Gilberto "Pulpo" Colón Jr.


Gilberto "Pulpo" Colón Jr. is a pianist, composer, and band leader. He is credited for working with all three of the "Big 3".

Early musical influences

Colón's family moved to the United States from Puerto Rico in the 1940s and immediately settled in the Bronx. Colón's early musical influences ranged from The Beatles, Elvis Presley to Puerto Rican “Jibaro” music. He formally began his musical career at the age of 14. After experimenting with various instruments, Colón joined his close friend Oscar Hernández with piano lessons. Under the tutelage of piano luminary Charlie Palmieri, Colón quickly learned the essential skills needed to succeed in the competitive industry. As a teenager, Colón was beginning to play playing at the epicenter of Salsa's Golden Age.

Recording debut

After playing New York City's Latin circuit, Colón joined the young orchestra of Rafi Val y La Diferente. It was with La Diferente where Colón made his recording debut on the self-titled album. Colón continued to perform and record on the subsequent La Diferente albums. Following his time with La Diferente, Colón began working consistently with Louie Ramirez, Justo Betancourt, Marty Galagarza y La Conquistadora, Joe Cuba, and Andy Harlow.

Héctor Lavoe years

In the winter of 1975 Colón was approached by Héctor Lavoe to join his orchestra. Colón's first recording with Lavoe was in 1977 on the acclaimed Fania Records album Comedia. Colón's extended piano solo on the song 'Bandolera' earned him the award of 'Best Latin Piano Solo of the Year'. Initially awarded to former Lavoe pianist Professor Joe Torres due to an editorial mistake the award bolted Colón to the forefront of Latin Music's notable musicians. Today, this is still considered one of the most historic piano solos ever recorded on a commercial salsa album. Colon served as Lavoe's Pianist and Musical Director for 16 years performing and traveling the world with the Salsa Icon.
Along with Lavoe and the “Big 3”, Colón has performed & recorded with Latin music's most popular artists including Adalberto Santiago, Kako, Pete "El Conde" Rodríguez, La Bruja, and many more.

Recordings

Colón recorded on the following recordings :
Colón recorded and released his first solo album titled 'Hot Bread' which won the 2009 Independent Music Award's 'Best Latin Album'. The project featured some of the best musicians in Latin music, receiving critical acclaim.