HERMAN'S BIOGRAPHY
PAST //// PRESENT //// FUTURE
Herman Jr. born in Brooklyn New York and raised in Puerto Rico. Herman Jr. was already in a musical environment, when he was very young. His father Herman Semidey Sr. had his own Latin Band called Los Sociable "The Sociable". Herman's Jr. father was the leader & director of his own band plus, lead guitar & lead singer.
Herman Jr. first instrument was the clarinet in which he started to perform in elementry school in New York City. He started to pick/up and learn very fast the clarinet. At the same time Herman Jr. was a big rock fan. One day he saw in T.V. some guy banging on a set of drums. Herman Jr. really got very curious and anxiously about the all show. He told his father that he wanted a set of drums. Herman Sr. only purchases a Snare Drum just to see if Herman Jr. really like it or not.
The turning point of all this, came when Herman Jr. and family moved to Puerto Rico in 1969, that when everything started. One day Herman Jr. father purchased a very old Latin Drum called Timbales, A set of two, tuneable drums created in Cuba- derived from European Tympani- mounted on a tripod and played with stick. The set has been added onto with several accessory items such as cowbells, cymbal and woodblocks. The reason why Herman Sr. gave his son a set of timbales because he saw his son Herman Jr. demonstrated some Latin Rhythm banging on a old cowbell, also Herman Jr. demonstrated that he dominated how to use the Clave 2/3 and 3/2 in all different types of Latin Rhythms. In order to understand all types of Latin Rhythms from the Caribbean you must have to know or understand about the Clave 2/3 and 3/2.
As time pass by, Herman Jr. started to get better and better with his Latin Rhythm banging on his old Timbales every day for 3 to 5 hours per/day. Than Herman Jr started to learn how to play bongos-- two small drums attached by a thick piece of wood, played while held between the knees. The same thing happen with Congas (drums) a Cuban drums derived from several Afican predecessors- also known as the Tumbadora.
Herman's Jr first professional Event came at the age of 17 when he started to perform with a small band called Harry Fraticelli and his band, at Caribe Hilton Hotel, a well know 5 Star Hotel, every Monday Night, the Event was called Jibaro Night Show.
The door really open for Herman Jr. when he had the opportunity to perform with Lalo Rodriguez and his band, very well know international Latin Singer. From there on, Herman Jr. have performed with the most well know Latin Bands in Puerto Rico and also well know International Latin Percussionist including Puerto Rico, Europe & United States and South America. He also have done Studio Recording, TV and Radio Shows with different Latin Band in Puerto Rico, United States, South America and Europe.
Herman’s high energy drum and percussion performances have captivated audiences all over the state of Missouri and Mid West Regions with his pulsating beat and high powered rhythms. Add an extensive and diverse musical background into the formula and it is clear to see why Herman Semidey Jr. is one of most sought after percussionists on the music scene today playing everything from Rock to Funk to Jazz to R&B to Latin and World Rhythms.
Herman Jr. at the present time lives in St. Louis MO. Actually, he is very active in Musical environments, as a percussionist. Herman Jr. performs with different bands in St Louis. Percussionist Herman Semidey Jr. is specialized in Latin Jazz, Blue, Straight Jazz, R&B, Hip Pop, Caribbean Music & many more, all with different Bands, including Latin Bands and most recently news is that Herman Jr. started to perform with a well known Band called Smash Band. Herman Jr. really gives a excellent Latin Flavor with excellent Latin Chops in each performances with Smash Band. Herman Jr. also works as a Promoter, for all types of Bands, Night Clubs, Recording Studio, Special Events, TV and Radio Shows and Commercial. He also Produces all types of Latin Activities. Herman Jr. has become a Recording Specialist in all types of Rhythms and Music with different Bands. Herman Jr. also does performances and work/shop presentations of Latin Percussion all over the State of Missouri and the area of MidWest Regions.
While playing everything from Rock to Funk to Jazz to R&B to Latin Jazz to Caribbean Music and World Rhythms. Herman’s high energy drum and percussion performances have captivated audiences all over the state of Missouri and Mid West Regions with his pulsating beat and high powered rhythms. Add an extensive and diverse musical background into the formula and it is clear to see why Herman Semidey Jr. is one of most sought after percussionists on the music scene today.
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