General
The venezuelan percussionist and teacher Gustavo Ovalles studied many techniques, styles of music and dances, before collaborating with international artists like David Murray, Gary, Omar Sosa, Julien Lourau, Minimo Garay, Orlando Poleo, Seckou Keita, Yilian Canizares and Juan Diego Flores.
His commitment on stage, his knowledge of traditional Venezuelan instruments, his sensitivity in interpretation and devotion to the compositions, as well as his unmistakable techniques and creativity make him an exceptional musician and artist.
Life
Gustavo was born 1967 in the capital of Venezuela, Caracas. He settled in Europe in 1997 to understand the European roots of Venezuelan music and with the intention of sharing the richness of the Venezuelan tradition.
His projects have taken him to many jazz festivals around the world, such as the North Sea Festival in Holland, St.Louis Festival in Senegal, Martinique Jazz Festival and many more.
He has also had the pleasure of performing in renowned halls such as Carnegie Hall (NY), Birdland Jazzclub (NY), Blue Note in New York, Tokyo, Shanghai and Milan, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and the Vienna Konzerthaus.