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Bio

Elvin Cartagena grew up in the inner City of Brooklyn, NY, listening, learning and absorbing the sounds of Latin music, R & B, Funk (Motown, Stax, Philly Sound, MFSB), Blues, Country, Rock and Pop music of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Elvin's next door neighbor was Little Ray Romero, who played for Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria and would tag along as a little kid, to the studio and watch them rehearse, which was an education in Latin music.

Elvin attended the The Brooklyn Academy of Music Program, and have studied guitar with Matt Smith.

Elvin's influences are: Steve Lukather, John Jorgenson, Brett Mason, Leslie West (my BB King), Paco de Lucia, Armik, Strunz and Farah, Michael Schenker and Dave Meniketti.

Performed and Collaborated With:

 

  • Billy Ray Cyrus - Singer/songwriter

  • John Scofield - Jazz Guitarist

  • Joe Bataan - Latin Soul Legend

  • Neil Johnson - Country Singer/songwriter

  • Bob Dipero - Songwriter

  • John Lodge - Bassist in "Moody Blues"

  • Nasheka Siddal - Singer, "American Idol" Finalist

  • Lily Vasquez - Singer, Well-known in Colombia

 

and many more great artists.

Elvin Cartagena guitar The Neil Scott Johnson Band
Elvin Cartagena Sam Ash Nashville Attitude Guitar Gretsch
Elvin Edwin Cartagena Guitar Bass Twins

Played At:

 

  • Blue Note Jazz Club

  • The Theater at Madison Square Garden

  • Dan Lynch Knitting Factory

  • CBGBs

  • The Bitter End

  • Prospect Park and Central Park Band Shell

  • Maxes Kansas City

  • Great Adventure

  • Hillcountry (New York, Washington DC)

  • The Blue Bird Cafe (Nashville, TN)

  • Roberts Western Wear

  • Opry City Stage

  • Highline Ballroom

Elvin Cartagena Performed in Blue Note
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