Oceanside, CA based percussionist Julian Navarrete started his musical journey in the streets of Tijuana, influenced by his Mexican music artists such as Mickey Laure, Pedro Infante, Jose Alfredo Jimenez and Los Joao were artist his father and mother played in his house. But Julian passion for afro Cuban music drove him to become a percussionist, artist such as Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Ruben Blades and SF based Santana molded his chops. Later influences like Mana, UB40, General Public, Los Pericos, Bob Marley and many others contributed to him becoming a fusion percussionist.
Julian has toured with Issac Diaz band, Veracruz Blues and he has also shared the stage with Banda Limón, Sonora Dinamita and Sergio Goiry.
His currents projects have him performing all over Mexico and the United States. Julian continues to expand his knowledge and has studied with Master Percussionist Jorge Luis "Papiosco" of Cuba, Master Percussionist Charlie Chavez from Veracruz, Romeo Carrido of San Fransisco and Ernie Becquer of Cuba. I continue to seek knowledge to become a more skilled musician, the journey never ends and I’m blessed to have such wonderful mentors.
Soultone Cymbals Julian uses are 16" Latin Crash, 10" FXO Splash, 8" Extreme Splash and 7" Gospel splash