Born in Camaguey (Cuba), music was a pervasive presence in his upbringing. Ernesto’s father is an accomplished trumpet player and band leader and his mother’s love of music instilled in him the impetus to commence his musical studies at the Camaguey Conservatory of Music and pursue his degree at the National School of Instructors of Art in Havana.
Ernesto Simpson began his musical career at an early age and had his first paying gig with his father’s band.
His exposure to a variety of styles, rhythms, combined with African and Afro-Cuban, South American styles has allowed him to develop a powerful and innovative concept fitting perfectly the needs of the new collective music.
His musical sophistication is matched only by his ability to play on a very high level with great consistency, freshness and unique taste. He is known for his furious commitment that soloists playing with him had to exert all their might to keep along with him.
Ernesto performs in a myriad of arenas from Jazz to R&B, Latin, ethnic and more. Because of his commitment to excel, he constantly develops new ideas with technique to spare. His love for music and respect for his instrument and peers lead him to play everything with incisive, deep, soulful perfection.
Active on the New York jazz scene swiftly is establishing a high reputation among his peers that his incendiary riffs ignite anyone’s imagination.
Touring with recognized international bands Ernesto Simpson’s name has become much better known in the music world.
He has performed and/or shared stage with personalities like Carmen McRae, Dizzy Guillespie, Winton Marsalis, Mike Stern, Michael Legrand, Herbie hancock Michael Brecker, George Benson, Salif Keita, Tito Puente, Giovanni Hidalgo, Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D' Rivera, Ray Barreto, Brian Lynch, just to name a few, he also plays for the famous Cameroonian song-writter, singer and bass player, Richard Bona.
Recordings: Refer to www.allmusicguide.com or AMG.com
Master Classes: At UM. (Miami University), FIU.(Florida Int. University), Amsterdam and Rotterdam University.
Ernesto plays: Yamaha Drum set, Remo Heads, Sabian Cymbals, LP Instruments and Accessories and Vic Firth Ernesto Simpson signature sticks.
For lessons contact him at erniejazz@hotmail.com