Gamirey

Gamalier Reyes, also known as Gamirey, was born and raised in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico to parents, Maria Diaz and Samuel Reyes. Born into a family of musicians, Gamalier grew up loving music as well. At the the age of five, his cousin, David Prieto, accomplished percussionist, started teaching Gamalier how to play the bongo. Shortly after, he was playing with Puerto Rican Trio, Las Hermanas Diaz, with his mother and father. At the age of six, the family moved to Miami. He continued learn...

Gamalier Reyes, also known as Gamirey, was born and raised in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico to parents, Maria Diaz and Samuel Reyes. Born into a family of musicians, Gamalier grew up loving music as well. At the the age of five, his cousin, David Prieto, accomplished percussionist, started teaching Gamalier how to play the bongo. Shortly after, he was playing with Puerto Rican Trio, Las Hermanas Diaz, with his mother and father. At the age of six, the family moved to Miami. He continued learning how to play all percussion instruments. When Gamalier was 11 years old, his father took him to a band rehearsal. It was there where he met, LP artist, Charlie Santiago. His skill at such a young age impressed Charlie. Charlie asked Gamalier how frequent he practiced. When Gamalier told him that he could not practice as much as he would like to due to lack of instruments, Charlie gave Gamalier his first timbal. At the age of 12, his cousin, David Prieto, involves him in a christian salsa group where he developed his talent. While in this group, Gamalier meets profesional percussionists, Eddie "Bongo" Torres & Richie Rivera. They too were impressed by this young talent. Eddie and Richie took the time to teach and guide Gamalier on the right path. Richie Rivera started recommending Gamalier to a lot of local salsa bands where he starts acquiring a reputable name. At the age of 15, he gets called to play timbal in Orquesta Inmensidad lead by piano player, Raul Galimore. While in Imensidad. they backed up famous Salsa Queen, Celia Cruz & Hector Tricoche. When he was 16, Charlie Santiago referred Gamalier to Lefty Perez. He continued playing bongos with Left for 10 years and led the band for 2 years as timbal player. Gamalier has played and continues playing with Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor Manuelle, Tito Nieves, Tito Allen, Adalberto Santiago, Eddie Santiago, Miles Pena, Andy Montanez, Rey Ruiz, Ismael Miranda, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Rivera Jr., Tommy Olivencia, and has been percussionist for Tito Puente Jr. In January, 2001 Gamalier gets offered a record deal by Bobby Rosario from Discos Renacer. He recorded his first CD, "Distancia Y Categoria" as a singer with stage name, Gamirey. Now in 2009, Gamirey is working on a new project. Stay tuned...