The Estrada Brothers

Formed in Oxnard, California, during the mid-1950s by brothers Ruben Estrada, Henry Estrada, and Angel Estrada, the Estrada Brothers drew early inspiration from the Latin-tinged jazz of Cal Tjader, Stan Kenton, and Tito Puente. Ruben, who began on trumpet and drums, later specialized in vibes modeled directly on Tjader’s approach, while Henry concentrated on saxophones and flute; Angel exited the group in the 1970s. Percussionist Raul Rico Jr. joined in 1976, and the lineup reached its enduring configuration in 1986 with the arrival of Ruben’s son Cougar on drums, pianist Joe Rotondi, Jr., and bassist Malcom Ian Peters. After decades of performing, the ensemble issued its first recording, About Time, on the independent Rumba Jazz label in 1995; the album’s reception led Milestone to sign the band and release Get Out of My Way in 1997.