Contact! UK Interview Home Photos Bio What's Going On CDs The Band
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Contact! UK Interview Home Photos Bio What's Going On CDs The Band |
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Freddie Chavez Foundation "The Freddie Chavez Foundation", was first introduced in 1974. Its original members were Freddie Chavez, Ray Lucero (guitar) and its founder, the late John Sargent (drums). Later came Bennie Torrez (guitar & trumpet) who would be a mainstay of the group for 19 years. Other musicians who performed with the Foundation throughout the years are: Don Rood (keyboards), Robert "Boykie" Chavez (drums), Pete Gabaldon (drums), Jay Blea (drums), Sonny Johnson (drums), Ralph Gonzales (drums), Bennie Padilla (drums), Ricky Lucero (organ), Louie (Smoothie) Soto (sax) & Johnny Vigil (drums).
The band's current members include James Roddy Chavez on congas & backup vocals, Ray "Frito Bandito" Esquivel on tenor sax, flute & backup vocals, David Nunez on lead vocals, guitar, sax & keyboards, Sal Garcia on tenor & alto sax, timbales, accordion & backup vocals & David Nunez guitar, lead vocals, sax, trombone and keyboards.
Ray was born and raised in the "Barelas" district in Albuquerque and has been performing in the area for over five decades. His ability as a saxophonist and flautist has enabled him to perform with many many groups throughout his career. "The Gliders", "The Velvets", "The Czars", "The Dynamic V", "Spinning Wheel" and of course, "The Freddie Chavez Foundation". Ray & Freddie have been performing together in this and other groups for over thirty five years.
James (Freddie's younger brother), has been playing congas since the early 70's when he first joined up musically with Freddie. He left the band after a couple of years to raise a family. In 2002 he rejoined Freddie and has added a rythmic dimension to the "Foundation". He also sings backup vocals.
Sal has been in the music industry for over 50 years. Born in Willard, NM. He began his music career with his dad, Agapito, his brothers Sidro & Ray. He then went on to be a part of the legendary "Beverly & Sidro & The Sneakers" which later became "Sidro's Armada". He spent the majority of the time in Las Vegas. He has performed as a band leader, studio musician and stage musician for many a great performer i.e. Sue Thompson, Freddy Fender, Dwight Yokum and many many more.
David is a musician's musician in that his talent knows no boundaries. Called upon by numerous bands these days to sing, play guitar, sax, keyboards, and percussion. David started out in the early 60's with bands like the "Bristols", then on to "The Chekkers", "The Dynamic V", "The Czars", "The Spinning Wheel" and his own group "David", just to name a few. He is a prolific song writer. Many of his songs are featured on the album "Uprising". The renowned East Los Angeles group "El Chicano" recorded one of David's songs. He has been the opening performer for the likes of "Johnny Rivers", The Four Tops", "Jerry Lee Lewis", "Tower Of Power", and the "Commodores".
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