Julito Padrón, from Matanzas, Cuba, began playing the trumpet at the age of 9. After training at Havana's music conservatories, Julio began his artistic career and made a name for himself as a member of Chucho Valdés' Irakere. After his debut with Irakere, Julito began to develop his own repertoire and put together his own group. Julio Padrón cites American jazz and Brazilian music as external influences. His first album "Descarga Santa" (2000 - Real Rhythm) and "Julio Padrón, y los amigos de Santa Amalia" were real highlights on the Cuban music scene. Julio Padrón has been touring throughout Europe with various renowned musicians since 2002. He has also toured the USA with Juan de Marcos González (Afro Cuban All Stars) and with Chucho Valdés at the renowned Carnegie Hall in New York, as well as with Count Basie and the late timbales master Tito Puente. Julio Enrique Padrón is one of the leading figures in the Cuban music scene.