Luis Marín Official Site

"Live at the Nuyorican
Cafe Vol II: Luis Marin"

Pianist Luis Marin was born in the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico.Born and raised in the city of Bayamón, he began studying the piano at age 7.

During 1984 he enrolled in Berklee College of Music where he began his studies under the program "Professional Music" remaining there until 1986. While living in Boston he had the opportunity to perform with different bands known throughout the city as pianist and arranger. These groups were known as Caribbean Express( nominated for a Grammy Award in 1987), Herman Johnson's Band (at Ryle's Jazz Club at Cambridge, Ma) and Jorge Arce Grupo Humano.

As a pianist, Luis is often recruited to record at different musical productions with well-known artists. His services are in demand by the biggest names in the Latin Music industry. He has been selected as substitute in key positions like Raphy Leavitt and his orchestra and La Sonora Ponceña, filling for Latin piano master, Papo Lucca.

Luis has also share the stage with Latin Piano Master Eddie Palmieri on various occasions, at Palmieri's own request on important concerts, such as Z93 Radio Station's "DIA NACIONAL DE LA SALSA-HOMAGE TO EDDIE PALMIERI".

Other Latin Piano Master who has requested Luis Marin's piano work is Richie Ray, who asked for his assistance on the celebration of his band 40th anniversary, celebrated in PR, which has been released early on 2005 and showcase a true "tour de force" between Richie Ray, Papo Lucca and Luis, reinventing the classic Latin standard "MARIA CERVANTES".

Marin's work has been shared in productions for Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia and the United States.

On 2003, Luis toured as pianist with legendary masters group "FANIA ALL STAR" .

Luis has been part of important live presentations and recordings with artists such as Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Richie Ray, Papo Lucca y Sonora Ponceña, Juan Luis Guerra, Andy Montañez, Cheo Feliciano, Fiel a La Vega, Elvis Crespo,Tito Puente, Gilberto Santarosa, Rita Moreno, Mario Bauzá,Yuri Buenaventura, Cuto Soto Luis García,Tony Vega, Humberto Ramirez, Mandy Vizoso,Gilberto Monroig,.

It was in the year of 1997, after various years playing as a side man, that the organizers of the PR Heineken JazzFest invited he to make his debut as a leader. Luis Marín New Jazz Group shared the stage that night with saxophonist Joe Lovano and guitarist George Benson.

It is at this successful presentation that he is given the chance to express his inner most feelings through his group, delighting the audience with an eclectic repertoire within the tradition of Latin jazz, becoming automatically a powerful force in this category.

On 1999 he started the production of his first album as a soloist, "INCONSOLABLE", integrating majors influences in his style,and rendering a special tribute to one of Puerto Rico most special singer, Gilberto Monroig. On 2004 Luis released his 2nd album as soloist "LIVE AT NUYORICAN CAFE", with great reviews.

Luis is also part of the Conservatory of Music of PR, participating as jazz piano professor in the recently created Jazz and Caribbean Music Department.

Recordings