christianpepin + Musician in San Francisco, CA

SEEKING

ABOUT

A musical multilinguist, Christian Pepin is a versatile musician that embodies the soul of a percussionist that inherently stirs the human spirit. From his supersonic slaps to the thunderous open tones and heavy hitting bass notes, the young Christian Pepin shows perceptiveness and adoration for Latin music. His keen sense, gifted interpretation of music, and the influence of the New York streets has allowed Christian to translate his bliss. Whether it be on the stage or set to Avant-garde Jazz, Salsa, Latin Jazz, he can make his drums speak fluently to any listener.

From his humble roots in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Christian Pepin has played music all his life. His father, a gifted musician in his own right, and mother, a talented vocalist, gave him a set of drums at the tender age of six. As he became older, he made the transition to timbale, then congas, and onto bongó all while perfecting his musical craft. Music is innately a dominant part of the Pepin family: his great-grandfather Toño Pepin, his Grandfather Papo Pepin, and his cousin Bobby Allende. Music breathes life into the soul of Christian Pepin that sustains him as a musician.

He moved to Spokane, WA from New York City with his family during his teenage years and continued his studies. He learned to improvise many styles such as Rumba, which helped shape and develop Christian's melodic, versatile, and danceable sound.

In 2001, Christian moved to Seattle where he continued to develop his unique sound as well as a strong following. During that time, he excelled in Marching Band and went on to play all instruments in the Battery, also known as the 'Drum Line'. Christian fell in love with third bass drum for its complex and challenging odd time. Later In mid 2005, he was asked to join the Cascade Marching Band.

Since then, he has and continues to tour all over the world. He has also performed and/or recorded with the likes of Poncho Sanchez, Tommy Igoe, Nestor Torres, Pete Escovedo, Steve Turre, Pacific Mambo Orchestra, and many other artists.

Christian Pepin: Selected Highlights

-Early improvisational ‘on the job training’ playing in Jazz, Cuban and Salsa bands including Joe Santiago, Karl Perazzo, Carlos Cascante, Latin Expression, La Fuerza Gigante.

-Has toured the world extensively and collaborated with some of todays top musicians.

-Jazz Festivals: Capitol Jazz Festival; San Jose Jazz Festival; Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival; Maui; La Paz Festival jazz International Bolivar; Sedona; Atlanta.

-Symphonic: Has performed with the Pacific Lutheran University Symphony; Pacific Lutheran University Percussion Ensemble; Spokane Symphony; Seattle Symphony; Eastern Washington University Symphony and Gary Gibson Steel Drum Ensemble.

-Recordings: Pacific Mambo Orchestra; Lary Barilleau; David Jackson & W.O.W; Julio Bravo; Montuno Swing; Aaron Routtenburg.

Screen name:

christianpepin

Member since:

Mar 27 2013

Active over 1 month ago

Years playing music:

15

Gigs played:

Over 100

Tend to practice:

2-3 times per week

Available to gig:

6-7 nights a week

Most available:

Nights

Influences

Latin/Salsa/Latin Pop: Papo Pepin, Johnny Pacheco, Jose Madera, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Oscar Hernandez, Hilton Ruiz, Roberto Roena, Bobby Valentin, Pedro Brull, Marc Anthony, Carlos Santana, Giovanni Hidalgo, Jimmy Branly and many others.

Pop/R&B: Michael Jackson, Madonna, Queen Latifah, Justin Timberlake, Jill Scott, Stevie Wonder,
Elton John and many many others

Instrument experience:

Other Percussion:

Expert

Other:

Expert

Drums:

Advanced

Background Singer:

Advanced

Vocalist - Tenor:

Moderate

EQUIPMENT

- PDP 5pc FS Series Fusion Style Birch Kit w/ Stands etc....
- Pearl Percussion Congas
- Pearl Percussion Bongos
- Soultone Cymbals
- Bells
- Mambo Bells
- Cha Cha Bells
- 3 different types of Snare Drums
- Guiro
- Auxiliary Percussion etc...

MUSIC

CALENDAR

Past Events