Willy Torres A-K-A William Maisonet-Torres, born in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, on December 31, 1975. Growing up on his grandfather’s farm, he was to the Campesino/Jibaro music of Puerto Rico. Willy grew up in a musical household (both parents were professional musicians), and began singing at the age of four. Influenced by his late father, renowned percussionist William Maisonet Figueroa a/k/a Papo Conga, Willy began playing Congas/Percussion at the age of seven. His mother Doris who sang with local trios, and even recorded a few Boleros was always persuading him to keep singing and keep up with his harmonies. Willy quickly developed a keen ear, a natural affinity for percussion, as well as a deep love for typical music of Puerto Rico. Willy began singing at an early age, and with the few chords he learned from the many musicians that visited the house, began accompanying himself on guitar. He began with the Mapeye, Seis Bolero, and later the Seis Fajardeño while studying everyday with his cousin Nelson Negron who at a very young age was very fluent on his guitar and Puertorican Cuatro Playing....
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Willy Torres A-K-A William Maisonet-Torres, born in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, on December 31, 1975. Growing up on his grandfather’s farm, he was to the Campesino/Jibaro music of Puerto Rico. Willy grew up in a musical household (both parents were professional musicians), and began singing at the age of four. Influenced by his late father, renowned percussionist William Maisonet Figueroa a/k/a Papo Conga, Willy began playing Congas/Percussion at the age of seven. His mother Doris who sang with local trios, and even recorded a few Boleros was always persuading him to keep singing and keep up with his harmonies. Willy quickly developed a keen ear, a natural affinity for percussion, as well as a deep love for typical music of Puerto Rico. Willy began singing at an early age, and with the few chords he learned from the many musicians that visited the house, began accompanying himself on guitar. He began with the Mapeye, Seis Bolero, and later the Seis Fajardeño while studying everyday with his cousin Nelson Negron who at a very young age was very fluent on his guitar and Puertorican Cuatro Playing.
When his parent’s family relocated to New York City in the mid 80’s, Willy began playing saxophone in high school concerts, and jazz bands. He also performed at many neighborhood events. His vocal talents soon caught the ear of Salsa artist Larry Harlow, of Fania All-stars fame, who quickly recruited a then 15/16-year-old Willy Torres as a member of the Latin Legends Orchestra.
Willy’s professionalism and knack for creating vocal arrangements on the spot have made him a regular on the New York Latin session scene. He has recorded vocals for Rey Ruiz, Tito Nieves, Alexandre Pires, Ricardo Montaner, Christian Castro, Andy & Lucas, Gilberto Santarosa, Ricky Martin, Victor Manuelle, to name a few.
Willy was one of the featured singers for the “Paul Simon” Music of Capeman that was performed in the Brooklyn Academy Of Music April 2008.
Willy released his first solo Album “Willy’s NYC Salsa Project” “Lo Que Traigo Yo” under an independent label “Latin Street Music (Select O’ Hits)” August 1st, 2008 and his second Willy Torres “Hardcore” July 1st, 2011. Torres has received Nine Grammy nominations for his participation on various productions over the last 10 years and, was awarded a Grammy in 2004 (The Spanish Harlem Orchestra “across 110 Street), a 2006 Grammy for Best Tropical Album Producer of the Year, 2010 Grammy for best tropical album (The Spanish Harlem Orchestra “Viva La Tradicion”) where he shows his composing skills & last but not least The best tropical album 2013 for his collaboration & guest artist for The Pacific Mambo Orchestra.
Willy was currently nominated once again to the Grammys this year (2014/15) in 2 categories for his Recording Engineering work done at his own recording studio for the Pedrito Martinez Group (PMG/ Motema Music) for best Latin Jazz Album and Aymee Nuviola for best Tropical Album.
Soon to come:
Willy is currently Finalizing his 3rd Album “On Another Path” for release Late 2015, and a book specializing in “Latin Vocal Styles” with the world renowned Hal Leonard Corporation. Willy is currently kept busy touring with new concept orchestra “Willy Torres Orchestra Hardcore” and is a regular in the jazz and salsa festivals all around the world and Recording Scene. He is also Composing/Producing/Arranging for other artist in his own recording studio out of Union City NJ all year round nationally and internationally.
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