R L J Q, Afro-Cuban Jazz

Rolando Matias

BIO

Latin Percussionist and Leader, Composer, Founder & Business Manager

Hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Rolando Matias is a distinguished Latin percussionist and vocalist, known for his innovative spirit and artistic vision. Nearly three decades ago, he founded The Afro-Rican Ensemble, which has gained both national and international acclaim under his direction.

As a multi-talented musician, Rolando excels as a Master Percussionist, Afro-Caribbean musicologist, and ethnofolklorist.. His extensive travels across the U.S. have seen him perform with a diverse array of groups, showcasing genres from blues to Latin rock and everything in between.

A self-taught musician, Rolando has seamlessly integrated his formal architectural training into his musical education, always striving for that unique sound. Throughout his journeys, he has sought mentorship from musical greats to refine his techniques. He began his percussion journey at a young age in Cupey Alto, immersing himself in the local "Bembes," where "rumberos" would gather to jam and improvise. “We started with percussion grooves, and pretty soon, a trombone player joined in, followed by a trumpeter; before we knew it, the place was alive with energy. It was an incredible scene,” he recalls.

Rolando's performances range from the playful to the passionate, making him a captivating presence on stage. He has collaborated with notable artists such as Chuchito Valdez, Benny Maupin, Ndugu Chancler, Azar Lawrence, Othello Molineaux, guitarist Mimmi Fox, percussionists Bobby Matos, Bobby Sanabria, Bill Summers, and Lenny Castro. His blues collaborations include legends like Eddie "The Chief" Clearwater, Kenny Neal, Duke Robillard, and Howard Scott, among others. Rolando has also worked with Grammy-winning artists such as David Sanchez, Brazilian reedman Carlos Malta, and the late pianist Roberto Ocasio.

Rolando leads a variety of projects that explore genres from Afro-Latin BeBop to Afro-Latin Hip-Hop. His ensembles includes Rolando Matias & The Afro-Rican Ensemble (Afro-Latin BeBop, Latin-Salsa & Jazz), R L J Q, Afro-Cuban Jazz (Afro-Jazz), and Rolando Matias & Cuba-son (Salsa na ma!!), as well as his innovative project "We Is" which delves into Afro-Latin Hip-Hop and spoken word, reflecting the full spectrum of the Afro-Latino Diaspora.

Rolando Matias is proudly endorsed by Meinl Percussion instruments, utilizing their exceptional range including Congas (Meinl's Wood Craft, Marathon, or Floatunes), Bongos, Cajons, Timbales (Amadito Valdez Signature Series & Luis Conte Signature Series), and an array of hand percussion instruments such as claves, guiros, and maracas.