About Henry Cole

Henry Cole is a shape-shifting drummer whose versatile, multicultural style positions him at the forefront of a growing wave of jazz innovation and cross-cultural 21st-century rhythms.
A Grammy award winner, Multi-time Grammy nominee, master drummer and skilled arranger. He draws inspiration from a long line of highly skilled Boricua Pioneers who performed in local, military and jazz bands. His sonic roots – African, Indigenous and European – have been brewing for years and have come together to create a unique, mestizo sound.

Initially inspired by Latin percussionists Giovanni Hidalgo and Anthony Carrillo, Cole discovered a passion for Jazz and improvised music. In Puerto Rico, Cole cultivated a reputation in Old San Juan’s diverse music scene, working with poets, rappers, Bomba musicians, Pleneros, Rockers, and Salsa ringleaders.

His flexibility, grace and sheer power behind the drum-kit has proven indispensable to some of the world’s most acclaimed jazz groups and artists, including the Grammy-nominated Miguel Zenón Quartet, Grammy Award winner David Sánchez, The Gary Burton Quartet, Quincy Jone’s Global Gumbo, Fabian Almazan, Ben Wendel Quartet, Stefon Harris and Nicholas Payton, Eric Reed and the pianist Chano Domínguez,
Also, Henry has recorded and performed with Chambao, Calle13, Residente, Natti Natasha and Draco Rosa.

His debut album “Roots Before Branches” (2012) drew accolades across the industry. The World Music Report touted, “Henry Cole has left an indelible mark on music with a singularly memorable debut record, National Public Radio, selected the album as “One of the Five New Directions in Jazz Evolution.” Living legend Chick Corea applauded Cole for “beautifully expanding on the traditions he grew up with.”

Henry Cole experiences music as one world, “a space beyond styles.” His primary goal is to reach a broad audience with a message of diversity, determination and unity.