Javier Navarrette is a professional percussionist, musician, composer, arranger, and educator living in Oakland, California, specializing in Afro-Caribbean music. His performance and recording career spans over three decades. He has performed and recorded with artists including Poncho Sanchez, Los Van Van, Aretha Franklin, Linda Tillery, Bobi Céspedes, Ozomatli, and John Santos, and has recorded on three Grammy-nominated albums. Javier studied with masters in Cuba and the Bay Area and currently co-produces The Annex Sessions. He teaches music through Living Jazz Children’s Music Project, Jam Camp for Children, and The Freight Education Department.
Javier believes that the arts are a source for healing and uniting communities by honoring cultural traditions, inspiring learning, and advancing social and environmental justice, all guided by the ancestors. Through his studies of music from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and American jazz, he honors the traditions of music originating from West and Central Africa in his performances, musical projects, and instruction. He believes it is important for children to be exposed to the roots of the music.
