Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ettienne has been playing drums for over 40 years. Studied in Puerto Rico with : Rudy Regalado, Freddie Santiago and Tony Sanchez Sr., Entered the Conservatory of Music in Puerto Rico for 1 ½ years then moved to the U.S. Established in Miami where he enrolled at the University of Miami earning the Bachelor Degree in Studio Music and Jazz. He has performed, recorded and/or toured with artists such as Chuck Mangione, Nestor Torres, Letha Galloway, Arturo Sandoval, Dom Um Rumao, Debbie Spring, Ira Sullivan, and the list goes on. From 1996 to 2006, he worked with international Latin sensation Chayanne, not only as his drummer but, for a few tours, as his Musical Coordinator. During 2005, he also performed with Marc Anthony, Chayanne and Alejandro Fernandez on the œAmigos World Tour.
Other band/projects he is part of are: The Brass Evolution, an 11 piece band whose repertoire includes Chicago, Chase, Blood Sweat and Tears, Tower of Power, Earth Wind and Fire, and many more.
In Ettiennes jazz fusion trio R.I.F.F.(RARELY IN FOUR FOUR), Ettienne shares his talents with Matt Johnson (bass) and Mitch Farber (electric guitar). Watch out for news! Some of his main influences in music, from Rock to Progressive Rock to Jazz, Latin, Brazilian, Fusion, World Beat are The Who, Led Zeppelin, ELP, U.K., Grand Funk Railroad, Van Halen, Chicago, BS&T, Beatles, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Steve Vai, Zappa, Weather Report, Palmieri, John Scofield, Scott Henderson, Mike Stern, Djavan, Hermeto Pascual, etc. Drummers that influenced his playing and he still listens and study are: Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Smith, Dave Weckl, Jojo Mayer, Chad Wackerman, Gary Husband, Terry Bozzio, Chad Smith, Jack DeJohnette, Steve Gadd, Buddy Rich, Elvin Jones and many others. Ettienne is currently endorsed by Pearl Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Evans Drumheads and Vic Firth Sticks. For more about Ettienne, visit EttienneFuentesJr.com.
