"A good drummer listens as much as he plays." ~ Indian Proverb
Percussion Store Drummers Drum Lessons Drumming FAQs
International Shipping
Drums & Percussion
Drum Sets & Cymbals
Cymbals, Hardware & Accessories
Latin Percussion
LP Hardware, Accessories & Replacement Parts
African Drums & Accessories
Gongs & Tam Tams
Middle-East Drums & Percussion
Doumbeks, Darbukas & Accessories
Indian Drums & Percussion
Irish Drums & Percussion
Orchestra Bells & Chimes
Drum & Percussion Hardware
Raul Rekow touched the lives of virtually countless musicians and music lovers. He was beloved by fellow musicians, friends, family and fans around the world. He was beloved not only for his great music, but for his friendly nature, genuineness and humility.
Musically, Raul was a trailblazer for Afro-Cuban & Latin Rock. Except for a couple of years in the later '80s, he played with Santana from 1976 - 2013. He helped give Santana's band the authentic Latin/Afro-Cuban sound & feel that sets them apart in Rock history. After Raul's passing Santana said of him, “We mourn the loss of my brother, Raul Rekow. He was an integral member of Santana for 34 years and the heart beat of the band. His presence on the stage was one of power, grace, collaboration and joy. He redefined what it means to be a conga player.”
In addition to his amazing career as the conguero in Santana, he recorded with musical greats including Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston. Of course, he played with a virtually endless number of great drummers - Armando Peraza, Carl Peraza, Joe Rendon, Giovanni Hildalgo are among a sea of percussionists who Raul worked with. He also released solo music and instructional film work. And he was a long time LP Music artist. He and LP worked together to produce several great conga and bongo models through the years. Before his passing he began a new collaboration with LP. And after his passing, with the blessing & help of his family they finished Raul Signature Congas & Bongos in the unique choice of New Zealand Pine. This special choice of wood symbolically captures Raul: unique, beautiful & of the highest skill & quality.
Instruments
Lessons
Benefits of Music