Three-time Grammy Award winning drummer Antonio Sanchez was born in Mexico City and began playing drums at the age of five. While playing opposite Pat Metheny's trio, the legendary guitarist took notice of Antonio's drumming and offered the drum chair for the Pat Metheny Group. The band has recorded two albums since Sanchez's addition including the 2003 Grammy winning "Speaking of Now," for the "Best Contemporary Jazz Album" category.
In addition to playing with Metheny, Antonio has also performed with Paquito D'Rivera Danilo Perez, Michael Brecker, with whom he recorded the album "Wide Angles" (which won a Grammy for the "Best Large Ensemble" in 2004), David Sanchez, (with whom he recorded "Melaza" and "Travesia" which both were Grammy nominated), Charlie Haden, John Patitucci, Chris Potter, Avishai Cohen (Antonio appears on "Colors" and "Unity") Marcus Robert's ("In Honor of Duke"), Dave Samuels, Claudia Acuña, and Luciana Souza among others.
As an educator, Antonio has conducted clinics and masterclasses in Europe, Japan, North and Latin America including the prestigious Modern Drummer Festival Weekend 2003 (DVD recording released), The Montreal Drum Festival and PASIC among others. He has been featured in international music publications including "Modern Drummer" (USA), "Percussioni" (Italy), "Drums and Percussion" (Germany), and Musico Pro (USA).
Antonio is endorsed by Yamaha Drums, Zildjian Cymbals and Sticks, Evans Drumheads and LP Percussion .
Antonio Sanchez Selected Discography:
Pat Metheny Group
"Speaking of Now " (2003 Grammy Winner for "Best Contemporary Jazz Album" plus 2 other nominations) "The Way Up"
Michael Brecker
"Wide Angles" (2004 Grammy Winner for "Best Large Ensemble" in the Jazz Category)
David Sanchez
"Travesía " (Grammy nominated)
"Melaza " (Grammy nominated)
Danilo Perez
"Motherland " (Grammy nominated)
Avishai Cohen
"Unity "
"Colors "
Marcus Roberts
"In Honor of Duke "
Sandro Albert
"Soulful People "
Miguel Zenon
"Looking Forward"
"Ceremonial"
Victor Mendoza
"Black Bean Blues"
Avi Leibo
"Constant Chase"
Jannis Siegel
"Sketches Of Broadway"
Mario Canonge
"Rhizome"
Paoli Mejias
"Mi Tambor"