High Energy Salsa and Latin Jazz From New Englands " Hizpanika"
Authentic Latin rhythms to energize your soul.
Hizpanika in Action: Live Performance Gallery
Discover "Hizpanika" Formerly Komboloko"
My Story
Arthur Anthony Clinton Jr. Born February 21, 1956 in Brooklyn New York from hispanic parents Carmen and Arthur Sr. both had music in their blood and that transferred to Art Jr. My musical journey starts at third grade where I started to play the double bass in the public school music program. My studies went on thru intermediate school where I excelled.
I grew up listening to Artist like Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barretto,Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez. When I was twelve our parents moved us to Puerto Rico and that's when everything happened to me as an aspiring musician. Although like all other musicians we all started Somewhere, in this case I was 18 I started with one of the hottest young bands in Puerto Rico "Opus 75". Sometimes the best years and memories start with these experiences. I certainly have those and some of my fellow musician friends concur. Orquesta Opus 75 was a great experience for me and most of the other young musicians whom I shared the stage with which are now well known artist. Bands Like Willie Rosario, Gran Combo, Mulenze and others reached out and recruited many of the band members, I was always a leader so I decided to lead my own band (even with all the offers). The next band was in the 1980's "La Qrquesta Opus" where as this band had major recordings and known to many in Puerto Rico. After some years I sold the band to one of the band members and they continued with success and a few major albums. I then moved my family to New York and put a hold on my music Career to raise a family. In the year 2000 I re-started with my new band Orquesta Opus Tres. From there I teamed up with my long time friend Carlos Pabon brother of David Pabon which he already had Hits like "Aquel Viejo Motel" and "Cara Dura" We backed David Pabon several times on stage. Also I am proud to mention that this band Inaugurated the Basketball Hall Of Fame In Springfield Ma. After a Couple of years Carlos and myself decided to part ways and start new beginnings..Before starting the new chapter I was fortunate to share the stage with singers like "Tito Allen", "Ray De La Paz", "Pichie Perez," "Van Lester", "Hector Tricoche", " Viti Ruiz" to name some. I Also Played alongside of Luis "Perico" Ortiz... So going forward!!
"Komboloko" was that new Beginning!!
This band had a Major recording and also a hit song in Puerto Rico named "Dime Lo Que Quieres" interpreted by renown Artist "Ray De La Paz" (Featured on this site) Well as you can see I just can't stay still looking that next adventure!!
After several more years I decided to change the band and style and that's where "Hizpanika" comes into the picture.
This is a 13 member Latin Jazz and High Energy Salsa Band with a major recording on the way!! This time I went back to my old stomping grounds in Puerto Rico to record this new Single "La Hizpanika" We are currently putting in the final touches ( I can't Wait ) Well just to finish off a little of my story, I do have over 50 years of experience in this musical venture and very proud of everyone that has been with me along the way. I can only hope that I touched peoples lives along the way. I really do not like to Bragg about the past. I'm more focused on what I can do moving forward. I feel really good about this band Hizpanika and I hope our music is enjoyed by all of you...Art Clinton Jr.
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Hizpanika
