident in his playing, and gives his grooves that rhythmic lift and tilt I have experienced with other players such as the great Billy Cobham and Lenny White, who so obviously have done their Latin homework. To add to this, Walfredo is great company on the road. The Flying Wallito – a great drummer and a great gentleman."

Legendary Recording Keyboard Artist / World Famous Hammond B3 Master and Innovator

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-19T12:37:14-08:00

Legendary Recording Keyboard Artist / World Famous Hammond B3 Master and Innovator

"Walfredo has earned his place in the pantheon of those drummers we respect as the world’s finest. He is able to play across the musical spectrum with fantastic technique and groove. I love playing with him and I call him “The Flying Wallito” because soloing in one of Wallito’s grooves always gave me the sensation of flying. Walfredo’s Latin heritage is also evident in his playing, and gives his grooves that rhythmic lift and tilt I have experienced with other players such as the great Billy Cobham and Lenny White, who so obviously have done their Latin homework. To add to this, Walfredo is great company on the road. The Flying Wallito – a great drummer and a great gentleman."

Hans Peter Becker

"I have worked with Walfredo in different educational settings. He is a very knowledgable and motivational educator. A true professional. Walfredo is also a fun guy to hang out with and always committed to giving his best. I love to work with him."

President & Founder of Modern Music School / Educator / Entrepreneur

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-18T15:45:29-08:00

President & Founder of Modern Music School / Educator / Entrepreneur

"I have worked with Walfredo in different educational settings. He is a very knowledgable and motivational educator. A true professional. Walfredo is also a fun guy to hang out with and always committed to giving his best. I love to work with him."

Dom Famularo

"I have known Walfredo Jr. for over 25 years and I am always impressed with his musicality and versatility! He can play any style at any level! I have also been involved in many educational events with Walfredo and I am always inspired by his command and knowledge about drumming. He is very schooled both naturally and academically! His family is a leading force in the music industry and Walfredo is a true professional in all aspects!"

Drumming's Global Ambassador / Author / Motivational Speaker / Drum set Artist and Clinician

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-19T12:39:42-08:00

Drumming's Global Ambassador / Author / Motivational Speaker / Drum set Artist and Clinician

"I have known Walfredo Jr. for over 25 years and I am always impressed with his musicality and versatility! He can play any style at any level! I have also been involved in many educational events with Walfredo and I am always inspired by his command and knowledge about drumming. He is very schooled both naturally and academically! His family is a leading force in the music industry and Walfredo is a true professional in all aspects!"

Robbie Robertson

"Walfredo is a warrior drummer. I would go into battle with him anytime, anywhere."
Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2019-07-09T13:16:43-07:00
"Walfredo is a warrior drummer. I would go into battle with him anytime, anywhere."

Mike Gordon

"Walfredo has a disgustingly deep pocket! When El Buho recorded me onto a track, I couldn’t believe the drums and wondered who it was, and of course I should have known.. I mean for heaven’s sake, we are talking about someone Phish wrote a song about - we don’t do that too often!"

Bassist / Vocalist / Composer / Founder of the band Phish

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-19T12:43:00-08:00

Bassist / Vocalist / Composer / Founder of the band Phish

"Walfredo has a disgustingly deep pocket! When El Buho recorded me onto a track, I couldn’t believe the drums and wondered who it was, and of course I should have known.. I mean for heaven’s sake, we are talking about someone Phish wrote a song about - we don’t do that too often!"

Steve Winwood

"We had the most fantastic time playing with Wally, he is one of the most versatile players I know, being able to play in any style from that of Ringo to Changuito, and pretty much everything in-between. His grooves are as solid as any I've ever heard, his technical ability is faultless, and it is never over-used. Whether this is relevant or not I don't know, but when not on the drum stool he always had the ability to keep me and the whole band entertained! A great guy and a wonderful musician, a joy to work with."

Legendary Multi Award Winner Vocalist / Composer / Multi Instrumentalist of  The Spencer Davis Band / Blind Faith / Traffic

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-19T12:38:34-08:00

Legendary Multi Award Winner Vocalist / Composer / Multi Instrumentalist of  The Spencer Davis Band / Blind Faith / Traffic

"We had the most fantastic time playing with Wally, he is one of the most versatile players I know, being able to play in any style from that of Ringo to Changuito, and pretty much everything in-between. His grooves are as solid as any I've ever heard, his technical ability is faultless, and it is never over-used. Whether this is relevant or not I don't know, but when not on the drum stool he always had the ability to keep me and the whole band entertained! A great guy and a wonderful musician, a joy to work with."

Lindsey Buckingham

"I first met Walfredo Reyes in 2007. I had done two solo albums back to back, and Wally came in to replace the drummer we’d worked with on the first tour. When he showed up, the level of the show elevated quite a bit. Wally’s potent combination of musicianship, versatility, showmanship and heart added so much; with his arrival our ensemble was complete. I have a new album coming out soon and I can’t wait to work with him again!"

Multi Award Winning Legendary Guitarist and Lead Vocalist / Songwriter of the Rock band Fleetwood Mac

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-19T12:39:15-08:00

Multi Award Winning Legendary Guitarist and Lead Vocalist / Songwriter of the Rock band Fleetwood Mac

"I first met Walfredo Reyes in 2007. I had done two solo albums back to back, and Wally came in to replace the drummer we’d worked with on the first tour. When he showed up, the level of the show elevated quite a bit. Wally’s potent combination of musicianship, versatility, showmanship and heart added so much; with his arrival our ensemble was complete. I have a new album coming out soon and I can’t wait to work with him again!"

Michael Thompson

"I’ve known Walfredo for 30 years. He is one of my absolute favorite people that I've ever known. We instantly hit it off as musicians and as friends. Wally's one of those people that if I don't see him for a long time we still pick up right where we left off when we do get together. We have done a lot of different kinds of gigs from backing up a Chinese singer in Hong Kong, to burning it up at the Baked Potato, to playing a wedding in Cabo! All those gigs were that much more fun due to Wally’s presence. Wally has played on records by Bobby Womack and Paul Anka that I produced. He’s played on my solo records and I always look for an opportunity to hook up with Walfredo on any kind of thing…because Wally is family!!!"

Multi Award Winning Master Guitarist / Recording Artist / Composer / Producer

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-18T20:03:01-08:00

Multi Award Winning Master Guitarist / Recording Artist / Composer / Producer

"I’ve known Walfredo for 30 years. He is one of my absolute favorite people that I've ever known. We instantly hit it off as musicians and as friends. Wally's one of those people that if I don't see him for a long time we still pick up right where we left off when we do get together. We have done a lot of different kinds of gigs from backing up a Chinese singer in Hong Kong, to burning it up at the Baked Potato, to playing a wedding in Cabo! All those gigs were that much more fun due to Wally’s presence. Wally has played on records by Bobby Womack and Paul Anka that I produced. He’s played on my solo records and I always look for an opportunity to hook up with Walfredo on any kind of thing…because Wally is family!!!"

Alex Acuña

"Walfredo Reyes Jr., continuing the legacy of great musicians from Cuba. Always playing contemporary with an amazing feel for any genre or styles."

Legendary Multi Award Winning Drummer / Percussionist / Recording Artist / Master Clinician

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-19T12:37:51-08:00

Legendary Multi Award Winning Drummer / Percussionist / Recording Artist / Master Clinician

"Walfredo Reyes Jr., continuing the legacy of great musicians from Cuba. Always playing contemporary with an amazing feel for any genre or styles."

David Demeter

"In one word, Walfredo is a giver. Through our friendship and association with music education at The Drum Lab, Wally has arrived early and stayed late giving to young aspiring drummers and percussionists. Whether it’s a master class, private lesson or clinic, Walfredo gives his all. As a player it’s been said many times before, Walfredo Reyes Jr. has everything."

Music Educator / Drummer / Founder of The Drum Lab, Laguna, CA

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-19T12:41:55-08:00

Music Educator / Drummer / Founder of The Drum Lab, Laguna, CA

"In one word, Walfredo is a giver. Through our friendship and association with music education at The Drum Lab, Wally has arrived early and stayed late giving to young aspiring drummers and percussionists. Whether it’s a master class, private lesson or clinic, Walfredo gives his all. As a player it’s been said many times before, Walfredo Reyes Jr. has everything."

Alphonso Johnson

"My life would not be the same, had I not met and played with Walfredo Reyes Jr. He has put so much joy, rhythm, and compassion in my life, and for that I am eternally grateful."

Legendary Recording Artist / Master Bassist / Composer / Educator / Bassist of Weather Report /  Santana

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-18T20:03:39-08:00

Legendary Recording Artist / Master Bassist / Composer / Educator / Bassist of Weather Report /  Santana

"My life would not be the same, had I not met and played with Walfredo Reyes Jr. He has put so much joy, rhythm, and compassion in my life, and for that I am eternally grateful."

Mickey Hart

"Wally has it all: he owns the clave, can rock steady, has great cymbal technique, and smiles! And he can play it sweet and low or hard and fast. He gives good Groove."

Author / Clinician / Legendary Drummer and Percussionist for the band The Grateful Dead

Walfredo Reyes Jr.
5
2016-12-19T12:36:44-08:00

Author / Clinician / Legendary Drummer and Percussionist for the band The Grateful Dead

"Wally has it all: he owns the clave, can rock steady, has great cymbal technique, and smiles! And he can play it sweet and low or hard and fast. He gives good Groove."
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Walfredo Reyes Jr.
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Walfredo Reyes Jr.

© 2014 WALFREDO REYES JR. – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.