Hector “Coco” Barez joined Bio Ritmo on congas in 2010. Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico in 1976, he is one of the most active musicians of the new wave of young Puerto Rican percussionist today.
Coco began his musical career in 1998 performing with many different Puerto Rican folkloric groups including the Official Puerto Rican National Folkloric Ballet’ Areyto.
He attended classes at The Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico, the LA Music Academy and The Interamerican University Of Puerto Rico but attributes his highest education to the streets of San Juan. There he had the opportunity to learn and work with such notable percussionist as Javier Oquendo, Efrain Toro, Héctor Calderón, Felipe del Valle, Victor Emmanuelli, Raul Rodriguez and Luis Vélez.
Coco was a founding member and toured 7 years with the highly popular and award winning alternative Latin band Calle 13. While working with Calle 13 he toured the world playing sold out stadium shows through out Latin America and Europe. The band was also awarded numerous grammies and featured on MTV Latino.
Coco has had the opportunity to record, collaborate and perform with a wide variety of Latin and World music artist including Ruben Blades, William Cepeda (Puerto Rcian Folk Jazz), Tego calderon (Hip-Hop), Jossette Reilly (Flamenco), Furia Flamenca, and Femi Kuti (Afro-Beat) to name a few. He has been involved with the production of various Puerto Rican music documentaries and is also sponsored by numerous drum manufactures companies including Vic Firth, Remo, LP, Paiste Cymbals and Factory Metal.
In between his busy performing schedule Coco finds time to give private lessons and percussion workshops. He is currently based out of Arlington, VA.