A Legacy of Excellence
Jose Madera is celebrated as the worlds foremost arranger for the early styles of Latin Jazz and Salsa music in the world today. He has written hundreds of arrangements for countless commercial Latin artists and has recorded or worked with legends such as Larry Harlow, Johnny Pacheco, Chico O’farrill, Celia Cruz, Tito Rodriguez, Willie Colon, Joe Farrell, and Eddie Palmieri, among many others. His collaborations extend to Pop, R&B, and Jazz icons like Diana Ross, James Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Paquito D’Rivera, George Benson, and Lionel Hampton.
Achievements and Contributions
Jose has performed on over 500 recordings and has written arrangements for more than 20 Grammy-nominated and at least 12 Grammy-winning albums. His work spans television show soundtracks, including “The Simpsons,” and motion picture soundtracks such as “The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love,” where he was the musical arranger and conductor for the Tito Puente segment.
Educational Impact
For 28 years, Jose taught the art of playing Latin percussion instruments at Boys Harbor in New York City. As an endorsed artist on the Latin Percussion Company roster, he continues to conduct numerous musical clinics around the world at events and colleges.
Current Endeavors
From 2001 to 2009, Jose was the musical director and percussionist with the Latin Giants of Jazz. Today, he leads the Grammy-nominated Mambo Legends Orchestra, dedicated to performing innovative Latin and Latin Jazz music, while honoring the legacy of Machito, Tito Rodriguez, and Tito Puente. Jose's work in re-creating and re-arranging music from the heyday of the Mambo at the Palladium Ballroom has been critically acclaimed.
Goldenwood Music Offerings
At Goldenwood Music, you can explore and purchase Jose’s original arrangements, request custom compositions, and access his extensive discography. Additionally, the site offers official Jose Madera merchandise and provides a platform to book Jose for performances, workshops, and clinics.
Join Us
Goldenwood Music is your gateway to the vibrant world of Latin Jazz. Whether you're a musician seeking authentic arrangements, a fan wanting to connect or send in your photos, or an organizer looking to bring Jose’s expertise to your event, we invite you to join us in celebrating the rich legacy and ongoing innovation of Jose Madera.