leslie spalding – drums

Leslie Spalding is a native of Chicago, Illinois, however most of his life has been spent in Panama City, Panama and San Jose, Costa Rica.  He began his musical studies in 1974. His mother was reluctant to purchase drums, so he practiced on a rubber pad, chairs and pillows.  His persistence paid off, and at the age of 13, he was given his first drum set.  

Leslie’s move to Panama in his teens allowed him to study Latin rhythms and to experiment with their applications on the drum set.  After a hiatus from music due to a 17-year professional basketball career in Costa Rica, Leslie traveled to Spain to study classical percussion.  During his stay in Spain, he played with Revolution Son, African Roots, Grupo Nueva Athenea and the Senegalese group Suñu Galgui. 

While in New York, Leslie has played with a diverse number of musical projects including the blues group "Blue Rooster Pie", the Carlton Maaia jazz quartet, the reggae bands Tiah, Mission Control and K Genius and the Brethren, the Nightingale Gospel girls directed by Roosevelt Credit and "LIFE".  He also played in the Sade Tribute Band "Soul of Paradise" and the Santana Tribute band "Abrazos"  He played with Sam Waymon's (Nina Simone's brother) drummer at BB KIng, and performed in the "Pasión Latina" shows with Placido Domingo Jr. and Luz del Alba Rubio in 2015 and 2017. 

Leslie’s drumming style is deeply rooted in world music genres and his exposure to many international styles has uniquely influenced his approach to his craft.  Leslie lists his musical influences to be Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Ruben Blades, Michael Franti,

The Fania All Stars, Chick Corea, Danilo Perez, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Prince, Led Zeppelin and Sting.  Drummers and percussionists that have influenced him are: Buddy Rich, Tito Puente, Ralph Irizarry, Carter Beauford, Giovanni Hidalgo, Horacio Hernandez, Dave Weckl, Tapado Vargas and Renato Thoms.  

When not playing music, Leslie can be found building his nonprofit organization, 

In Lak'Ech, teaching and practicing meditation, mindfulness and sound healing, teaching Spanish and coaching volleyball, basketball and lacrosse at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in Riverdale. 

Leslie is proud of the continued growth of his band, Sangha Tierra, and is excited as they share the messages of love, inclusivity and hope through their music.  Leslie recently wrote two new songs, which were recorded this fall, and will be premiered on February 15, 2024, at Drom in NYC.  He is grateful to each member of the band for their involvement and inspiration for continuous growth and a shared commitment to making this world a better place, one song at a time.

Leslie supports the nonprofit In Lak'Ech