En-Joy

En-Joy focuses on traditional Son and modern Timba, two Cuban styles of music which, together with strong syncopation, melody, and conscious lyrics, are powerful and well-respected forms of music worldwide.  Cuban Timba in particular, a modern variation of Salsa, was created over the last 10 years by newer Cuban artists, combining elements of modern music to traditional Son.

Brian de la Fé first studied Cuban percussion in Albuquerque with Cesar Bauvallet, creator and leader of the well-know local Salsa group, Son Como Son.  Brian's family heritage and strong desire to master Cuban percussion brought him to Cuba, where he met Miguel Escuriola, a native-born Cuban percussionist.  There Miguelito and Brian became great friends and studied percussion, being immersed Cuban Son, Timba, and folkloric music.  Brian returned to New Mexico after four years to his family, while Miguelito joined the world-famous Cuban group, Cesar "Pupy" Pedroso y Los Que Son Son.  Despite his success and this opportunity, Miguelito was inspired to come to the US to peruse a new life, so he rejoined his friend Brian, bring his unique talents to Albuquerque with him.

Randy Sanchez, a Tres player from Las Cruces, New Mexico, had worked with Brian prior to his departure to Cuba.  Randy is the leader and one of the founding members of the award winning Latin fusion group, Nosotros, which been one of driving forces of New Mexico latin music.  

Devon Hjelm was introduced to Cuban music through Buena Vista Social Club, and his interest quickly brought him within the Albuquerque Salsa scene playing bass with some of Albuquerque's top  Salsa bands.  Through this he met Randy Sanchez, and the two began a collaboration to create a traditional Cuban Son group.  Their search for musicians who shared this vision led them to Brian and Miguelito, and it was clear from the start that they had the same goal in mind: to create an Cuban music group with authentic feel in mind to bring to the people in Albuquerque.  Their hard work has created En-Joy as well a deep friendship, which they want to extend to anybody who comes to listen to them.