Long John Oliva

Long John Oliva

Born in Havana, Cuba, Long John Oliva attended the Amadeo Roldan Conservatory where he received training in the polyrhhthmic traditions of the Afro-Cuban heritage. During his woodshed period, Long John also studied with legendary master drummers Tata Guines and Chanquito.

The Mariel boat lift took Long John to Puerto Rico where he performed with the island's most progressive Jazz and dance ensembles Zaperoko and Batacumbele. Once landed in the United States, John Oliva joined the Pan American band of the late great Latin legend Willie Bobo (who promptly baptized him "Long John").

After Willie Bobo passed away, Long John joined the guitar duo Strunz and Farah with whom John recorded and toured worldwide for almost seven years. Long John Oliva has also toured and recorded with Arturo Sandoval, Jackson Browne and Kenny Loggins.

Long John is a master of the Cuban liturgical drums known as Batas and many critics consider him the finest Tumbador on the West Coast.

"If there is a better conga player in town than Long John Oliva, I'll eat my practice pad."

- John Payne

L. A. Weekly

"Oliva is a Conga wizard turned concert master."

- Music Connection

"Long John Oliva is Jazz with sugar."

- La Opinion

Currently available from NETunes for only $9.99 per CD shipping included...

Cuba Rico

FREE MP3

For a FREE MP3 from Long John Oliva's Cuba Rico CD, click on below...

UN DIA DEPUES
(Edgar Hernandez) 5:05

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