meetSensacional

Give a look at the biographies of each member of  Orquesta Sensacional and you
will see to what extent this talented group can offer in the way of infectious rhythms and exciting dance grooves:

Xavier Rosario
Vocals, Conga, Bongo and Timbales

Xavier Rosario, better known as the “X” man, is from Puerto Rico, and is a master of the congas, bongo and timbales at such a young age. He’s a showstopper with his skills and good looks. He has played with success in Mambo Y Swing, Sonido Del Caribe

Pablo Ovalles
Vocals, Percussion

Vocalist Pablo Ovalles hails from the Dominican Republic, an island-nation with a rich history in Meringue, Tipico and Bachata. His commanding vocals have been described as beautiful and warm, and his rendition of many a ballad has been known to make the women cry. But look out when the Merengue de la Calle begins, because Pablo can whip up a frenzy for the dancers on the floor. First coming to New York, Pablo was a member of Orquesta Cima featuring Earl Coleman, and was a vocal finalist for the Dominican Festival Contest at the world famous Las Vegas niteclub in New York City. Recently Pablo has been a member of Orquesta Caribe, Orquesta New Image and Orquesta Sencion. Pablo has also sung with Rafael Solano, the composedr of “Pour Amour”. Prior to Orquesta Sensacional, Pablo was the leading frontman for the Merengue/Bachata powerhouse Grupo Alegre, including a mutiyear partnership with Kerry Lundquist in the piano chair.

Kerry Lundquist
Keyboards

Anchored by keyboardist Kerry Lundquist, trained in classical and jazz, and a master of the montuno for the last 20 years. His study of the Latin piano has covered more than a decade and it shows. Kerry won the Outstanding World Music Instrumentalist award at the 2005 Detroit Music Awards. Sought after by many Latin bands, Kerry has played with more than his share, from Caribe, Orquesta Sabrosa, Atlantez, Groupo Alegre to the famous K-Che. He has backed up Elvis Crespo, cana brava and George La Mond. Kerry is highly skilled in Merengue and Salsa style. His ability to nail the horn lines while holding down the montuno at the same time is a treat to hear and see. Kerry is deftly conversant with the intricate guitar stylings found in the Bachata selections Orquesta Sensacional performs. Kerry’s infectious keyboard sound alone can guide dancers quickly to the floor.

James Palito Rodriguez
Timbales, Güira and Vocals

James “Palito“ Rodriguez, sought after studio session percussionist and vocalist honed his chops as the band director of Sonido del Caribe. His rapid-fire drumming abilities on Timbales, let alone his command of any other percussion instrument in sight, is simply dazzling. Add to that Palito’s frontline presence as the group’s featured Salsa vocalist. Then hear James assume the keyboard role for the Reggaeton grooves performed by Orquesta Sensacional, and you know this talented young professional is a master in the making. He has been a member of Mambo y Swing, Orquesta Clave, Orquesta Sabrosa and La Playa Latin Jazz. He also laid down the foundation in the drumset chair for the funk band Nature’s Brew.

Santos Rodriguez
Bongos, Bell, Tambora

Puerto Rican born and bred Santos Rodriguez has a rich musical history for such a young man. Performing on bongos and tambora he has been a member of Meren Ocho, Orquesta Nueva Imagen, Sonido Del Caribe, Mambo Y Swing and David Y Su Bachata Song.

Carlos Rodriguez
Congas, Tambura, Bell
Güira and Vocals

Our newest member, Carlos is a powerhouse on any instrument that gets in or near his hands. And then there is his infectious stage manner that inspires every audience menber to pack the dance floor.

Luis Rosario
Congas, Timbales,
Güira and Vocals

Luis Rosario blows the doors wide open to endless combinations of what we can do. To call him a utility player would be an understatement. He can do it all: Piano, Congas, Timbales, Güira and Vocals. His experience includes many latin groups and projects.

Bill Koggenhop
Bass,
Sound System

Bill Koggenhop is possibly the most musically diverse member in this group. He is well known for his work in the award winning Reggae band Immunity and the jazz group Kog’s Kats. You can see Bill pop up in musical theatre, rock and even an occasional country band. We believe his heart belongs in the Carribean, as he is the perennial student of Latin music, with performing experience in Johnny Rodriguez Fiery Latin Jazz, Groupo Alegre and Atlantez.