Guy Frometa

Guy Frometa is the drummer for Juan Luis Guerra & 440, two time Grammy & Billboard Award winner. He is also the drummer for Chichi Peralta's Son Familia, 2001 Grammy Award winner for "De Vuelta al Barrio."

Born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Guy was musically inspired at an early age by his parent's record collection. They were serious about "jazz avids," and had albums ranging from Miles Davis to Keith Jarrett to Latin combos. Guy's family has been an important musical influence in many ways. His uncle, Billo Frometa, was a big star in the Latin music scene in Venezuela’s and was known throughout Latin America and United States. Guy's other uncles were part of Billo’s Caracas Boys.

Guy started drumming at 5 and, as a child, studied with Luis Alberti, the author of the famous meringue "Compadre Pedro Juan." He had the opportunity to play with different bands on TV shows. At 16, he started playing with Luis Dias & Transporte Urbano, a group that mixed rock music with Dominican folklore. From his experience with that band, Guy realizedwhat his life’s goal was to become a Dominican Drummer.

In 1988, when Guy was 23, he moved to New York to study Jazz Improvisation at the Manhattan School of Music for 1 year and at the Drummers Collective for 2 years. Guy refined his drumming shills during his stay in New York and is especially endebted to Joel Rosenblatt who took Guy under his wing. Guy also studied with Zack Danzinger, Marvin "Smitty" Smith and Sam Ulano.

While in New York from 1992 to 1996, opportunities started knocking at Guy's door. He played with some well-known musicians including Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Michel Camilo, Gato Barbieri, Leni Stern, Arturo O’farrill, Dave Moreno, Eddie Palmieri, Don Cherry, Mongo Santamaria, Wayne Krantz, Michael Katz, David Mann, Josh Workman, Daniel Ponce, Howard Prince, Kip Hanrahan, Tony Strong, Andrew Wyatt and The Interns.

In 1996 Guy moved back to Dominican Republic to pursue his dream of forming his own Dominican-style drumming. He immediately became absorbed in the Folkloric movement. He has performed, played on TV show, recorded music and toured with popular bands and artists. He also toured with Juan Luis Guerra, Arturo Sandoval, Luis Dias, Xiomara Fortuna, Patricia Pereyra, Tribu Del Sol, Miguel Bose, Spyro Gyra, Giovanni Hidalgo, Nestor Torres, Victor-Victor, Alejandro Sanz, Ana Belen, Manuel Tejada, Negro’s, El Bule, Hombres Calientes, JLS, Pavel Nuñez, Ruben Blades, Papolosonoro, Amparo Sandino, Chichi Peralta & Son Familia, Oscar Micheli Trio, Eddy Herrera, Ilegales, Sergio Vargas, Jandy Felix …and many more.

Guy is now a clinician and endorser for MAPEX drums, MEINL cymbals, VIC-FIRTH sticks, FACTORY METAL PERCUSSION and ATTACK drumheads. He performs at various Jazz Festivals and with his own jazz group and makes record with local & international artists at his home studio (DRUMBOX) in Santo Domingo. Starting in the Summer 2005, he'll be traveling extensively with Juan Luis Guerra & 440 20 Años Tour.