Album Notes

Born in Havana Cuba, Juan "Long John" Oliva was raised in the Belen barrio surrounded by the sounds of traditional Afro-Cuban Rumba. His percussion training began at the age of 3, as he was highly influenced and taught by his father and master drummer Pancho Quinto.

At age 15, Juan studied with two of Cuba's greatest master percussionists Tata Guines and Chanquito and continued his musical education at the Conservatorio de la Habana Amadeo Roldan, where he then discovered the world of Jazz. At the Conservatorio, he was influenced by such greats as Charlie Parker, Herbie Hancock and John Coltraine. His love for Jazz was further fueled by the Cuban Jazz Ensemble, Irakere; their conga player, El Nino, and band leader, Jesus "Chucho" Valdez.

In 1980, Juan left Cuba for New York to pursue his dream as a percussionist, and performed with talents Orlando Rios Puntilla and Nueva Generacion.

He then ventured to Puerto Rico where he performed with one of the island's most progressive Jazz and dance Ensembles Batacumbele. There he also co-founded one of the first bands to develop the Timba Sound, Zaperoko.

In 1986, Juan came to California and joined the Pan American Band of the late great Latin legend Willie Bobo, who baptized him "Long John" for his ability to play lengthy conga solos and from then on Juan would be known as "Long John." After Willie Bobo's passing, Juan's career only moved forward and he recorded and toured worldwide with many more musical masters; such as, Strunz and Farah, Arturo Sandoval, Jackson Browne and Kenny Loggins.

From Rumba and Jazz influences in his life, Juan has created his own language of the drum and eclectic sound, referring to himself as the "Jazz Rumbero." His unparalleled energy, grace and style are the result of his traditional training and his love affair with contemporary music.

Today, Juan tours worldwide with the AC Jazz Project, sharing his talents, as a teacher, musician, band leader and master percussionist.