Gregorio Uribe's Page

Even though Gregorio wasn’t born in a family of musicians, anyone that grew up next to him knows that he was brought up in an atmosphere of joy, music and dance, and unconditional support. From his first drum set lessons at the age of 9, until his most recent concerts, his parents and his sister, the artist Verónica Uribe, have always been an essential part of his life.

During his early school years he began forming Rock bands where he would play drums and interpret his first songs. The fact that he was still watching cartoons and he hadn’t even had his first real girlfriend did not stop him from writing songs about tragic love stories and experiences which he hadn’t lived yet. Some years later he began a new stage where he learned the basics of Vallenato music, thanks to a friend who instilled in him the love for Colombian music and thanks to an old accordion he was able to borrow.

In his last years of High School he became the drummer for Mauricio y Palo de Agua (Latin Grammy Awards nominee) and he won a scholarship to enter Berklee College Of Music. However, he postponed entering the school in order to venture out around South America. This six-month trip consisted of three friends, three hammocks and a couple of instruments that they took with them in order to make a living. After having performed in the streets of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, the three travelers went back home full of fascinating stories and experiences, and of course, with empty stomachs.

Immediately after this, he began his studies at Berklee where he emphasized in drum set performance and arranging. At this point another stage of his musical life began: New styles and new names appeared, as well as new instruments and new compositions. He became interested in learning how to arrange in the “Big Band” style and at the same time his interest in folklore and Colombian music re-emerged, especially for that of the Caribbean coast. During the four years that Gregorio was in Berklee, he participated in Jazz ensembles, presented clinics on Colombian music, and performed in Salsa bands, musicals, and Rock groups. He also performed with the legendary Ruben Blades, with Colombia’s renowned jazz musician Antonio Arnedo, and he opened the concert for Aterciopelados with the band Pop Filter. In addition, he opened for Colombian artists Jean Carlos Centeno and Emiliano Zuleta, he became part of the Colombian folk band Achuira.

After being involved in different musical settings, he decided to put himself in front of the stage and he started his own Big Band. Here he combined the line-up used in the older Colombian bands, such as those bands of Lucho Bermúdez and Pacho Galán, with a fresh and contemporary sound where influences of different styles can be heard. With 15 musicians on the stage, (3 trumpets, 3 trombones, 4 saxes and the rhythm section) and his unique on-stage charisma Gregorio Uribe Big Band fills any performance space with a great vibe due to its combination of energetic rhythms and subtle harmonies.

Currently Gregorio is based in New York City and his music keeps getting the attention of the New England crowd, where his work has been known for some years. He is now performing in New York, New Jersey and Miami so that more people can enjoy the unique experience of hearing his music live.