ISRAEL MALDONADO
Imagine walking into a bar and hearing someone seamlessly switch between English, Spanish, and Portuguese, all while playing guitar and percussion that could take you from the streets of Brazil to the beaches of Cuba. That’s Israel Maldonado for you. He’s not just playing music; he’s bending it to his will, fusing genres like Latin Funk, Reggae en Español, Samba, and Afro-Cuban rhythms into something that hits you right in the soul.
San Diego may call him one of its own, but Israel’s sound has caught the attention of heavyweights far beyond his hometown. NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, out of 6,000 submissions, gave him a shout-out as one of the best, and Kremona Guitars and the boutique festival scene have all noticed the magic he brings to the stage.
After two years of touring the U.S. with Agua Dulce, Israel dropped an EP that was more than just music—it was a masterclass in Brazilian percussion. And he didn’t stop there. His follow-up album solidified what fans already knew: Israel doesn’t fit into a box. He jumps from genre to genre, always adding his signature touch. Take his track “Martes,” for example—he opens with a classical riff that could be at home in any conservatory, but a few moments later, he’s dropping Reggae en Español so effortlessly you have to stop and ask yourself, “How is this the same guy?”
He’s opened for giants like La Santa Cecilia, Los Amigos Invisibles, and Ivan Lins. Hell, he’s even shared a stage with Sergio Mendes. Whether he’s going solo, leading his bands Puente or Tres con Todo, or collaborating with the likes of Sambrasil, there’s never a dull moment when Israel’s in the mix.
From child prodigy in a Tijuana orchestra to the Hollywood Bowl, Israel Maldonado is always one step ahead, leaving the rest of us to wonder: what’s he gonna do next?
