Dejesus & Quiñones

In Brooklyn, NY, Ricardo Quiñones began playing guitar at the age of ten on a three-string garage sale find, thus beginning a lifelong love affair with the instrument and it's possibilities. This fascination with the guitar eventually found him playing, writing and collaborating with a wide range of musically kindred spirits including Alicia Keys, India Arie, Sade, Luther Vandross, Brooklyn-based Afro-beat band Antibalas, and others. Ricky played with the Broadway production FELA which opened in 2009 and continues to grace stages internationally, including most recently a series of performances in Lagos, Nigeria.

Reinaldo De Jesus is a talented, world-class, multi-percussionist with a wealth of experience in playing various music styles. He started playing the drums at the age of ten and it didn’t take long for his love of music to develop into a career. Reinaldo’s passion for music was inspired by the rich drumming traditions of Puerto Rico and the teachings and encouragement of great percussionists like Giovanni Hidalgo, Anthony Carrillo, Richie Flores and Paoli Mejias.

Reinaldo attended high school at the Escuela Libre De Musica in Hato Rey, P.R., where he expanded his music comprehension theory and ear training, and developed skills on various percussion instruments. He went on to enroll at the University of Puerto Rico and the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, where he studied classical percussion. Reinaldo was later awarded a scholarship from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

In 2000 Reinaldo and trombonist William Cepeda were guest artist at Cultura Profetica’s concert at the Amphitheater Tito Puente in PR. After that Reinaldo joined William Cepeda’ group AfroRican Jazz for a world tour. Then he decided to continue his musical career in the United States. Reinaldo has worked with a wide array of musicians and artists, including: Antibalas, Sharon Jones, Lauryn Hill, Dispatch, Ralph Irizarry & Timbalaye, The Klezmatics, Lorenzo Jovanotti, DLG, Obie Bermudez, Arturo O'Farril, Danilo Perez, Brian Lynch, Ralph Peterson's Fo'tet, The Curtis Brothers and many more. In 2003, as part of the Jazz Ambassadors Program at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Reinaldo toured West Africa with Alto-Saxophonist, Miguel Zenon and the Rhythm Collective. In 2006, Reinaldo and his group, Rhythmic Prophecies, were chosen for the ‘Rhythm Road’ program sponsored by Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Department of State. The group brought a multi-cultural, American music experience to Southeast Asia.

Reinaldo was also a member of the band for the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, FELA, from 2009 to 2013. He had the opportunity to take part in the show's historical trip to Lagos, Nigeria.

In September 2013 Reinaldo was featured in an NBA commercial alongside Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks. The commercial was aired nationally on ESPN in March 2014 and 2015.

Reinaldo is currently based in New York City where he performs, teaches, composes, records and produces music.