"Tony "Ham" Guerrero is a pacesetter", writes ethnomusicologist Dr. Manuel Peña. In the 70's Tony Guerrero recorded 20 albums in the "onda" Tejana with the Tortilla Factory, including two worldwide top 5 hits on Billboard's "Top Latin LP's" chart. Tortilla Factory also hit it big with such songs as, "La Malagueña", "Somos Novios", "El Papalote", and "Cuando Vivas Conmigo". During this time, the Tortilla Factory hit the road traveling to cities like Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles. They played at well-know venues like the Greek theater in Berklee California and at large events for groups like the farm workers of America. Now the legendary "Ham" once again records a 16 piece band, but with dynamic salsa sycopations and rhythms. Ham is proudly featuring his two beautiful and talented daughters, Cherith and Laura, as well as his handsome and equally talented son, Alfredo, on vocals.
The Band Pianist and Musical Director for the Tony "Ham" Guerrero Band - Benjamin Irom is active as a keyboardist in countless groups in the Austin area. Prior to joining Guerrero's salsa project, Benjamin played piano for two years in Con Rumba Son, a nine-piece band focusing on traditional Cuban music from the early 20th Century.
Trumpeter - Paul Stephens is a freelance lead trumpet player that has performed with such notable artists as: Chicago, Maynard Ferguson, Nicholas Payton, Maureen McGovern, John Pizzarelli, Vicki Carr, Louie Bellson, Bob Hope, Sammy Nestico, and many others. Paul can be heard on Nicholas Payton's new CD entitled "Dear Louis" on Verve Records. Paul resides in San Antonio, Texas.
Trumpeter - Rich Haering is a recording artist who has played with Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin. Arturo Sandoval, the National Symphony Orchestra, Doc Severinsen, Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton & Branford Marsalis & numerous other world class musicians. Rich and his lovely wife Kim reside in Austin, Texas.
Trombonist/Composer/Arranger - Randy Zimmerman began his professional playing career as the lead trombonist with North Texas State University's famous One O'Clock Lab Band. Randy then went on to perform with such notable artists as: Tito Puente, La India, El Cano, Estermera, Tito Allen, Eddie Santiago, Lalo Rodriguez, Luisito Carrion, Hector Tricoche, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and many others. Randy and family reside in Austin, Texas.
Trombonist - Charles D. Farmer, Jr. has a Master of Music Performance from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina and is currently working toward a Doctor of Music Performance at The University of Texas in Austin, Texas. As a professional musician, Chuck has performed with Four Tops, Temptations, Frankie Valli, the Four Seasons, Louie Bellson, Clark Terry, Ben E. King, Boots Randolph, Roy Clark, Joe Williams, Glen Campbell, Charley Pride and others.
Saxophonist - Paul G. White, originally from Miami, Florida, received his Bachelor of Music in Composition/Performance/Theory from Appalachian State University and his Master of Music from The University of Texas at Austin. Paul is currently working on a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Jazz Composition at The University of Texas in Austin, and is currently playing lead tenor in the UT Jazz Orchestra. Since coming to Austin, Texas Paul has performed with many Austin musicians in many different Austin venues. Bassist - Tom Machalek made All State Jazz Band in Philadelphia, played with the U.T. Jazz Band, The Swing Band, the One O'Clock Jump, Jazzaholic and The Paul White Quintet. He Has performed in the Prague Czech Republic and in Costa Rica.
Percussionist - Tito comes to us from Santiago, Cuba. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise in performing latin music. Tito is a specialist in latin percussion and is at home with all the different percussion instruments. Tito now resides in Austin, Texas and is in high demand for his skills.
Percussionist - Tony Edwards is a versatile classical music recording artist. he is currently the co-principal percussionist for the Austin Symphony Orchestra and assistant principal for the Austin Lyric Opera. He teaches at Southwest Texas University.
Congas - Ceasar Martinez is a "rumbero" from Puerto Rico whose personality & musicianship add an authentic flavor and precision to the latin music. Ceasar resides in Killeen, Texas.
Guitarist - Joe Romano has been a recording artist for many years in the Tejeno industry for name bands such as Tortillla Factory, Latin Breed and Adalberto Gallegos. He plays acoustic and electric guitar as well as the Cuban Trés.
