Alberto “Cuquito” Reyes
Marc Anthony
Alberto “Cuquito” Reyes has earned his place among the quintessential percussionists of this generation by radiating passion, dedication, an outstanding work ethic, and a teamwork mentality that goes above and beyond.
Winner of “La Medalla del Sol” by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, Cuquito thrives across multiple instruments flawlessly while performing with Unified Sound, Jerry Rivera, and Milly Quezada as well as some of the top entertainment and corporate band companies in the USA, showcasing a diverse and extensive music repertoire that ranges from salsa and jazz to top 40 pop and r&b hits.
Cuquito was born into a musical family in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, and moved to Florida a few years later, where he got his professional start at seven years old while subbing for the timbalero of his dad’s band, Orquesta Vibración. From that day forward, he knew music was there to stay.
While in school, he joined jazz bands, marching bands, and symphonic orchestra classes, developing skills vital in his journey to play with artists like Lalo Rodriguez, Anthony Cruz, Rafael de Jesús, and the legendary Tito Puente as a teenager.
In 1996, Cuquito left on tour with contemporary jazz artist Marc Antoine for their Urban Gipsy tour. On a brief return to Florida, while attending a workshop by the great Tito Puente at the Disney Institute, he suddenly found himself on stage playing alongside Puente once again. This encounter earned him multiple invitations to perform with Tito’s bands over the next few years, attaining a pair of timbales gifted by the legendary Puente himself. Disney has also been the venue of memorable performances for Cuquito, including one with Giovanni Hidalgo, a master considered one of the greatest percussionists in the world.
Since then, Alberto has graced the stage with multiple artists like Gabriela Anders, Giselle, Bonny Cepeda, Tito Nieves, Michael Stuart, José Alberto “El Canario,” Richie Ray y Bobby Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, Andy Montañez, among others, showcasing the versatility and professionalism of a leader everywhere he goes. Some of his most notable performances include Carnegie Hall with Tito Nieves and special guests La India, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Ismael Miranda, and Tony Vega, as well as the Norwegian Cruise Lines’ original production of Havana, featuring Cuban star and legendary singer Albita, musical director Patrick Vaccariello, and its director, Warren Carlyle. His studio work is also remarkable, having spent over 500 hours recording and producing. One of these recordings, Pedro Jesús’ Tribute to Orlando Contreras, was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2010.
Alberto is known as one of the “Four Horseman”, which plays for Marc Anthony.
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