Biography Carlos Ponce

Carlos Ponce was born in La Paz, Bolivia. He is a musician and composer who has dedicated almost his whole life to his characteristic symbol: The Siku. He has been an innovator in the interpretation of the Siku, which is better known as Zampoña, or Bolivian pan pipe. He has his own particular style and is presently opening up new technical possibilities and musics for this instrument.

His creative purpose "Jazz in the Andes" works in a singular way, by combining the Andean and Bolivian music with the traditional jazz rhythms, eventuating in a new sound in Bolivia and exported to the world.

He has five recordings; the last two have been the most characteristic with his "Jazz in the Andes " feel. This was the first production offered to the public as a soloist. His second album "Traditional Jazz" shows the versatility of his interpretation and virtuosity in his instrument.

The Siku is traditionally diatonic. Carlos Ponce actively changed and adapted the instrument as a chromatic and versatile instrument. He is the only one who has adapted this instrument to rock and jazz styles.

He has toured more than 14 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, France, USA, Canada and Japan and has performed in theatres like The Smithsonian Institute (Washington) the Lincoln Center (New York) and the Queen Elizabeth Hall (London). Carlos has taken part in International Festivals of Jazz, including The Sun Valley Jazz Festival (Idaho-USA), North Beach Jazz Festival (California-USA), The Snug Harborg (New Orleans-USA), Les Rendez Vous del`Erdre (Nantes-Francia), tambièn dio talles de la introducción de este instrumento en la Universidad de Tulán y La Universsidad de Delgado(New Orleans-USA), etc.

He has collaborated with major artists, including Patrice Fisher (USA), Valerie Capers (USA), Astral Project Band (USA), Joshy Marshall (USA), Le Garçons Faciles (France), Erick Byrd Trio (USA), Gabriel Grossi (Brasil) and Daniel Lencinas (Chile).