Eddy Ortiz
Julian Ortiz
Alfredo Ortiz
Alfredo Ortiz is a multi-talented and versatile musician, specializing in Afro-Cuban percussion. For over two decades, Alfredo has been recognized for his innovative use of traditional instrumentation in this genre and in the Latin music world. He was the co-founder of Son Mayor, a traditional salsa orchestra that has been at the forefront of the Los Angeles Latin music scene since 1990 and has been an integral part of various musical groups in Southern California. Most notably, Alfredo has performed and recorded with such groups as Bongo Logic, The Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band, Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars, and Son Mayor. He has also been featured on percussion with Tito Nieves, Celia Cruz, Sheila E., Tito Puente, and many others.
In addition to his musical ability, Alfredo is a gifted percussion instructor and has taught at California Institute of the Arts and at the Los Angeles Unified School District through their Community Arts Partnership program. Alfredo’s extensive knowledge of Afro-Cuban music coupled with his talent and passion for the art of drumming and his ability to impart his knowledge provide his students with a unique and enriching experience.
ERIC JORGENSEN
A native of Los Angeles, Eric has worked professionally since 1979. He is very active in various live and recorded music projects.
His movie music credits include “Rush Hour 2”, “Crocodile Dundee in L.A.”, “A League of Their Own”, “Renaissance Man”, and “Toys”; his TV work encompasses such shows as “American Idol”, “The Bonnie Hunt Show”, “TMZ”, “The Osbournes” and “Bill Nye the Science Guy”. Radio and television commercials he has contributed to include Bud Light, Miller Genuine Draft, Ford Motor Company, and Taco Bell.
He has participated in recordings by Bette Midler, Dwight Yoakam, Paula Abdul, the O’Jays, and Cecilia Noel and the Wild Clams (for whom he also serves as musical director).
He is the leader and arranger of the “In and Out Horns”, a top-notch horn section that has appeared in concert with Al Jarreau, and is featured on keyboardist Freddie Ravel’s albums “Freddie Ravel” and “Sol to Soul”.
He has performed live with Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, Natalie Cole, Doc Severinsen and Poncho Sanchez, as well as many major salsa bands in Los Angeles. He also spent four interesting years with Circus Vargas, and was a member of the NFL’s Los Angeles Raiders band for nine years.
A dynamic soloist, Eric is in constant demand by those who appreciate his strong and unique trombone style.
Ron Segovia is a native from El Salvador that came to the USA as a young boy. Finding his way in music, or better-said music finding him at a young age, shaped and developed his personal and professional life.
This interesting career has allowed him to grow as an individual and partake in many life changing-experiences. Music, being a big part of his life has created abundant opportunities to play along side great musicians and friends.
Music also paved his way to a higher education by earning his Baccalaureate degree in Classical Music Performance at CSULB and a Masters Degree in Education. During his time in Long Beach he studied with Leo Potts a great classical saxophonist, and old school Jazz legend Buddy Collette; the two contrasting and unique styles of musicianship from his instructors influence his playing to this day.
Having played with many local bands throughout the Los Angeles area, and aside from playing with Son Mayor, Ron is also the music director for Rogers Middle School in the city of Lawndale. He runs a successful music program he developed from the ground up to include thousands of students within the last 12 years. His goal in education is to have each student grasp the discipline, fun and artistry music has to offer and carry this experience with them as they choose their own paths in life.
As for Son Mayor, it is a big part of his life and he’ll continue to indulge on the friendship and musical influences these giants of the Latin Scene have to offer.
Zak Astor is older than his years, was surrounded by music since infancy. Began piano lessons at age 4, and by age 5 was playing simple pieces. Taking lessons 3 times a week he became a natural learning to play by memory, sight read and improvise. By age 9 he was studying with the best pianists in Jazz and Salsa. By 13 he was already playing in Salsa Nightclubs throughout the Los Angeles area. Zak received his thorough musical grounding at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, and received a scholarship to attend CSUN. Zak is now a freshman majoring in Jazz piano performance, and Classical voice. He was predestined to be a member of the Son Mayor family.
This Panamanian born percussionist has been in the Los Angeles scene since the days of Miami Spice; he would sit in with Papo Conga and other local bands. This ‘Salsero de Acero’ started his music studies at the famous ‘Bohio Carta Vieja’ in Panama; and of course, never losing admiration for his countryman Ruben Blades. His love for salsa has taken him as far as Cuba; where he not only found the swing he was looking for, but also the love of his wife Roxana.. You can always find the big guy performing with Son Mayor and his distinctive ‘Grito de Guerra’ . . . Vaya! !
