Juan Escovedo of The Escovedo Family Has Released His Debut Solo Album With The Single 'Angel' Featuring Martin Kember, El DeBarge, and Sheila E. 

Juan Escovedo, a talented conga player, singer, writer, and producer from The Escovedo Family, shares his divine music with the world through his latest single, 'Angel,' from his first solo album. The track features the incredible talents of Martin Kember, El Debarge, and his sister, Sheila E. 

 Interview by: Gina Sedman

Oakland set the stage on fire on November 8, transforming it into a vibrant celebration of talent and legacy - it was Juan Escovedo Day! Former Mayor Libby Schaaf proudly proclaimed this day as a tribute to Juan Escovedo, a musical virtuoso whose versatile talents have enchanted audiences worldwide. 

Juan, a maestro of rhythm and soul, commands attention whether he's performing solo or with his family's acclaimed Latin Jazz Orchestra and The E Family. Their album "Rhythm of the Night," masterfully crafted by Peter Michael Escovedo, infuses timeless classics with a sizzling Latin Jazz flair, featuring an all-star lineup of guest vocalists. 

But Juan's influence transcends mere musical brilliance. His journey has taken him across continents, gracing stages alongside legends like Prince, Patti LaBelle, and Carlos Santana. Since officially embarking on his solo career in November 2021, Juan has mesmerized crowds in intimate venues like Yoshi's Oakland and prestigious locales like the Catalina Jazz Club, earning admiration from music aficionados worldwide. 

Now, on Juan Escovedo Day, the spotlight shines on his debut solo album, "THE J," a captivating blend of soul-stirring melodies and expert orchestration. With collaborations featuring El DeBarge and Raphael Saadiq, the album's singles and music videos provide a tantalizing glimpse into Juan's sonic realm via the Juan Escovedo YouTube channel. 

A prodigy since his youth, Juan's musical odyssey intertwines seamlessly with his family's rich legacy, evident in his collaborations with Pete Escovedo, Sheila E., and Peter Michael Escovedo. Their collective contributions were honored during Hispanic Heritage Month in September 2023, culminating in the unveiling of Escovedo Way in Oakland on January 14, 2024 - a timeless tribute to a family whose impact on music knows no bounds.  I had the chance to interview a talented musician about his career and new single, Angel. Here is what he shared. 

Hello Juan, how are you today? I am doing good. How about you? 

I feel great! Thank you. However, I must mention that the weather is quite chilly here in England. Oh, you're in England. 

Yes, I'm in the UK. I didn't know that. 

Yeah, I'm out here in the cold, “beans on toast” Great Britain. (Laughs) Nice. Well, thank you for taking the time to do this; I appreciate it.   

It's truly a pleasure, Juan. I feel honored to have the opportunity to interview you today. I understand how busy you are, so I appreciate the privilege. Thank you. 

Oh, you're absolutely welcome. Well then, Juan, let me pose this question to you: What is the place where you were originally from, and where are you currently living? I was born and raised in Oakland, and my entire family was too. However, my family later moved to LA, California, but I chose to stay here in the Bay Area. We are all musicians, the Escovedo family. Even though my family tried to convince me to move with them, I love living in the Bay Area. 

The Bay Area is truly awe-inspiring, and its beaches are unparalleled. Now, Juan, you've carved out quite an impressive career for yourself. The list of artists you've toured and performed with is endless! Being part of the esteemed Escovedo family with its rich history and talent, it's easy for everyone to view you solely through your stage persona. However, I'm curious, who are you offstage? I believe that my upbringing has significantly influenced my values, character, and approach towards life. Growing up in the Escovedo family, I learned the importance of being a team player and an attentive listener. 

 Although I did not hold a lot of authority in various matters, as my father was a musician, I followed his lead. He was an excellent role model for good values and manhood. Also, by witnessing my father being punctual and prepared, I took the same path. Through his mentorship, I picked up many valuable work ethics, such as observing how he rehearsed.  

That's fantastic! I truly believe that our early experiences shape how we navigate through life. While it's not the only determining factor, our upbringing definitely plays a significant role. It's clear that the remarkable qualities of your parents have had a positive impact on you and your siblings. Juan, could you share what it was like for you growing up in the Bay area and a little bit about how you were first introduced to music? We had a big front room, so my dad used to rehearse in the front room. So, I watched how my father conducted himself with his orchestra as bad. 

And my dad is a very kind and nice person. And my mother is an amazing woman as well. She always fed everybody in the band, So the vibe was always a happy environment filled with the playing of music and lots of laughter. So that's how me my brother, Peter Michael, and my sister, Sheila E., started playing because they used to take breaks and at that time, we just started playing.  

Then eventually, after rehearsing year after year, we started getting a little better leading to eventually starting our own band.  Then, once we started really taking musicianship seriously, great musicians like, Carlos Santana who lived only 20 minutes from our house, Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, Herbie Hancock, and just lots of great musicians would come over and they would teach us the proper way to play. And of course, that includes my father who showed us as well.  

So, they taught us the proper way of playing the instrument. At that time, we played what we heard but, then they said no, use your right hand or use this hand. So, they guided us into playing everything properly.  

What are some childhood lessons you learned that set you up for a successful music career? Well, we've all come to appreciate the importance of understanding the music business and navigating through its complexities. While it's undoubtedly enjoyable, it's also a serious business. As I mentioned earlier, being punctual, mastering the songs, and thoroughly studying them are crucial. It's about respecting everyone's time during rehearsals. It's disheartening when some individuals come unprepared, stating they didn't have time to learn the material or review the charts. With a large band like ours, consisting of twelve members, there's no room for excuses. When it's rehearsal time, it's like, let's go!   

Wow, I totally get where you're coming from. As an independent recording artist myself, I've encountered that frustration firsthand. I'm laser-focused on the task at hand and fully committed. 

It's astonishing how some people lack integrity in their work ethic. I can't wrap my head around the mentality of being unprepared or having a lackadaisical mindset, especially when you're on someone else's dime. So, thank you for sharing that experience. Hopefully, when those who constantly exhibit such behavior read your interview, it might make them rethink their ways and step up their game. 

Thanks for sharing those experiences. By the way, your family reminds me of The Jacksons, performing together. With so many talented individuals playing various instruments, how did you know percussion and drums were your calling? Were you just organically drawn to hitting things and feeling the rhythm as a kid, and when did you realize that percussion was the perfect fit for you? My choice in playing a particular instrument switched a couple of times due to witnessing the numerous musicians rehearsing in our front room. At one time, I was a trumpet player, and I played the trumpet for six years. 

I loved the trumpet, including its tone and quality. So, once, I asked my uncle Phil, a member of the legendary "Escovedo Brothers," who lived down the street from us, to come over and help me with it. He started helping me with the trumpet and reading music. I truly enjoyed playing the trumpet. And just so you know, we were always banging on something. (Laughs) The teachers didn't like it then, but now they're paying for tickets to see us. 

"That's hilarious, Juan! I know, right?" Yeah, so I played the trumpet, then the bongos. I had my own salsa band and played bongos, congas, and timbales. I love bongos. 

Then, in high school, I played timbales for about 3-4 years as a leader, following my father, who played timbales. My father was on timbales, my sister was on congas, and I was on bongos. My sister, Sheila, left at 15 or 16 to play with George Duke. 

After she left, I took her spot on congas, which I still play. Ever since I was ten, thirteen, and fourteen years old, congas have been my main instrument. But I also play keyboards, which I use to write songs and bass. I love bass. I also teach at a school twice a week. My students are from 3rd grade up to 7th grade. I always give back to the students and kids and let them know they can make it. 

As for us, we weren't raised in the best neighborhood, but we had a unit of a great family. And that's another thing I learned from him, and that is giving back. I always saw my dad doing that, giving back. 

"So basically, you're a multi-instrumentalist?" Yes, so I teach piano, sax, flute, guitar, etc. I can't play all that stuff, but I have assistants to help me teach the students. 

But overall, my main instruments right now are conga, piano, singing, and writing. So, that's what I enjoy. 

The students are truly blessed to have you as their teacher. If they wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to your music lessons, there is no doubt that they will attain remarkable success. As J.J from GoodTimes would exclaim, "DY-NO-MITE!" (Laughs) 

Now, Juan, I'm curious to know how many siblings you have who are also performers. Additionally, where do you fall in the birth order? Are you the youngest, oldest, or somewhere in the middle? 

Well, Sheila is the first born and she leads by a year and a half. Then, my brother, Peter Michael Escovedo, is one year under me and then Zina Escovedo is seven years under my brother. Zina sings and takes care of all the business. She handles the finances. She loves that job. (Laughs) 

Absolutely, it's like 2 for you, and 4 for me. (Laughs) Right.   

So, you mentioned your little sister Zina also has a talent for singing. Yes. Since my album dropped, I've actually brought her on board to sing with me. She's got this incredible voice. But, you know, she's a bit shy about performing live. 

Aww, poor thing. Yeah, it's like when you see someone belting out tunes on the street or at a show, and you're like, "Whoa, you're amazing! You should totally be up on stage!" Then, suddenly, they clam up. 

I know exactly what you mean. But let me tell you when I told Zina what I was paying her, suddenly; she found her confidence! (Laughs) 

That's priceless! Love it! You know, I've been curious, with your whole family being so musically gifted, is there anyone who just never got the hang of it, who never picked up an instrument? Our love for family runs deep in our veins. My parents, now in their late eighties, come from large families with eight or nine siblings. Even though some family members have passed on, the familial bond remains unbroken and is a cherished legacy passed down through generations. This sense of unity is expressed during festive seasons like Christmas when we gather, and the air is filled with the harmonious resonance of musical instruments. 

I have several musical instruments at my house, including trombones, a saxophone, a flute, and many others. Although I can't play all of them, I keep them available for anyone who wants to play. I greatly admire and respect the jam sessions because it's a tradition that echoes the gatherings of my father's youth. The front room served as a sanctuary for impromptu performances, and my father and his friends used to come over for them. He had all his instruments set up in the front room so they wouldn't have to bring anything.  

I am grateful to have many friends who are musicians. I appreciate all of them, but it's worth noting that many of my childhood friends have become famous, such as Raphael Saadiq from Tony! Toni! Toné.  

In 1984, we toured with Prince right after the release of his hit movie "Purple Rain." That's when Sheila E. released one of her biggest hits, "Glamorous Life".  

But Raphael Saadiq collaborated with me on one of my CDs - we recorded the album at his studio in LA, although we both are initially from Oakland. 

So, when I decided to make my CD, all those elements were incorporated. But it took me a minute to assemble everything I wanted the CD to be. 

If you listen to "Juan Escovedo - The J" CD, you can feel the mixture of songs. But what I didn't want to do was veer too far from either genre. I didn't want to go to the far left or right; I just wanted to combine it so people could understand and feel where I was coming from. 

Your first CD is your stepping stone and a foundation for building your fan base. Because I'm always playing with my father and sister, I had to find my own sound for my first single, and I know I've accomplished that with this CD.  

Indeed, without a doubt. Undoubtedly. Oakland has been the birthplace of numerous remarkable individuals. The city boasts a rich and captivating history. Speaking of history, would you mind recounting a delightful childhood memory that you cherish involving your siblings? I have a pretty cool story to tell you. My sister Sheila E and I had the opportunity to open for Lionel Richie while my brother was touring with him. Although we didn't plan to be on the same tour, it was the most enjoyable because we were all together, even though we were in different bands. 

Lionel Richie used to rent out a basketball court, as we all enjoyed playing basketball. We used to compete against each other: Lionel Richie's band members versus Sheila E.'s band members. We also went bowling. This memory sticks with me because I love music and cherish my family. Being on tour together was the greatest experience!  

Yes, absolutely. We toured together for around nine months, and sometimes we would switch buses. Our tour bus had a bunk bed and a couch. Since we knew Lionel very well, we would sometimes stay at his house, and he would sometimes stay at our house. The best memory I have of touring is when we were all together. Usually, you're away from your family when you tour, but this tour was different. We were all together unexpectedly, which became a memorable historical moment. 

Did everyone manage to bring along some of their other family members during the tour? I ask this because I understand that being away from spouses and children for a long time can be challenging. I'm curious to know how that arrangement works. When you're on tour, you get a week off every two months to bring your family along. So, I would bring my wife and kids, and when my brother was touring, his wife would come too. It was always nice to see their children. 

That's beautiful. I love that you prioritize family. Juan, your affection for family is truly heartwarming. I'm interested in learning more about the various genres of music you've mastered. From salsa to Latin, jazz to rhythm and blues, I'm sure you've explored a multitude of other styles, too. I'm intrigued to learn how your musical style has evolved over the years. 

Well, that's a great question. I think all artists should evolve. Like I said earlier, we were born and raised in Oakland. Con Funk Shun, Tower of Power, and Tony! Toni! Toné was just down the street from us! There were so many great artists in Oakland. Growing up, I loved The Beatles, The Jackson 5, and The Osmonds. My father was open to all types of music, and back then, you had a stereo, and everybody was bringing their albums. So, all the band members in my father's band played different genres, learned different things, and were into different types of music. 

To be real, I hated jazz because it was hard to understand; it was over my head when I was young. 

Yeah, especially Miles Davis. The type of jazz that he plays is on a whole other level. It's somewhere out there in the stratosphere. (Laughs) Yeah, and my father loves Miles Davis and Coltrane, and they are great jazz artists, but I didn't understand it. I'm waiting for the one, two, three. 

Yeah, Verse, hook, bridge, adlib, out! (Laughs) Yeah, but once I really heard jazz because, at that time, that was all you were hearing, then I started understanding the chord changes and how complicated it is. But, to me, to fully understand that type of jazz, you have to be willing to sit and listen to the music and be on another level. You have to be willing to sit down and appreciate it. 

So, I went through that phase. I was also into salsa, like Eddie Palmieri and Héctor Lavoe. They did a movie on Héctor Lavoe with Jennifer Lopez and her husband, Marc Anthony, at the time. But I loved Héctor Lavoe. So, I went through the stage of really enjoying salsa, Latin jazz, and R&B. I toured with Hammer and Patti LaBelle.  

And it is a well-produced masterpiece indeed! Well done! While on the road, what was your favorite pastime activity? The thing about touring is that sometimes you don't have time to explore a city. We'll fly in, soundcheck, and then, with our private plane, we have to leave for the next town right after the show. 

But whenever we did have a day or two off, I would see who was playing around town. I remember a few times, just in the hotel lobby, checking in, I would spot a trio. I might be tired, but I'd stop, listen, and study to see where they're coming from. And that's one thing I love about traveling. People like to travel for different reasons; mine is to study other musicians who are different from what I do. 

So, I do that, and the funny thing is, I don't realize how much they affect my playing and style in writing at home. So, when I travel, I first want to know who's playing around the street. We don't seek big concerts; we seek out the so-called average people. And, on average, they're great musicians. Sometimes, I'm amazed that they're so much better than us. The only difference is that they don't have that connection, the money, or whatever it takes to get to the next level. But that doesn't mean they're not great. 

And this bothers me: they're so good, and people walk by, talking, not paying attention to them. Gina, they are jamming, and people will walk right by the guys in the hotel, paying no attention to them whatsoever. 

And when we sit in, then they are like, 'Oh, we're at this big concert,' but I'm not even better than these guys. It's just because they don't have the name or financial backing. But they're better than us. But, whenever we can, we try to sit there and learn. We introduce ourselves to them and then give them tickets to the show.  

And I'll tell them to come hang out with us. And they are shocked by that. They'll be like, "Really?" and I'm like, yes, you guys are amazing! 

That's beautiful! Juan, you have a heart of gold. I appreciate your kindness. As someone who values a person's heart, your words have touched my heart. It's refreshing to see that there are celebrities who remain humble and compassionate despite their fame. Your music will undoubtedly reach greater heights because of your genuine care for those often overlooked. God bless you. 

It's always fascinating to attend events where local, independent artists showcase their incredible talent. Some of them are truly gifted, as you mentioned. However, it can be quite amusing to observe individuals engaging in disruptive behavior, like having loud conversations and even on their cell phones. And when the artist turns up the music to hear themselves play, these disruptive individuals just continue their chatter.  

It makes me wonder, why did they even bother coming if they're not interested in the music? This event is meant for music enthusiasts who want to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Some even have the audacity to ask for the volume to be turned down so they can “talk,” completely disregarding others who are enjoying the music. (Laughs) Yes, Juan, I couldn't agree more with you. 

I wholeheartedly concur with your viewpoint. Regrettably, there exist individuals who exhibit a great deal of disrespect towards others, particularly independent creatives. Numerous individuals hold the belief that success can only be attained by being signed to a major label, but I beg to differ. I firmly believe that every individual has a unique purpose, and that God has created all of us as equals. The only distinction lies in our diverse interests in life. Nevertheless, this dissimilarity does not diminish or elevate any one of us above another. 

 It's clear to me that the key distinction lies in the contrasting attitudes of ambition. There are those who possess the drive to harness their God-given talents and strive for improvement, and then there are those who are content with idleness. We mustn't condemn those who have achieved success through their relentless efforts. If you possess a gift, be it in music or any other field, it is your duty to make a positive impact on this world. I believe that, in one way or another, everyone is capable of making a meaningful contribution. 

It's truly admirable, Juan, that you view all individuals as equal and prioritize their skills and hard work over their social status. This belief in equality is a testament to your character and values, and it's something that I, and I'm sure many others, deeply respect. And they are paying $60 to see someone on a big concert stage when there's a better performer playing down the street for free. 

Right! (Laughs) Now, Juan, your family has recently been bestowed with a truly remarkable honor-a street sign, "Escovedo Way." This is a significant recognition, a testament to your family's musical legacy. And not just that, you also have a day dedicated to you, Juan Escovedo Day, in the Bay Area. These honors are not just about your family, but they also symbolize the rich musical history and community recognition. Could you share your feelings and experiences about receiving these prestigious honors? Thank you. Well, we moved quite a bit. But we received a sign on Sunday at 9th Avenue and East 21st Street because that's where things started to change for the family as far as becoming "so-called famous." 

We have a rich history in that place, being the home where legendary musicians such as Carlos Santana used to come to practice and perform. Our roots run deep in that community. I remember the days when my father, like many musicians, faced challenges before finding success. Then, one day, the limousines began arriving at our doorstep, and I was like, "We are rich!" That's what I thought. Seeing a stretched limo parked outside our house for the first time was a moment of joy. 

"After he went on tour and achieved success, I thought to myself, "Wow, we've made it!" He eventually received a gold album, and we moved to a new location. However, it was also the start of our challenges. That's how the Escovedo family's musical legacy is now connected with that street. 

When the city approached us about having our very own street, it marked the beginning of something special. The mayor and council members personally unveiled this street to us, with one on every corner, adding a touch of charm to the neighborhood. 

What's even more incredible is that we still maintain friendships with some of our former neighbors who still reside there. We make it a point to give them tickets to our shows. Some of our neighbors have passed away, and now their children live in the houses, but we feel incredibly blessed to have had such wonderful neighbors. 

Our father taught us when we were younger that when you move into a new neighborhood, it's important to introduce yourself to your neighbors. He advised us to bring them flowers and champagne as a friendly gesture and to let them know that we are their new neighbors. He also advised us not to play loud music for the first few months because it might disturb our neighbors and they might want us to leave the neighborhood. 

Juan, that's hilarious! Your dad is truly wise to give such great advice. With all those drums and percussion instruments being played, it's bound to get noisy. By the way, you create such beautiful and skillful sounds with your congas. What type of conga do you play, and do you have any endorsements? And lastly, do you have a signature style that sets you apart? Yes, we have an endorsement. Specifically, we have the "Escovedo Series," which includes timbales, congas, and bongos. So, “Escovedo Series is the LP company, and DW is the drum company. So, they're added together.    

That's fantastic! You've been showered with an abundance of incredible blessings from God! I'm curious: do you have a signature move or a unique style that your fans adore witnessing during your performances? You've been bestowed with numerous extraordinary talents by the grace of God. I believe my signature style shines through when I'm performing a solo - I like to take it slow and focus on playing cleanly. The crowd always goes wild when I do that cool elbow move, transitioning from a single row to a double row. It never fails to get me a round of applause, so I guess that's my trademark move. 

Wow, your live performances must be absolutely electrifying! My husband and I look forward to catching your live show in the UK someday, especially since he's a fellow conga player. It would be a dream come true for both of us to witness your talent firsthand. 

Now, let's dive into your incredible new song, "Angel." The moment I heard your single, I was completely blown away. And let me tell you, I don't say that lightly. Growing up in the early '70s, I was raised on what I consider real music – the kind that moves your soul. So, for a song to impress me, it really has to be something special. 

I felt your song right in my heart. I was filled with so much emotion, I felt like I was on the verge of tears. It's not just the beauty of the melody or the richness of the vocals; it's the message behind the music that struck a chord with me. In an era where morality in music seems to be on the decline, hearing a love song as pure and uplifting as "Angel" was like a breath of fresh air. 

As a Christian, I truly appreciate music that aligns with my values and uplifts the spirit. And let me tell you, "Angel" does just that. It's a shining example of what music should be – soulful, meaningful, and inspiring. 

Now, I'm eager to know more about the story behind the song. How did you and your collaborators come up with such a masterpiece? What inspired you to write "Angel," and what was the creative process like? 

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for your appreciation of this song. It holds a significant place in my heart. "Angel" came to life during a turbulent period in my second marriage. 

The inspiration began with the title itself – "Angel." Amid relationship turmoil, I found myself shouldering blame for its unraveling. One day, while at my cousin's house, it struck me: she was the angel, and I, regrettably, was not. 

Despite always having my own home, I sat in a room in my cousin's house, unaware that divorce loomed ahead. I didn't know we would get a divorce, but we did. Yet, despite our parting, we maintain a strong bond through our son. 

In matters of the heart, accountability is paramount. I firmly believe in taking full responsibility for one's actions – a sentiment reflected in the song's lyrics: "She's an angel, and I'm not, so let me fix me." 

While I cannot claim credit for all the lyrics, Keith Martin, a dear friend and talented lyricist, penned them during our heartfelt conversations. Despite being continents apart – him in Indonesia and me in Oakland – our connection remained strong, fostered during our time touring with MC Hammer. 

Another integral contributor to the song's creation is Michael Angel Alvarado, a co-writer. Together, we crafted the music with the intention of it being sung by the incomparable El DeBarge, for whom I served as musical director. 

Unfortunately, contractual obligations prevented El DeBarge from taking the lead vocals. However, his willingness to contribute background vocals paved the way for Martin Kember, formerly of "Color Me Badd," to step in and deliver a stellar performance. 

The Recording of "Angel" happened at Raphael Sadiq's studio in LA, a familiar setting intertwined with memories of past collaborations. Raphael, an exceptional talent and longtime acquaintance, graciously offered the use of his studio, which is located 15 minutes from my parents' house. 

Over a few days, the studio became a sanctuary where Martin Kember's vocals intertwined seamlessly with El DeBarge's harmonies. What began as a recording session soon evolved into an impromptu video shoot, capturing the essence of "Angel" for all to see on YouTube. 

I watched that outstanding video. Thank you so much. 

My pleasure! It was absolutely amazing! Juan, you should be really proud of yourself! Fantastic work. So, what's next for your solo career? Any big goals or dreams you're aiming for? Also, are there any exciting collaborations on the horizon that you're looking forward to? As for the future, I leave it up to God. I strive to remain humble, play my best, and surround myself with good people. 

You know, it took me seven years to make the CD. I tried two or three times to make this CD, but I was on a tour every time because I had to work to pay the bills. And I was like, "This has to stop." So, when COVID hit, I thought, this is the time to do it. We have no work right now, so I might as well put my money where my mouth is, and that was to invest in myself, which I've never done before. So, I decided to get these songs done. 

Many of these songs were done years ago, including "Angel." So, the pandemic was an excellent time for us to finish this project. Michael Angelo Alvarado, a couple of other musicians, and I worked on it. 

We thought, "Even though the world is at a standstill, we could still do something," and that was to finish my CD. So, I did that. 

So, my future goals are to travel and be happy. This is my first time having my own CD without my father and brother beside me. 

We did an "E family CD" that did great, and we toured on that. But I'm just excited to do my own thing and have people hear my song and enjoy it. And it's a blessing to travel the world and let them see what I have to offer. 

Absolutely, it feels as though you've been connected to a Siamese twin your whole life, and then suddenly, you're set free. Then you express, "I want to discover my true self. I care for you all, but I need to explore my potential." I find that remarkable, and I'm sure everyone is incredibly proud of you!" 

If you could offer some words of wisdom to someone aspiring to be a percussionist, producer, or musician, what advice would you give? Well, the first thing is to play everything. Even though it's difficult, like playing a note on the bass or piano, learn one chord, right? Hopefully, that's where you can start to write music on the guitar if you're around musicians or people learning music. Still, you should have patience. My number one thing is to have patience and enjoy the ride. Don't rush to be like others who are making and doing things. You don't know what they went through to get where they are. However, one thing is for sure: they worked hard to develop their skill and gave it their all. So, my main thing is to practice your instrument for at least two hours a day.  

It's important to be versatile by familiarizing yourself with various music genres. You never know when you'll be called to play blues, jazz, R&B, or rock'n'roll. I have experience playing all of them because I grew up listening to a wide range of music and performing with different bands.  

I always took advantage of a performance opportunity. I started playing with bands in my neighborhood, then expanded to other cities and eventually to different states and countries. The key is to surround yourself with talented musicians. Their skills and passion will inspire and drive you to achieve your goals.  

While focusing on personal growth, identify your favorite instrument and dedicate time to mastering it, but don't neglect the others. Switch it up - play the trumpet today, bongos tomorrow, timbales next, and maybe even piano. Every instrument has its value. I continue to play them all, but my passion lies in playing the congas, which also happens to pay the bills. Don't limit yourself to just one instrument. Keep exploring and having fun. Enjoy the musical journey! 

Juan, your beauty radiates from within, and I pray that God's blessings will continue to flow abundantly in all that you do, aligning perfectly with His divine plan for your life. I ask that the Lord shower you and your lovely family with His grace, protecting you on every journey. May you encounter kind-hearted individuals who have your best interests at heart. May God work through you as an instrument of love and blessings to everyone you meet. May you always feel the unwavering love of God, bringing you peace and joy. I am truly proud of your achievements and eagerly anticipate the incredible things the Lord has in store for you and your loved ones. God bless you, Juan. Thank you, Gina. That's beautiful. And the same for you and your husband. God bless you. Bye.  

End of Interview

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