Jose "Juicy" Jusino
Jose "Juicy" Jusino started to learn how to play the congas, bongos, and timbales from his father when he was only three years old. When he was five, his father took him to see Tito Puente and his orchestra and he encouraged Juicy to play with the children who were playing with Tito. The group of children turned out to be Bobby Allende, Tito Allende, and Marc Quiñones. They band became known as The Rumberitos All Stars. Juicy'ís first recorded performance was at the age of nine playing timbales on Jose Mangual'ís album Para Bailar Y Gozar, on the song Saludo Cordial.
Juicy continued his career while a student in high school, and also taught his brother, Eric Velez (percussionist for The Marc Anthony Band) to play as well. After recording three albums with Alberto (El Canario), Juicy toured for four years with Alberto and Celia Cruz. After that, he played with Frankie Ruiz, Eddie Palmieri and various other artists. He then landed a gig with La India and recorded two albums with her, which were nominated for Latin Grammy awards. Soon afterward, Jose toured with Nuyorican Soul, featuring Tito Puente, George Benson, Jocelyn Brown, Hilton Ruiz, Dave Valentin, Roy Ayers and La India.
Juicy continues to perform with La India, and other notable artists such as Marc Anthony, Michael Stuart, Domingo Quiñones, Johnny Rivera, Tony Vega, Tito Nieves, Ray Sepulveda, DLG, Frankie Negron, Kevin Ceballo, Huey Dunbar, Wu Tang Clan and Shannon. He also contributed to the live recording of "Celia Cruz and Friends", which won a Grammy for best live performance and best live recording.
