Latin jazz giant and master of the timbales, Pete Escovedo, who performs with the E Family at Montalvo on July 9, has played a key role in expanding the reach of both jazz and Latin music. His collaborations with Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Bobby McFerrin, Stephen Stills and many more have expanded stylistic boundaries and placed him on the map as one of the great percussionists of his time.

Playing a blend of jazz, Latin pop, salsa, smooth jazz, rock and soul, Escovedo’s fiery playing style and contagious enthusiasm have inspired countless musicians to pick up the drumsticks. His own children, who are all musically-inclined, include the GRAMMY-nominated percussionist Sheila E who has played drums for an all-star cast of artists including Prince, Stevie Nicks, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross.

Performing as the E Family Band, Sheila and her brothers Juan and Peter Michael, along with her father Pete, create a musical tapestry that includes threads from Latin, pop, jazz and hip-hop, all woven together by a family whose passion, dedication, talent and love of playing are the stuff of legend.

The E Family’s new album, Now & Forever, is a lively and heartfelt affair that features a star-studded roster of artists, with guest appearances by Joss Stone, Earth Wind and Fire, Raphael Saadiq and Gloria Estefan.

Creating music that is upbeat, inspiring and full of energy, the E Family showcases its broad range of styles and sounds, from beat-heavy, synth-driven dance numbers to thoughtful, down-tempo ballads and everything in between. With their advanced poly-rhythmic sensibilities, eye-catching delivery and deeply-rooted musical abilities, the next generation of Escovedos are continuing along the path that Pete has laid, playing a stylistic fusion that values substance over style and illustrating that in this family, the fruit did not fall far from the musical tree.

The E Family performs at Montalvo’s Lillian Fontaine Garden Theatre on Saturday, July 9.

Get Tickets and More Info on the E Family at Montalvo Arts Center