Growing up in Oakland, California, Escovedo was surrounded by music throughout his childhood. Pete played the saxophone in high school and soon switched to vibes, but he found his calling when pianist Ed Kelly needed a percussionist. He and his younger brother, the late Coke Escovedo, both developed quickly as percussionists and became greatly in demand for gigs in Northern California. With their youngest brother Phil Escovedo playing bass, the Escovedo Brothers Latin Jazz Sextet was formed.
The group broke up in 1967 when Carlos Santana hired both Pete and Coke for this Latin rock group. After touring with Santana for the next three years, Pete and Coke founded the Latin big band Azteca, which grew to as many as 24 members, in 1972.
Since that time, Escovedo has performed in a countless number of settings with such notables as Herbie Hancock, Woody Herman, Cal Tjader, Mongo Santamaria, Poncho Sanchez, Chick Corea, and Tito Puente, among many others.
He released his biography, My Life in the Key of E, in 2017. His most recent album, 2018’s Back to the Bay, applied his Latin jazz vision to everything from Bay Area classics to vintage soul tunes.
In 2013, Escovedo was honored with a Jazz Tribute Award at the Los Angeles Jazz Society’s 30th anniversary. Later this year, Pete Escovedo and his daughter, Sheila E, will both be honored by the Latin Recording Academy with a Lifetime Achievement Award. It is the first time the recording academy has honored both a father and daughter.
Growing up in Oakland, California, Escovedo was surrounded by music throughout his childhood. Pete played the saxophone in high school and soon switched to vibes, but he found his calling when pianist Ed Kelly needed a percussionist. He and his younger brother, the late Coke Escovedo, both developed quickly as percussionists and became greatly in demand for gigs in Northern California. With their youngest brother Phil Escovedo playing bass, the Escovedo Brothers Latin Jazz Sextet was formed.
The group broke up in 1967 when Carlos Santana hired both Pete and Coke for this Latin rock group. After touring with Santana for the next three years, Pete and Coke founded the Latin big band Azteca, which grew to as many as 24 members, in 1972.
Since that time, Escovedo has performed in a countless number of settings with such notables as Herbie Hancock, Woody Herman, Cal Tjader, Mongo Santamaria, Poncho Sanchez, Chick Corea, and Tito Puente, among many others.
He released his biography, My Life in the Key of E, in 2017. His most recent album, 2018’s Back to the Bay, applied his Latin jazz vision to everything from Bay Area classics to vintage soul tunes.
In 2013, Escovedo was honored with a Jazz Tribute Award at the Los Angeles Jazz Society’s 30th anniversary. Later this year, Pete Escovedo and his daughter, Sheila E, will both be honored by the Latin Recording Academy with a Lifetime Achievement Award. It is the first time the recording academy has honored both a father and daughter.
