Quinto Mayor

Biography

David, known as Quinto Mayor (Master of the Quinto drum), is a Puerto Rican percussionist renowned for his expertise on the quinto drum, a key instrument in salsa and Afro-Cuban music. He gained prominence through his tenure as a member of Rafael Cortijo's Combo during its final years, where he honed his skills and earned his nickname in Puerto Rico for his masterful quinto playing[5]. His rootsy conjunto style, emphasizing montuno-driven salsa, reflects deep ties to classic salsa traditions[3].

Quinto Mayor's career highlights include performing with prominent salsa ensembles and contributing to the preservation of traditional rhythms. In 2004, he was part of the group Quinto Mayor, which recorded a live DVD titled Que Viva El Montuno at the Teatro Medellín de Jazz, featuring vocalists Kike Harvey, Carlos Llamosa, Juan David Grajales, Oscar Abueta, and guest Raquel Zozaya on 'Son Para Un Sonero (Sonera Soy)'[3]. His work aligns with genres like salsa and son cubano, as noted in Spotify data, showcasing a career dedicated to energetic, roots-oriented performances[context].

Though detailed early life information is limited in available sources, Quinto Mayor's legacy endures as a specialist in quinto drumming, influencing salsa scenes in Puerto Rico and beyond through live performances and recordings that celebrate montuno and conjunto styles[3][5].

Fun Facts

• Earned the nickname 'Quinto Mayor' (Master of the Quinto drum) specifically in Puerto Rico due to his exceptional skill on the quinto, the lead responding drum in salsa ensembles[5].
• Part of the live recording Que Viva El Montuno in 2004 at Teatro Medellín de Jazz, capturing a high-energy conjunto salsa performance with rotating vocalists[3].
• Embodied a rootsy conjunto style focused on montuno-driven salsa, bridging traditional Cuban son influences with modern performances[3].
• Spotify lists Quinto Mayor under salsa and son cubano genres with a popularity score of 23, indicating niche but dedicated following[context].

Members

• Morist Jiménez

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• Rafael Cortijo - band member in Rafael Cortijo Combo during its final years (Rafael Cortijo Combo performances) [late 20th century]
• Kike Harvey - vocalist in Quinto Mayor group live performance (Que Viva El Montuno DVD) [2004]
• Carlos Llamosa - vocalist in Quinto Mayor group live performance (Que Viva El Montuno DVD) [2004]
• Juan David Grajales - vocalist in Quinto Mayor group live performance (Que Viva El Montuno DVD) [2004]
• Oscar Abueta - vocalist in Quinto Mayor group live performance (Que Viva El Montuno DVD) [2004]
• Raquel Zozaya - guest singer in Quinto Mayor group live performance (Son Para Un Sonero (Sonera Soy) on Que Viva El Montuno DVD) [2004]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #salsa