Jorge Villanueva
LA-based drummer, percussionist and composer, Jorge Villanueva, was born on July 26, 1977, in Tijuana, B.C. Mexico. He attended the Conservatory of Baja California in the mid-1990s where he was trained by distinguished Russian professors, and completed his studies at the Los Angeles Music Academy (LAMA) in Pasadena, CA in the late 1990s where he learned from top drummers like; Mike Shapiro, Ralph Humphrey, Joe Porcaro, Michito Sanchez, among others. These great “maestros” taught Jorge persistence and dedication, leading him to a successful start and a prominent spot in the school’s Latin jazz ensemble.
Since then, exploration, experimentation, and improvisation continue to characterize Jorge Villanueva’s career and the experimental/trip hop/Jazz/eclectic music he writes and performs. Current percussionist of the group, Quattro, a band recognized for its fusion musical creation of classical, jazz and pop; and drummer of the band, Faro, characterized for its world beat music.
Jorge started playing drums and percussion at the early age of 12, and by age of 13, he created his first band in which music was about experimenting with eclectic instruments often heard in world music, such as sitar, Indian violin, water bowls and more, then mixing them with guitar, bass and drums to create a unique sound. Back then, his influencers included Pink Floyd, Trilok Gurtu, Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix Experience), Billy Cobhan, to name a few.
”Drums should speak just as freely as any other instrument while always in-tuned with what the melody is saying.” – Jorge Villanueva
To date, Jorge's performance engagements included: Cristian Castro, Alexander Pires, Beth Hirsh of “Air”, Julieta Venegas, Ceci Bastida, Diego Amador, Alex Acuña, Abraham Laboriel, Israel Varela “Tijuana Portrait”, Ringling Brothers (Circo Fantastico), Solange Knowles, to name a few. He also worked on movie soundtracks for films, “One Last Score” (1996) with director/actor Matthew Modine, and "Go For It" (2011) from director Carmen Marron. Among Jorge’s live media appearances are several TV shows on TV Azteca, Univision, LATV, and various radio outlets included KCRW, KPFK and KSBR, among others.