Luis Tovar - Back To My Roots (2024)

Luis “El Pana” Tovar is a JUNO-nominated percussionist from Venezuela. Since arriving in Alberta 18 years ago, he has made an indelible mark on the Western Canadian music scene, with 29 years of professional experience in percussion of world music instruments. Regardless of musical genre or collaborators, Luis brings a unique combination of energy and positive dynamics to the stage or recording studio, drawing on his Venezuelan and Afro-Caribbean roots to engage in any project.

His mission goes beyond music; Luis’s aspiration is to share his talent with the community and promote unity within the Canadian territory through his performances and collaborations. He enjoys sharing his experiences and knowledge with the next generation of musicians, further emphasizing his versatility and dedication to exploring various musical styles and projects.

This introspective record pays homage to Luis' Venezuelan heritage, featuring traditional Venezuelan tunes recharacterized with a modern jazz perspective and punctuated by Luis’ own original compositions.

Stephen William - Saxophone, Clarinet
Jon Day - Piano
Daniel Nava - Bass
Luis Tovar - Drums, Percussion
Tina Hartt - Vocals
Emily Tovar - Vocals
Sofia Orea - Vocals