Eduardo Padua
Eduardo Padua was born in 1977 in Brooklyn, NY. A year later, Eduardo’s family moved back to Toa Alta, Puerto Rico where he was raised. He discovered his love for music at the age of seven, where at a family Christmas gathering known as “Parrandas Navideñas”, his love for the bongo and congas was born. During his school years, Eduardo played percussion in folkloric groups. Once in high school he developed an interest in salsa music, inspired by Conguero legends Eddie Montalvo, Jimmy Morales, Milton Cardona, and taking individual classes with David “La Mole” Ortiz.
In 2002, Eduardo began a project with his friend Jessie Calderon, playing the congas Cuban-style with the group Son A Toa. In 2005, Eduardo recorded playing the congas in a Christmas production alongside famous Puerto Rican cuatro player Yomo Toro. He later joined Pastor Wanda Rolon of the Christian orchestra La Senda where he accompanied artists Ismael Miranda, Richie Rey, Bobby Cruz, Alex D’Castro, and Josie Esteban among others. Eduardo also recorded the production “Amandote” with the La Senda orchestra, featuring Ismael Miranda and Bobby Cruz. Eduardo was part of the Christian orchestra Del Rey for a few years, traveling to both national and international festivals, as well as forming part of La New Talent Salsa Orchestra, which was led by the young trombone player Carloscar Cepero; he was also part of Combo Casino Orchestra.
In Eduardo’s 20-year musical career, he has performed on stage with great singers and musicians like, Edwin Clemente, Manolito Rodriguez, Pete Perigñon, Hector “Coco” Barez, Dominique Patrick Noel, Gary Sosias, Willito Otero, Luisito Carrion, Antonio “Toñito” Vasquez, Elliut Cintron, Cuto Soto, Polito Huertas, Wilson, Chembo Corniel, Piro Rodriguez, Charlie Sepulveda, Junior “Hommy” Gonzalez, Cita Rodriguez, Simon Perez, Hector Luis Pagan and Danny Rivera. Eduardo presently lives in the Washington, D.C. area where he enjoys playing with a variety of bands including Raul Morel orchestra and accompanies international artists like Nino Zegara, Frankie Negron, Frankie Vasquez, with Rafael Ortiz y Su Tumbao Urbano. In addition to Herman Olivera, Van Lester, Hector “Pichie” Perez and Grammy Winner Marlow Rosado among others. Eduardo has recently recorded “Te Utilizan” “Y Para Que” and “Que Nos Paso”, working together with composers Hector L. Pagan and Lucia Mercado.
Eduardo is currently part of the group, Son Horizontez, together with pianist Leonardo Garcia and percussionist Dominique Patric Noel. Eduardo is also the creator of a new musical movement Union DC.