Jose Espino

Jose Espino profile

Name:

Jose Espino

Band:

Clave Fusion

Drumming since:

1981

With MEINL since:

2005

Birthday:

December 29, 1972

Zodiac Sign:

Capricorn

Place of Birth:

Denver, CO

Currently living in:

Denver, CO

Favorite Food:

Green chile smothered fries from Chubby's - North Denver - MUST HAVE at 2am after the gig - I sleep better after having them

Favorite Drink:

Absolut and cranberry juice - I sleep better after having it

Matched Grip or Traditional Grip:

Matched Grip

MEINL cymbal series used:

Byzance, Generation X

Favorite MEINL cymbal:

versatile for any set-up and shiny like a mutha!

Car that you currently drive:

2002 Toyota Camry - not an SUV guy - can fit the entire rig into my ride

Not counting on drums, what do you do for fun:

Enjoy time with my daughters Milan and Elena, Shop and dine with my beautiful wife Christina, play with my chilhuahua Felipe, live and breath Denvers Broncos - will not take a gig or any other activity that conflicts with a Bronco's game

Teacher:

Gary Sosias - gracias, hermano!

Highlight of your career so far:

Performing with Tito Puente

Drumming strengths:

Listening, listening and listening

Drumming means to me:

Drumming is a gift and a craft that I will never lose respect for or take for granted. I've had to work hard to finally be able to perform at a certain level and cannot understand how so many naturally talented individuals are willing to disrespect their art by drug/alcohol abuse or lack of interest.

Advice for up and coming drummers:

Practice, prepare, professionalism and humility! Learn your parts, play for the professional - I've taken gigs away from more talented drummers who couldn't arrive to the gig on time and who didn't mark dates in their calendars/planners. Humility - there is always someone better than you. Everyone regardless of ability, can teach you something

How would you describe yourself:

Quiet and unassuming offstage but ready to kick ass once the tunes are counted off. I have a great sense of humor and will always try to find the funny side of any person and situation. I'm the first to laugh at myself and you also. But I also know when it's time to take care of business and take things seriously.

When I look back on my life one day, I would like to be able to say:

I'd like to think that I'll have made a positive contributions and will have made a difference in somebody's life.