Berardo "Chacho" Ramirez is a New York City-born drummer, percussionist, composer, and bandleader of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent. Born in 1951, Ramirez began playing music at age 12. As a multi-percussionist, he performs across a wide range of genres including salsa, Latin jazz, samba, swing, fusion, and funk, utilizing drums, congas, bongos, and timbales.
Throughout his career, Ramirez has performed and recorded with notable musicians such as Ahmad Jamal, Alex Blake, and Hal Galper. He acts as the leader of the Latin jazz quintet La Banda Ramirez and has also been a member of the group Metrotang. His discography as a leader and co-leader includes the albums "A Family Ting" (2019) and "Lizzie's Lounge" (2024).
In 2024, Ramirez released the solo album "I Remember Bill." The recording acts as a tribute to the vibraphonist, percussionist, and composer Bill Jacobs, with whom Ramirez had previously performed.
