Willie Alvarez joins the Rath Pack

Rath Trombones has welcomed the addition of Willie Alvarez to its roster of Artists.

The renowned American musician has performed, travelled and recorded with some of the world’s great Latin musical legends.

Willie attended Long Island University, where he earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in contemporary jazz studies and a master’s degree in education. He made his acting debut in the off-Broadway musical production Quien Mato A Hector Lavoe and is also featured in the major motion picture production, El Cantante which stars Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez.

Willie continues to tour and record around the world, while also performing with the multi-Grammy award winning salsa vocalist La India and The Lavoe Orchestra.

Commenting on his appointment as a Rath Artist, Willie Alvarez said: “I have wanted to be a Rath Artist for a long time now. After my meeting with Mick [Rath], I was simply elated at becoming a Rath Artist and to be given the opportunity to represent the company worldwide.

“I love the craftsmanship that goes into the building of every Rath trombone. The metals used are very durable and the sound and projection are simply incredible. My Rath trombone gives me superior control over my playing in every range. It’s made it much easier to play my horn especially since I almost died from Covid-19.”

Willie’s first professional club date was at the age of 16 with the Tito Allen Orchestra, where he was immediately noticed for his musical genius and incredible improvisational ability. Whenever he was given the opportunity to perform a trombone solo, he would go into a hyper trance-like state, earning the nickname Willie “El Loco”.

Willie Alvarez plays a Rath R12 trombone, with a 7 ½ inch nickel silver bell. It has a dual bore nickel silver slide, yellow brass gooseneck and a red brass tuning slide.