Christian Pepin
Independent - United States
Overview
Christian Pepin was born on September 23 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico to Juan and Zundra Pepin. Coming from a great line of percussionists, this 3rd generation congero didn't take long to follow along his family's foot steps.First learning the drums before ever getting on a pair of congas at the age of 6 years old, his grandfather was the inspiration he needed. From that day on, Christian has focused on what has fulfilled one of the many passions of his life: playing music. He started his music lessons by listening to greats, such as his grandfather Papo Pepin, his great grandfather Tono Pepin who in the 50' was the first bongo player for a young Tito Puente Band, Tata Guines, Little Johnny Rivero, Miguel "Anga" Diaz, among many others.
He has also been mentored among the likes of Giovanni Hidalgo, Pedro “El Pulpo” Vargas, Karl Perazzo, Francisco "Junior" Medina Jr., and David “La Mole” Ortiz just to name a few. His unique style and sound has been the result of constant practice and discipline almost on a daily basis. His professional career began at age 16 when his first opportunity to record appeared with a local band in the Seattle area.
There have been many artists throughout the years that have been interested in recording Christian’s work. During his school years he was honored drummer of the year all 4 years in both drums and percussion. The performances he competed in at an early age showed his unique style in both drums and percussion, recognizing him as one of the best in the state of Washington in the high school division.
As an independent musician and multi-percussionist, he has played with many Salsa, Latin Jazz, Rock, Traditional Jazz and Gospel orchestras in Seattle and abroad. Christian has taken the rhythm of Puerto Rico and flipped it with his own version of “New Age Swing” conga playing. Even though salsa is the type of music which he has worked the most, Christian has been invited to work and share the stage with other artists, playing different rhythms, doing it with style and grace.
He has played with the legendary bass player Joe Santiago, shared the stage with Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band, Pete Escovedo along side Sheila E. and Juan Escovedo, Grupo Gale, Legendary Bass Player Andy Gonzalez, Spanish Harlem Lead Singer/Grammy Winner Ray De La Paz, Willie Alvarez y Los Locos Del Ritmo, Doug Beavers, Louisito Carrion, Seis Del Solar Timbale player and Tycoon Percussion Artist Ralph Irizarry, Master Percussionist Joey De'Leon, Jose Mangual Jr., Latin Percussion Artist Cristan Rivera, Tycoon Percussion Artist Pepe Espinosa, Karl Perazzo, Carlos Santana Lead Singer Andy Vargas, Tony Moreaux, Alberto Pantaleon, Master Trumpeter Pete Nator And Associates, Jerry Madera, Ricky Gonzalez, Gospel singer Issac Jones, Gospel sensation David Jackson / R&B group One Accord, Steve Guasch and New Era, Micheal Hershman Jazz Trio, Peter Schmeeckle's "Santos" Ensemble, Ricky Flores y El Conjunto Chevere, Jay Holcomb Jazz Trio, 2009 South American Tour with Osuan y Los Que Son and Los Angels International Band, and currently working with Seattle Power Salsa group Papo Medina's Latin Expression, Pedro Vargas y TradiCuba, Pedro Vargas y Grupo Ashe, Spanish Harlem Orch. Lead Singer/Grammy Winner Carlos Cascante y su Tumbao, Lary Barilleau and the Latin Jazz Collective, Rich Wetzel and his Groovin Higher Orchestra among many others.
Christian has been a part of various live events such as:
- The Puerto Rican Parade in New York City 2011
- Special Live DVD Recording with Carlos Cascante y Su Tumbao 2011
- 2009 La paz Festijazz Internacional - Bolivar
- 2009 South American Tour with Osuan y Los Que Son and Los Angels International Band
- The Bite of Seattle
- The Spanish Sea Fair
- North Sea Jazz Festival
- Special Live DVD Recording with David Jackson and W.O.W.
- The Cascades Marching Band
- Seattle's Folklife Festival
- Seattle's Bumbershoot Festival
- Portland,OR Salsa En La Calle Festival
- Afrolatin Festival - SEATTLE
- Colombian Association Reunion - Bellevue
- Renton International Festival
- Fillmore Jazz Festival - San Francisco
- Tacoma Jazz and Blues Festival - The Puerto Rican Parade in New York City 2011
- Special Live DVD Recording with Carlos Cascante y Su Tumbao 2011
- 2009 La paz Festijazz Internacional - Bolivar
- 2009 South American Tour with Osuan y Los Que Son and Los Angels International Band
- The Bite of Seattle
- The Spanish Sea Fair
- North Sea Jazz Festival
- Special Live DVD Recording with David Jackson and W.O.W.
- The Cascades Marching Band
- Seattle's Folklife Festival
- Seattle's Bumbershoot Festival
- Portland,OR Salsa En La Calle Festival
- Afrolatin Festival - SEATTLE
- Colombian Association Reunion - Bellevue
- Renton International Festival
- Fillmore Jazz Festival - San Francisco
- Tacoma Jazz and Blues Festival - The Puerto Rican Parade in New York City 2011
In 2010, Christian joined the Pearl Percussion Family of Artists along side his grandfather Papo Pepin.
Links
www.ChristianPepin.comEquipment Configuration
Bobby Allende Signature SeriesCafe Con Leche
11.75"- Conga
12.50"- Tumba
Marc Quinones Signature Timbales