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Jorge Pardo – flute/saxophone
Jorge Pardo was born in Madrid in 1955. He started his studies at the Conservatory of Madrid at the age of 14. From very early on in his career he immersed himself in jazz and was one of the founding members of the group Dolores (together with Pedro Ruy-Blas). Today, Jorge is regarded as one of the true leaders of a style of music that fuses flamenco with jazz. In fact, he is among the elite group of jazz figures from Spain with an international following.
 Introduced to the world of professional flamenco at the hands of Paco de Lucia, he has acquired a new hybrid language between jazz "de raiz" ("from the roots") and flamenco. His style and technique on both flute and the sax is blazing new trails in this constantly developing music. In addition to his work in SEXTETO by Paco de Lucia, he has collaborated with nearly every major figure in the world of flamenco; his resume includes concerts with Chick Corea and Astrid Gilberto, and Jorge is also a longtime collaborator with the rocking flamenco unit, Ketama and La Barberia del Sur, further exploring the outer reaches of the rhythms of flamenco.
Now, Jorge Pardo is once again lending his uncanny musicianship to Touchstone, inspiring listeners everywhere.
JORGE PARDO on the web
Tom Brechtlein – drums
Tom is a wonderfully innovative drummer with a crisp and exciting sound that perfectly suits Chick Corea’s Touchstone band. He both drives the band and floats on top of the music creating gorgeous rhythmic textures.
Corea was one of Brechtlein’s musical heroes growing up in East Meadow, Long Island. He caught Return to Forever playing on a PBS special and knew someday he would play with Chick. Of course, most musicians had an entry point into the fusion sound of the 1970s. For Tom it was The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Cream and Jimi Hendrix. The progression seemed natural from the electric juggernaut of the late ’60s Woodstock era into the Miles Davis BITCHES BREW period. But that transition was interspersed with hearing modern jazz drummers like Joe Morello, Elvin Jones, Max Roach and Tony Williams.
 Brechtlein's prophecy came true. Nearly two years after he first saw Corea’s PBS appearance, he auditioned with him and got the gig. He remained with Corea until 1983 appearing on several recordings and playing with him around the world. Next, another jazz giant, Wayne Shorter, enlisted Tom's services, which was followed by extensive touring time with guitar wizard, Al Di Meola, and violin master, Jean-Luc Ponty. In 1986, Tom joined guitarist, Robben Ford, and the two collaborated on many musical adventures.
Now Tom is back playing the music of Chick Corea and Touchstone, adding his signature sound to this breathtaking new group.
TOM BRECHTLEIN on the web
 Carles Benavent – bass
Bass player, Carles Benavent, was born in the Poble Sec neighborhood in Barcelona, Spain. His earliest days playing music were in blues/rock groups at the age of fourteen. Essentially self-taught, Carles benefited from being in the midst of the surging musical environment in Barcelona of the 1960s. It wasn't long before he formed the fusion band, Música Urbana, along with keyboard player, Joan Albert Amargós, recording two albums. After that group broke up, he began to play and record with guitar virtuoso, Paco de Lucia in 1978. It was the starting point of a continuous musical relationship between both musicians that lasts to this day.
1991 proved to be a high point for Carles when he performed with Miles Davis in one of the music legend’s very last concerts in Montreux, Switzerland. His lowest low was hit in 1995 when Carles suffered a serious accident that caused great damage to his left arm. However, he was determined to return to playing music. With hard work he recovered and for the past ten years hasn't skipped a beat playing all over the globe in many different contexts with musicians like Al Di Meola, Peter Erskine and many others.
Carles Benavent has an unmistakably distinct sound. He is considered by many to be among the finest, most complete bass players in the world. Musicians and fans alike can hear his outstanding playing in a variety of settings including his work with Paco de Lucia, his own solo recordings, and of course, with Chick Corea and Touchstone.
CARLES BENAVENT on the web
Rubem Dantas – percussion
Rubem was born into a musical family in Salvador de Bahia. His earliest exposure to music was studying piano with his mother. His interest soon turned to percussion and his journey took him on a path that would have him mentioned in the same breath as all the great maestros. It was with Vahindo do Gantois, whom Rubem considers his master, where it all began, playing some of the most important festivals in Brazil.
In 1977 his move to Madrid afforded him the opportunity to play with other wonderful musicians and be in the middle of the growing new flamenco movement. Pedro Rui Blas invited Rubem to join the group, Dolores, and it was in that group where he met Jesus Pardo, Alaro Yebenes and Jorge Pardo.
 During this time he crossed paths with guitar legend, Paco de Lucia. The two formed what was one of the most influential and innovative new flamenco bands in the world. They toured extensively with Carles Benavent, Ramon de Algeciras, Joaquin Girto, Duquende, Jorge Pardo and Jose Bandera. While in Peru, Rubem discovered the native percussion instrument, the Cajon. He felt it could add a new dimension to the already pioneering flamenco sound he was helping create.
Rubem Dantas is one of the most in-demand musicians anywhere and his credits seem endless, recording or performing with artists like Vince Mendoza, Gilberto Gil, Paquito D'Rivera and many more. Now add Chick Corea and Touchstone to a list that grows with each passing year.
RUBEM DANTAS on the web
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