Mazacote
Mazacote is The Salsa Band of San Francisco, Ca. The band was stablished in August of 1994 by Louie “Timbalito” Romero from Fania’s Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe band in the 1960’s and 1970’s
What is Mazacote? In our world of Salsa and Afro Cuban percussion, Mazacote is the driving force within a rhythmic repetitive pattern which then becomes the swing we all groove to in our music when it is just right! its Also the name of a song in Mongo Santamaria’s Album called “Afro Roots” which the founder of this band (Louie Romero) loved.
Mazacote has been a Dominant Salsa band in the Bay Area for 30+ years with lots of the best musicians going through Mazacote’s school of Salsa Dura over the years. We now have amazing heavy hitter musicians that bring all kinds of Swing and creativity in our music.
Louie Romero
About our Founder and fearless leader:
Louie is best knows around the world for his famous Solo on Timbales on the Song “Timbalero” on the album El Juicio by Willie Colon. The Album was released in 1972. Salsa music had risen to the top and the band had the best singer in the scene, Hector Lavoe. On the track as the momentum grew, anticipating Louie’s tremendous Solo, Hector Lavoe screams out “Attaka Louis Romero!!!!!” giving the most elaborate and profound introduction to Louie’s Solo that placed Louie strongly on the map as the most famous Timbal Solo in History till this day.
Louie was Born in 1945 in Brooklyn NY of Puerto Rican roots. He learned from his father who had influenced Louie with the traditional and popular music of their time. Learning hand percussion, Louie took off with the desires to learn more and eventually began his musical career in NY with small trios and then to bigger bands. After being noticed playing Timbales in the George Guzman band, Willie Colon invited Louie to be a member of his band. The Willie Colon Band was not like any other Salsa band of that time. Louie along with other band members contributed to the different musical rhythms and styles creating a signature sound only Willie Colon had. Louie added snares, Pandeiro and most importantly The Triangle which contributed to the Willie Colon sound! Louie then recorded many more Albums and eventually went on tour around the world with the band. After a Decade, it was time for a change.
Louie came to the SF Bay Area in 1984. He quickly began playing with all the popular bands and artist in the bay. After a decade of playing with other bands, Louie decided it was time to make his own. Mazacote then was born! but who was Louie to all of us? Louie was a wonderful husband to Victoria Romero, father to JJ, our Teacher, Mentor, Sensei, and our Friend. No matter his status or mastery Louie was humble and considered himself a student for life and was always excited to share, guide, help and mold us to be better musicians. Louie fought a huge battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis for years. we all stood by his side in support until it was time for him to transition to the other side in 2026. We all miss him tremendously but his legacy continues with his students and his band Mazacote which is continuing stronger than ever.
