Sonando
Sonando
Award-Winning Afro-Cuban & Latin Jazz Quartet | Seattle, Washington
Experience the infectious rhythms, sophisticated arrangements, and extraordinary musicianship of Sonando, one of Seattle's most acclaimed Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz ensembles! This award-winning instrumental quartet brings together the rich musical traditions of Cuba, the improvisational artistry of jazz, and the irresistible energy of Latin percussion. Featuring piano and Cuban tres guitar, bass, congas, bongos, and additional Latin percussion, Sonando delivers a vibrant and distinctive musical experience that combines cultural authenticity with contemporary jazz sophistication.
Founded in 1990 by pianist and composer Fred Hoadley and percussionist Lary Barilleau, Sonando was created to explore exciting new directions in the fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz. Over the decades, the ensemble has established itself as a respected presence in the Pacific Northwest music scene, performing original Latin jazz at festivals, concerts, clubs, and special events. Their distinctive sound celebrates the musical heritage of Cuba while incorporating inventive arrangements, jazz improvisation, and a fresh, contemporary approach to traditional Latin American music.
Sonando now performs as a dynamic four-piece instrumental ensemble, featuring piano and Cuban tres guitar, bass, congas and percussion, and bongos and percussion. The addition of a second percussionist brings even greater rhythmic depth, excitement, and authenticity to the group's sound. With two percussionists working together, Sonando creates the intricate, interlocking rhythms that are at the heart of Afro-Cuban music. From the gentle pulse of a Latin jazz ballad to the exhilarating energy of Cuban son and rumba, the quartet offers a remarkably rich musical experience.
Sonando's repertoire includes original Latin jazz compositions, traditional and modern interpretations of Afro-Cuban styles, and musical influences drawn from Brazilian jazz and the broader Latin American tradition. Audiences can enjoy the distinctive rhythms of Cuban son, changüí, batá, and rumba, along with sophisticated jazz harmonies, melodic improvisation, and expressive instrumental performances. The group's music blends the elegance of a traditional jazz ensemble with the warmth, rhythmic complexity, and festive spirit of Latin American music.
Nationally Acclaimed Recordings & Award-Winning Musicianship
Sonando has earned recognition well beyond the Pacific Northwest through its critically acclaimed recordings and outstanding contributions to Latin jazz. The ensemble's first two albums, Sonando (1995) and La Rumba Esta Buena (1998), received national radio airplay and enthusiastic critical attention. Their third recording, Sonando Tres, released in 2006 on the respected Origin Arts label, further established the group's reputation for innovative arrangements and exceptional musicianship.
In 2007, Sonando received the prestigious Earshot Golden Ear Award for Best Acoustic Jazz Band, recognizing the ensemble's outstanding artistic achievements. The group was also featured in a November 2008 cover story in Earshot Jazz Magazine, highlighting its important role in the Northwest jazz community.
Music critics have praised Sonando for its mature musical style, inventive interpretations, and comprehensive understanding of Cuban music. Their recordings have been recognized alongside notable national and international Latin jazz artists, reflecting the ensemble's ability to combine authentic musical traditions with fresh creative expression.
Fred Hoadley – Piano & Cuban Tres Guitar
At the heart of Sonando is founder Fred Hoadley, an accomplished pianist, composer, arranger, and one of Seattle's longtime leaders in Latin jazz. Originally from New England, Fred studied music at Hampshire College and Berklee College of Music, where his teachers included distinguished jazz musicians Jaki Byard, Vishnu Wood, and Charlie Banacos.
In 1983, Fred founded the influential Seattle salsa band Bochinche, which became one of the Northwest's most popular salsa ensembles throughout the 1980s. He produced the group's first album in 1985 and later toured nationally with the West African band Kukrudu before establishing Sonando in 1990.
Fred's passion for authentic Afro-Cuban music has taken him to Cuba on multiple occasions, where he studied music, arranging, and traditional Cuban tres guitar with respected musicians including Cesar Pedroso, Nelson Diaz, Antonio Perez, and Guillermo "Boulet" Matalear. These experiences helped shape his distinctive musical approach, combining a deep respect for traditional Cuban styles with the creative freedom of modern jazz.
His extensive career includes performances with Expresión Latina, Yerbabuena, The Puentes Brothers, Grupo Son, Cambalache, Charanga Danzón, and numerous other respected ensembles. Fred has also received recognition from the Seattle Arts Commission for his work in composition and music education, and his contributions as a performer, composer, and educator have helped enrich Seattle's Latin music community for decades.
The Sound of Sonando – Four Musicians, Extraordinary Rhythms
Sonando's quartet instrumentation creates a unique musical combination that distinguishes the ensemble from conventional jazz groups and larger Latin dance bands.
The piano and Cuban tres guitar provide rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and the distinctive stringed sounds of traditional Cuban music. The bass establishes a warm, melodic foundation that connects the ensemble's jazz influences with the rhythmic traditions of Latin America. Congas and percussion bring the deep, resonant pulse of Afro-Cuban music, while bongos and additional percussion add intricate rhythmic patterns, accents, and exciting musical interplay.
Together, these four musicians produce an engaging and sophisticated instrumental sound that can be beautifully understated or wonderfully energetic. The interplay between piano, bass, and two percussionists allows Sonando to explore the full rhythmic character of Afro-Cuban jazz while maintaining the intimate appeal and flexibility of a small ensemble.
Exceptional Latin Jazz Entertainment for Every Occasion
Sonando is an outstanding entertainment choice for corporate events, wedding receptions, cocktail hours, private parties, cultural festivals, upscale dinners, fundraising galas, art gallery openings, community celebrations, and international-themed events.
For elegant receptions and social gatherings, the quartet creates a sophisticated musical atmosphere with smooth Latin jazz, beautiful melodies, and inviting rhythms that complement conversation. For festivals, cultural celebrations, and events calling for a more energetic presentation, Sonando brings the vibrant percussion, musical excitement, and improvisational creativity that make Afro-Cuban jazz such a compelling live experience.
The quartet is particularly well suited for Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, Latin American cultural programs, international festivals, and events where authentic instrumental music adds an important cultural dimension. Their performances offer audiences an opportunity to experience the musical traditions of Cuba and Latin America through the artistry of experienced professional jazz musicians.
Whether entertaining an intimate gathering or performing for a large festival audience, Sonando brings an impressive combination of musical sophistication, cultural knowledge, and rhythmic excitement. Their ability to blend elegant background music with lively instrumental performances makes them a versatile choice for a wide variety of special occasions.
Book Sonando for your next corporate celebration, wedding, private party, festival, or special event and discover why this award-winning Seattle ensemble has earned such an outstanding reputation in the world of Latin jazz. With more than three decades of musical history, nationally acclaimed recordings, and a dynamic four-piece lineup featuring two exceptional Latin percussionists, Sonando delivers an unforgettable performance filled with the authentic rhythms, rich traditions, and extraordinary artistry of Afro-Cuban jazz.