Calixto Oviedo
Afro Jazz Quartet, Latin Groove Band, and Calixto Oviedo Trio
Calixto Oviedo Muléns is a renowned Cuban drummer, timbalero, percussionist, and musical director, internationally recognized for his mastery of Afro-Cuban music, Latin jazz, timba, and musical fusion.
Calixto Oviedo began his musical career in Cuba, developing a strong foundation as a drummer and percussionist from an early age. His first professional work dates to the 1970s, with recordings and performances that marked the beginning of a career dedicated to Cuban popular music.
During the following years, he refined his technique on drums and timbales, exploring traditional Cuban rhythms and developing a distinctive musical language that would eventually establish him as a recognized percussionist in the Afro-Cuban music scene.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Calixto became part of several important Cuban music ensembles, participating in numerous recordings and contributing to the evolution of Cuban popular dance music. His major collaborations and groups include:
Grupo Achere, Adalberto y su Son, NG La Banda, Isaac Delgado, Todos Estrellas del Son, alongside other prominent Cuban musicians. His work with these groups helped establish his reputation as a versatile percussionist with exceptional command of drums, timbales, and Afro-Cuban rhythms.
He has performed and worked with artists and ensembles including Afro-Cuban All Stars, Buena Vista Social Club, Cubanismo, Arturo Sandoval, Danilo Pérez, Paquito D'Rivera.
As a bandleader, Calixto has developed a musical approach that combines Afro-Cuban jazz, timba, Latin rhythms, and improvisation. His projects include Calixto Oviedo Trio,
Afro Jazz Quartet, Afro Jazz Trio, Latin Groove Band, Calixto Oviedo & Latin Groove Orchestra, Cuban Jazz Train.
His career includes performances at international festivals, including the Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat, Israel, in 2006, with Latin Groove Orchestra, and the Imatra Big Band Festival in Finland. He has participated in more than 100 recordings, working with ensembles and artists across a wide range of musical styles. His discography includes collaborations with NG La Banda, Adalberto y su Son, Grupo Achere, Isaac Delgado, Chuchito Valdés, Omara Portuondo, Celina González, Amelita Frades, Pacho Alonso, and other major figures in Cuban and international music. He has also participated in Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban music projects in Europe, including work with Nils Fischer & Timbazo and other international ensembles.
Calixto has received important recognition for his musical achievements.
Highlights include recognition associated with Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, including nominations and distinctions connected to musical projects. Participation in the Afro Peruvian Jazz Orchestra project, associated with the 2020 Latin Grammy Awards.
Recognition from the Akademia Music Awards, Los Angeles, in 2015, for the album Como Suena in the Latin Jazz category. Induction into the Akademia Music Awards Hall of Fame in 2023. His career has also been highlighted by jazz publications, which have recognized his distinctive style and contribution to Afro-Cuban percussion.
In addition to his performing career, Calixto has developed an extensive educational career.
He has taught percussion, music reading, and Afro-Cuban rhythms through classes, workshops, and master classes at institutions and universities in the United States, Mexico, and Europe. These include: Berklee College of Music, California State University, Los Angeles, Pacific University, the University of Veracruz, and Colegio MAP in Puebla, Mexico.
He is the author of instructional materials and method books dedicated to percussion.
Calixto is currently based in Miami, where he continues to develop his musical projects, live performances, recordings, and educational activities. His current work encompasses Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban music, and timba, both with his own ensembles and through collaborations with other musicians. He remains active with projects such as Afro Jazz Quartet, Latin Groove Band, and Calixto Oviedo Trio, in addition to his commitments with international ensembles.
