| Wayne De La Cruz began his musical endeavors at the age of 9 with a set of drums and playing along with records and the radio. While in Jr. High his father bought him a used vibraphone that he began playing in the school jazz band. While in High school at the age of 14 he made the move to the keyboard and began playing organ and piano. He settled on keyboards as his main instrument and got his first Hammond organ when he was 16. Since then he has resided the S.F. Bay area and Sonoma Co. and has been a performing sideman, leader, composer & arranger. Because of his passion for the Hammond organ, in 2003 after many years compromising "the sound" using a variety of keyboards, he decided to put his Hammond B-3 back to work and began bringing it to gigs. As a result he is now performing on it more than ever in the classic organ trio style, larger ensemble groups and recordings. __________________________ In 2008 Wayne released the first CD with his organ trio "The Big Trio". The CD entitled " Like Night" features 4 of his original compositions. The trio features Kendrick Freeman on drums and Paul Brennin on sax & guitar. Also in 2008 Wayne is featured on Danny Caron's "How Sweet It Is" CD. The Pamela Rose 2009 release "Wild Women of Song" features Wayne on 5 tracks. Wayne also co wrote several songs on the CD. He is also featured on her 2006 release "Just For A Thrill". Producer / Arranger Michael Brandeburg's 2004 Smooth Jazz release "Midnight" features Wayne on 2 tracks In 1996 Wayne plays piano as well as arranged and is co producer on vocalist Vernelle Anders CD release "At Last" Back To Home Page |
| Wayne De La Cruz |
| A Brief Biography and Discography |
