Bob Quaranta

Bob is a Philadelphia native and accomplished drummer and percussionist with a deep background in Latin jazz and fusion. He earned his BM in Music Theory from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts and spent over ten years as a member and musical director of Mongo Santamaria’s band, appearing on the Grammy-nominated recordings Mongo Magic and Espiritu Libre. Beyond that, Bob has performed and recorded with notable artists including Dave Valentin, Willie Colon, Ray Barretto, Tommy Igoe, Angel Canales, and “Jellybean” Benitez, and has contributed to instructional projects such as John Scofield’s The Drumset, A Musical Approach and a Yamaha Disklavier piano recording.

Bob continues to be an integral member of the Ed Palermo Big Band and Gary Morgan and Panamericana. Praised by John Storm Roberts in Latin Jazz: The First of The Fusions as “magnificent,” his playing exemplifies technical mastery, rhythmic creativity, and a deep understanding of Latin jazz traditions. His career blends performance, recording, and educational contributions, making him a respected figure in both the studio and live settings.