Raphael T on SoundBetter

Percussionist for Disney's The Lion King, Cirque du Soleil, multiple grammy award winning Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra and most importantly, YOUR next project!

Hi! My name is Raphael. I've been playing percussion professionally for close to two decades. I've performed with top Broadway shows (Disney's The Lion King) and some of the biggest touring productions in the world (Cirque du Soleil).
My training includes traditional drumming from Cuba, Africa, India and Brazil as well as a Master's Degree in orchestral (classical) music performance. I can provide your tracks with straightforward great feeling grooves, virtuosic percussion breakdowns, orchestral accents, or melodic percussion. It all depends on what your project needs and what can I do help it reach its maximum potential!
I also work as a composer and recently created the entire score to the play 'Tropical Secrets: Holocaust Refugees in Cuba.' Currently streaming on broadway on demand.

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Credits

AllMusic verified credits for Raphael J. Torn

Claude Gomes
Claude Gomes

10 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Raphael T

by Julian C.
Verified
Super Percussionist! pays attention to the fine details! 5+ stars all the way and highly recommended!!
by Gary M.
Verified
It was a pleasure working with Raphael on this song. His excellent work ethic and creativity are much appreciated. You know you're getting a musician who wants to get it right, and he did.
by mxpk
Verified
Raphael was a great collaborator. Paid attention to our notes and brought his own ideas to the table as well. Will definitely be working with him again.
by Bee K.
Verified
Raphael did a great job with our session, and he was very responsive and positive throughout the entire process too. Definitely a great musician to work with again and again!
by Brice Davoli
Verified
Raphael played percussions for a song, bongos, congas, cabasa, cow bells etc.... and he made a PERFECT job, really happy with what he delivered, will work again with him for sure!!!!
by DeAndre F.
Verified
Raphael was a true pleasure to work with. I knew exactly what I wanted, as he toured with one of my favorite groups. He delivered exactly what I wanted no questions asked. His ideas had flair and were very dynamic. I can't wait to work again with him.
by Moaaz H.
Verified
Raphael is professional percussionist, he really pays attention to your requirements and amends and he is super nice person to deal with.
by Jamile G.
Verified
Very quick turn over

Easy to communicate with
by Dantes
Verified
Outstanding work! Wonderful percussionist!!!
by King Ibu
A talented percussionist with a heart of gold...
I have performed with Raphael several times in Las Vegas, NV. His sense of rhythm is very unique. He brings awesome colors to the music. He has also recorded congas and djembe in a few of my songs. As always, Raphael was very creative and punctual. Be well Maestro.🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

Interview with Raphael T

Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I like to listen to a track several times and in my musical imagination discern which percussive elements might enhance the production. I'll sketch out the structure of the song so I can follow the form and catch any breaks or stabs. Then I start recording all my musical ideas... I trust the producer to cut down any extra or unnecessary parts, but I like to give a lot of options and choices so they can play around with my beats and decide what they really want to keep for the final version of the project (and possibly have extras if they want to do a remix down the line)
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Too many to name for sure!! But, in general, anyone who finds that sweet spot between making great music and commercial success is an inspiration. Artists like Quincy Jones, Zakir Hussain, Paul Simon, Phillip Glass, Robert Glasper, and many others...