"This band is the real thing: a collection of Asheville's most technically brilliant musicians. If you know anything about Asheville's music scene, you've undoubtedly heard just how singularly superlative these musicians' musicians really are - individually and collectively........"
-Mountain Express, May 1998

The unique sound of Con Clave is a spicy blend of Salsa, Afro-Cuban, Jazz, and Contemporary. The vision of two individuals has inspired the creation of this ensemble. Byron Hedgepeth (Vibraphonist/Percussionist) and Ozzie Orengo(Conguero/Percussionista) have joined forces since 1989. Their unique approach to the blending of Puerto Rican and New Age has created a vibrant, exciting sound audiences find difficult to hold still too.

Con Clave's stage line up includes some of the South's most versatile musicians. Holding the rhythm in a Latin band is of utmost importance and nothing can be more solid than the all in the family rhythm section of Ozzie Orengo (Congas) and his son Ozzie Orengo Jr. (Timbales). Their groove will inspire you to jump to your feet and baile . Ozzie Orengo Sr. is originally from Puerto Rico, Ozzie grew up in New York City experiencing all that the melting pot of New York has to musically offer. A frequent addition to many of the cities most exciting Latin bands, Ozzie made the move to North Carolina in the 1987 and has been wowing audiences ever since. His son Ozzie Jr. is and was at an early age, bursting with his dad's rhythm. Being an extremely gifted Timbalero, Ozzie juniors solos will explode with enthusiasm and variety. Tito Puente look out!

Con Clave's vibraphonist Byron Hedgepeth, is perhaps the most experienced percussionists in the south east. After completing a masters degree at the University of Illinois, Mr. Hedgepeth has been very active in the development of music education reaching beyond the standard practices of drum instruction. His wide knowledge of world music, the sounds of Puerto Rico, Cuba, Brazil, Africa and Europe, have designated Byron as one of the most knowledgeable individuals in this burgeoning field. Many believe World Music to be highly influential on the improvisational music of the future and Mr. Hedgepeth will certainly be one at the forefront of this field. Having performed in every situation from symphony orchestras to touring ensembles in Taiwan, Byron brings a wealth of experience to excite audiences.

Included in this rhythmic excitement are Keyboardist/Composer Keith Davis and Bassist Eliot Wadopian. Mr. Davis having recently moved to Greenville, S.C. from the Atlanta area, has a long history of Jazz performances around the United States and the Europe. Keith has had engagements with such artist as Artie Shaw, Ben Tucker, Pat LaBarbera, Mike Mainieri and the Glen Miller Band. Keith is a recent addition to Con Clave and we're sure you'll find his playing will move you to the edge of your seats, that's IF you can sit down.

Eliot Wadopian who is no stranger to Western North Carolina audiences. He has performed extensively throughout the United States, Europe and the Orient with many professional ensembles. In this Latin context he is performing on both fretted and fretless six-string Bass Guitars. Eliot is one of those artists who truly captures freedom in music. From the symphonic literature to Jazz, Gospel, Blues, World Music, Rock, he has explored them all. These influences have helped to create a unique, highly-spirited musical style which in 1993 won him the prestigious Grammy Award as Acoustic Bassist with the Paul Winter Consort.

The newest member to Con Clave is the renowned Saxophonist/Flutist Stuart Reinhardt. Also very well known to North Carolina audiences Stuart has been a fixture on the music scene for over twenty years. An exceptional soloist, Reinhardt inspires the spirit of John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter with soloistic ideas that are powerful and poignant. Mr. Reinhardt has performed many times at the Brevard, NC Jazz festival with many different ensembles. He has worked with such artist as Jon Faddis and Terry Gibb to mention just a few.

Like the ingredients for the best quesadilla you've ever savored. Con Clave's choice of musical ingredients will be sure to leave you satiated with the superlative experience of Musica Latina.