Alejandro Neciosup Acuña started his musical career at age ten performing in local groups in Pativilca, Peru, such as La Orquesta de los Hermanos Neciosup. His professional trajectory eventually shifted him from Latin American ensembles to the international stage in Las Vegas, New York City, and California, where he became a prominent figure in jazz and fusion.
Early Career and Relocation
After honing his skills as a teenager in Lima, Acuña joined the band of Perez Prado at age eighteen. He moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1965. By 1974, he established himself in Las Vegas, where he collaborated with high-profile artists including Elvis Presley, The Temptations, and Diana Ross. During his subsequent tenure in New York City, he recorded under the RCA label but departed after experiencing creative restrictions that limited his percussion work primarily to Latin music.
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Acuña became a member of the jazz-fusion group Weather Report, contributing to the albums Black Market and Heavy Weather. Following his departure from the group in 1978, he transitioned into a high-demand session musician in California. His recording and live performance history includes collaborations with Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson, Chick Corea, Whitney Houston, Plácido Domingo, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Beck, Roberta Flack, U2, Al Jarreau, and Marcos Witt.
Diverse Musical Contributions
Throughout the 1980s, he performed with the Christian jazz group Koinonia alongside Abraham Laboriel, Justo Almario, Hadley Hockensmith, Harlan Rogers, and Bill Maxwell. In 1987, he participated in the Roy Orbison television special A Black and White Night with the TCB Band and performed on the Blondie track The Tide Is High. Additionally, he has recorded for more than 300 films under composers such as John Williams, Maurice Jarre, James Horner, and Michael Giacchino.
Cultural Promotion and Education
In 1987, producer Ricardo Ghibellini recruited Acuña to serve as the musical producer for Los Hijos del Sol, an initiative focused on promoting Peruvian musical traditions globally. Beyond performance, Acuña has served as an educator at the University of California, Los Angeles, as well as the Berklee College of Music, LAMA, Musicians Institute, USC, and CSUN. He holds citizenship in both Peru and Cuba.
Fast facts
- Born: 1944, Pativilca, Peru
- Occupations: Composer, conductor, drummer, percussionist, music arranger
- Notable Bands: Weather Report, Caldera, GRP All-Star Big Band, Los Hijos del Sol, Koinonia
- Awards: Latin Grammy Trustees Award
- Primary Instruments: Congas, timbales, cajon, bongos, bells
- Educational Roles: University of California, Los Angeles; Berklee College of Music
Questions readers ask
Which bands has Alex Acuña been a member of?
He has been a member of Weather Report, Caldera, GRP All-Star Big Band, Los Hijos del Sol, Pacha, and Koinonia.
What recognition has he received for his work?
He received the Latin Grammy Trustees Award and was named Best Latin/Brazilian Percussionist in the Modern Drummer's Readers Poll.
Achievements
- Latin Grammy Trustees Award
- Instruments: drum kit, percussion instrument and conga
- Genres: jazz, rock music and world music
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