Carlos GoGo Gomez

Percussionist, composer and educator - Carlos ?Go Go? Gomez, has performed and recorded with a variable list of the biggest recording artists of our time. Throughout his career he has played along side such luminaries as Tito Puente, Pharaoh Sanders, Eartha Kitt, Arturo Sandoval, Gypsy Kings, Jose Feliciano and Grupo Afro-Cuba de Matanzas, as well as contemporary mega stars as Madonna, Quincy Jones, Mariah Carey, Sade and Francois K.

Gomez's virtuosity is heard in the sheer range of his rhythmic influences and musical styles that he plays. From Afro-Cuban bata, jazz and rock and roll, to Persian pop, Nigerian high life and New Age electronica; Gomez's hallmark is diversity and experimentation.

Born and raised in the Bronx, to Puerto Rican and Cuban parents, Gomez's early influences included not only the Cuban standards and tangos played by his parents, but also the sounds of his neighborhood in the 1970s; including funk, rhythm and blues, psychedelic rock, and Nuyorican salsa. At the age of 16, he became a founding member of the groundbreaking Latin crossover group, Seguida. Dubbed the ?The Sons of Santana? by the Village Voice, the group joined the legendary Fania Records roster and successfully embarked on a heavy recording and touring schedule.

Carlos' newest ventures continue his experimentation with new technologies. After recording a series of dance remixes with David Morales of Def Mix Productions, Jay Denes of Naked Music and Francois K, Gomez launched his independent label, Kidlat Records. In 2005 he released a solo Afro-Cuban album titled, "Homenaje Al Asmatico," and has released his new CD, "New Paradigm Global Music" that has reached #1 in the CMJ New World Music charts shortly after its release.

Carlos maintains a vigorous schedule of live performances and as a DJ, private teaching, recording sessions/studio work, film scoring, and running his imprint label, Kidlat Records throughout the tri-state area.