Israel Maldonado
Israel has been playing music since the age of seven, when he joined 'Banda Infantil del Dif', a children's orchestra in Tijuana, Mexico. At the age of ten he began training in classical guitar. As a teenager his family left Tijuana for the San Diego area and he continued his musical training in the drum line of the Carlsbad High School Marching Band.
It was during his time at San Diego State University that his fate changed. A music professor recommended a lesson from a well known Brazilian musician who was a resident artist downtown San Diego. That single lesson turned into a weekly gig for Israel, playing along side musicians who have played with Sergio Mendes, and Luis Miguel. This segued into a 20 year journey into Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Cuban dance rhythms, that Israel seamlessly blended into his own Tijuana style.
For over 20 years Israel has been a full time musician, and teaches to students of all ages.
He released his first EP in 2000, titled Triste Distancia. He followed that with his first album, Grateful, blending all of his musical experiences with Brazilian, salsa, gypsy, funk, reggae, classical, and rock. His 2018 single release, Era Yo, was the result of a new collaboration between his own instruments and 'Abelton Live'. Israel performs constantly around Southern California solo, and playing in his bands Puente and the trio Tres con Todo.