Terry Santiel

Terry SantielTalk about a top-shelf gig: Justin Timberlake! It puts the image, via television, video and film, of percussionist Terry Santiel in-your-face. A new act, an exciting percussionist-out of nowhere!

Not exactly: Terral "Terry" Santiel's versatility on congas, bongos and various Toca instruments have earned him spots in other prominent rhythm sections, including Janet Jackson, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Marie J. Blige, Patti LaBelle, Rick James, Madonna, Venessa Williams, Barry Manilow and the Pointer Sisters. We've just touched the surface and we should emphasize that Terry appears on albums with many of the above artists and others such as Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Barry White, Patrice Rushen, and Donna Summer. Terry also has a spot on the famous humanitarian album We are the World.

Terry's guiding principle, he says, is to keep an open mind. Thus, he is attracted to a range of Toca instruments in addition to many other indigenous staple instruments (the kalimba for example) and "off the beaten track" found objects and sculpture-like metal instruments.  Terry Santiel once articulated the following philosophy to a media source in France. Terry enthused: "Entrainement, entrainement, entrenement, garde ton esprit vif!" (Forgive our rough translation: "train/study/learn. These will sustain a free creative spirit!

A sensitive percussionist who knows how to create-and maintain-a solid groove with today's top drumset artists, Terry Santiel is equally at home with gospel drumming stalwart Gerald Heyward and the funky Lil' John Roberts.

 

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