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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZQUINTANA, Ismael 'Pat'(b 3 June 1937, Ponce, Puerto Rico) Salsa singer, composer, percussionist (maracas and güiro). His family moved to NYC when he was 15 days old; he led and played bongo with a high school band in the Bronx, gigged in clubs following graduation and auditioned with Orlando Marin in the presence of Eddie Palmieri, who later hired him as lead singer of Conjunto La Perfecta '61-8. He stayed with Eddie until '73, co-writing several hit songs and returning to perform on album Eddie Palmieri '81. Made solo debut with Punto y Aparte '68 on United Artists featuring pianists Javier Vázquez and Charlie Palmieri, followed by Dos Imagenes. To Vaya (Fania sister label) for five solo albums: Ismael Quintana '74, which yielded his self-penned hit 'Mi Debilidad' with a superb piano solo by Mark 'Markolino' Dimond, Lo Que Estoy Viviendo '76, Amor, Vida y Sentimiento/Love, Life And Feelings '77, Jessica '79 with Ricardo Marrero and the Group, Mucho Talento '83 with Papo Lucca. He performed and recorded with Fania All Stars '75-84 (versions of 'Mi Debilidad' on FAS's Live At Yankee Stadium Vol. 2 '75, Live In Japan 1976 '86), made UK debut with them '76; contributed tracks to Tito Puente Homenaje A Beny LPs '78-9, provided lead vocals on one track of Louie Ramirez's Salsa Progresiva '79. Sessioned copiously as a coro singer/percussionist; retired from front line of salsa scene mid-1980s; reunited with Eddie several times in the 1990s. |