Javier Zenteno - Percussion

Javier Zenteno discovered the excitement of Latin jazz at the age of seven under the austere direction and influence of his father, legendary trumpeter Roberto Zenteno. By the age of thirteen, Javier was performing professionally with Roberto Zenteno’s Latin jazz and “tropical” big bands, playing drums, congas and timbales alongside some of Houston’s most notable musicians. From his dad, Javier gained a knowledge of and appreciation for diverse musical genres, from the bolero, mambo and cha-cha-cha to Latin, Brazilian and American jazz. Along with his sister Norma and brother Bobby, Javier played drums with “El Maestro Zenteno” until his untimely death in 2004. As drummer and musical director, Javier has played a central role in the long-standing success of the Norma Zenteno Band, with its high-energy sounds and unique repertoire of original Latin jazz, rock and blues. In the early eighties, Javier took leave from the Roberto Zenteno Band and the Norma Zenteno Band to play and tour with Joe King Carrasco as well as Little Joe y La Familia. Inspired by his dad, Javier today continues the Zenteno legacy, devoted to producing and showcasing the “Queen of Salsa” Norma Zenteno’s original songs.

Written by Evangelina Vigil-Pinon