Orlando Poleo
Master of Afro-Latin PercussionBiography
Born on December 13, 1962, in Caracas, Venezuela, Orlando Poleo has established himself as one of the most accomplished and respected percussionists in the world of Latin music. His journey into the rhythmic universe began in his homeland, where he received his foundational musical education under the guidance of the well-known teacher Julio Mendez.
Poleo’s thirst for rhythmic knowledge led him to study Afro-Venezuelan percussion with teacher Miguel Urbina, deepening his connection to his cultural roots. He further expanded his percussive vocabulary studying Afro-Cuban percussion at the Professional Improvement School in Havana, a pivotal experience that would significantly influence his musical approach.
In 1991, Orlando was invited to work in Paris, France, where he found abundant professional opportunities and decided to establish himself. For over three decades, he has been based in Paris while maintaining strong connections to his Venezuelan roots and the global Latin music scene. Throughout his career, he has earned recognition as one of Venezuela’s finest percussionists and has become an internationally acclaimed conguero (conga player).
Musical Journey
Orlando Poleo’s remarkable career spans several decades and continents. His early years in Venezuela saw him quickly rising to prominence as one of the most sought-after percussionists in the country, collaborating with prominent national artists and laying the groundwork for an international career.
After relocating to Paris in 1991, Poleo’s career took on a global dimension. He became an essential figure in the European Latin jazz and salsa scenes, while continuing to collaborate with major artists from Venezuela, Cuba, and beyond. His percussive voice became a distinctive element in countless recordings and live performances.
Key Career Milestones
- Early career in Venezuela as one of the country’s most in-demand percussionists
- Relocation to Paris in 1991, establishing his base in the European music scene
- Released his first album “Cimarroneando” in 1995, co-written and co-arranged with Orlando “Maraca” Valle
- Formation of his group “Chaworo,” which has performed at prestigious venues and festivals across Europe
- Extensive collaborations with world-renowned artists from Latin America, Europe, and beyond
- Development as an educator, conducting workshops and masterclasses worldwide
- Continued recording career spanning over 25 years with multiple acclaimed albums
Discography
- Cimarroneando (1995) Orlando Poleo’s debut album, co-written and co-arranged with Cuban flautist Orlando “Maraca” Valle, introducing his distinctive blend of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Venezuelan rhythms.
- Lo Bueno de la Vida (2001/2002) A mature work showcasing his evolution as a bandleader and his unique approach to Latin jazz and salsa.
- El Buen Camino (2003/2010) An album featuring a diverse range of styles including son, merengue, and Latin jazz, highlighting Poleo’s versatility as a musician and composer.
- Cúrate (2007/2023) A rich exploration of Afro-Latin rhythms with sophisticated jazz harmonies and dynamic percussion arrangements.
- Por La Vida (2021) His most recent album, representing the culmination of decades of musical experience and artistic growth.
Live Performances
Orlando Poleo is renowned for his electrifying live performances, where his exceptional percussion skills and dynamic stage presence come to the forefront. Whether performing with his own group Chaworo or collaborating with other artists, he consistently delivers performances that showcase both technical mastery and profound musicality.
Percussion Mastery
Orlando Poleo is universally recognized as a master percussionist whose technical abilities and musical sensibilities have made him one of the most respected congueros in the world. His playing is characterized a perfect balance between technical precision and expressive musicality.
- Exceptional technique – Displays remarkable speed, clarity, and control on congas and other percussion instruments
- Rhythmic versatility – Fluent in both Afro-Cuban and Afro-Venezuelan rhythmic languages, with the ability to seamlessly integrate various traditions
- Melodic approach – Unique ability to create melodic phrases on percussion instruments, treating them as voices rather than merely rhythmic tools
- Dynamic sensitivity – Masterful control of volume and intensity, with a keen awareness of when to assert and when to support
- Improvisational fluency – Capable of spontaneous and creative solos that maintain both rhythmic integrity and musical interest
Beyond technical prowess, Poleo’s greatest strength lies in his musicality—his ability to serve the music as a whole while bringing his distinctive voice to each performance. His sound is immediately recognizable, reflecting decades of dedication to his craft and a deep connection to the cultural traditions that inform his playing.
Artistic Style
Orlando Poleo’s artistic style is distinguished several key characteristics:
- Seamless fusion of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Venezuelan rhythmic traditions, creating a distinctive personal style
- Balance between rhythmic complexity and musical accessibility, making sophisticated concepts approachable
- Integration of jazz harmonies and improvisation with traditional Latin rhythms
- Conversational approach to percussion, where instruments engage in dialogue with other musical elements
- Respect for tradition while embracing innovation and contemporary musical developments
- Ability to adapt his playing to various contexts while maintaining his distinctive voice
“Orlando Poleo represents the perfect synthesis of technical mastery and musical expression in Latin percussion. His playing speaks not just to other musicians but to anyone who appreciates rhythm as a universal language.” — France Music
Watch Orlando Poleo in Action
Watch full performance: Orlando Poleo solo de congas con Chaworo
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Orlando Poleo with Gerardo Rosales on Bongo
Live performance in Rotterdam Theater showcasing their incredible chemistry and rhythmic dialogue.
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Orlando Poleo at New Morning
Energetic performance at the famous New Morning jazz club in Paris.
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Orlando Poleo solo – Maraca & his Latin Jazz All Stars
Solo performance with the prestigious Latin Jazz All Stars ensemble in Paris.
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Orlando Poleo solo – Caracas
Concert recording from 2002 at the Juan Sebastian Bach School in Caracas.
