Gibby Ross - percussion
Gibby Ross stems from a musical family; his father was a timbale player and his mother a vocalist. He was born in Oakland, CA; Gibby demonstrated potential rhythmic ability at a tender 18 months. He would play his father's timbales on the living room floor as he followed the Latin beat playing on the record player. At two years old, he began to beat the bongos with sticks. These bongos were given to him by his father, so that he could get his timbales back. Gibby's "set up" was: mini Xylophone, Bongos and a blue plastic bucket. He practiced everyday … by four years old, he was able to play the congas and "solo" to a "Guaguanco", sometimes at a "Rumba" tempo! Gibby played at family gatherings and began to perform with his Father & Godfather.
Gibby's first major showcase was in New York; he was on the same billing as "The Queen of Salsa", Celia Cruz, Elio Roca, & Rolando Laserie. He was billed as "El Nino Prodigio de Puerto Rico". Gibby so impressed Celia Cruz that she went to the extent of giving him a pair of conga drums.
At six years old, he met "The King of Timbales", Tito Puente; he was flabbergasted with Gibby's ability. Gibby began "sitting in" with Tito's orchestra on a regular basis. Meanwhile, this "Timbale Kid" performed with other heavyweights e.g. Cachao and Willie Bobo.
At eight years old, Gibby was highlighted to perform "Para Los Rumberos" with Tito Puente's orchestra from beginning to end; he imitated Tito's playing "riff for riff" just like the record! On that day, Gibby was awarded a pair of timbalitos by "The King", and he quoted, "Maybe you will grow up to lead my orchestra some day". As Gibby morphed, he continued to be highlighted with Tito and he "sat in" with as many bands as possible and acquired newspaper and TV coverage, "Super Kids".
At 15, his parents allowed him to play steadily with a Salsa Band in San Francisco named "Sangre Nueva" led by Frank Navarro aka "El Salsero".
At 17, Gibby made a special trip to meet another child prodigy, Giovanni Hidalgo from Puerto Rico. They "jammed" and "jammed" and "jammed" until Gibby's two-week vacation was up.
At 17, Gibby made a special trip to meet another child prodigy, Giovanni Hidalgo from Puerto Rico. They "jammed" and "jammed" and "jammed" until Gibby's two-week vacation was up.
Recently, at a tribute for the late Tito Puente, Gibby was an
honored guest who performed Tito's hits with the Concord University Jazz Band.
Gibby was Journey's featured guest performer during the summer of 2003, and also toured as a guest performer with the Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar in 2005.
Gibby Ross is also known as the long-time timbalero for Malo where he has shared the stage with MANZO guitarist Gabriel Manzo for many years.
Gabriel knew Gibby would fit right into what MANZO is doing. "I knew Gibby would add fire," Gabriel said.
"I LOVE playing in this band," Gibby said of MANZO. "It's awesome!"
honored guest who performed Tito's hits with the Concord University Jazz Band.
Gibby was Journey's featured guest performer during the summer of 2003, and also toured as a guest performer with the Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar in 2005.
Gibby Ross is also known as the long-time timbalero for Malo where he has shared the stage with MANZO guitarist Gabriel Manzo for many years.
Gabriel knew Gibby would fit right into what MANZO is doing. "I knew Gibby would add fire," Gabriel said.
"I LOVE playing in this band," Gibby said of MANZO. "It's awesome!"
