Drummer and percussionist Walfredo Reyes Jr. has officially joined the artist roster at Innovative Percussion. The announcement was shared earlier this month and adds Reyes to a list of performers supported by the Tennessee-based percussion brand.
Walfredo Reyes Jr. is currently the drummer for the band Chicago, having initially joined the group as a percussionist before transitioning to the drum chair full time. His professional history also includes performances and recordings with Santana, Steve Winwood, and Lindsey Buckingham, among others. Known for his experience across a variety of musical styles, Reyes brings a blend of Latin, jazz, and rock influences to his work.
Innovative Percussion, founded in 1993 and headquartered in Nashville, is a manufacturer of drumsticks, mallets, brushes, and other percussion accessories. The company is widely used by professional orchestral players, drum corps, educators, and drum set artists. Reyes joins a roster that includes musicians across classical, marching, and commercial music sectors.
In a statement following the announcement, Reyes said he was honored to partner with the brand. He cited the quality and reliability of their products as key factors in his decision. While he did not specify signature products or custom development, he emphasized trust in the tools he now uses in both studio and live settings.
Reyes comes from a musical family with strong roots in Cuban percussion. He has worked in professional music environments since his youth and is widely regarded for his adaptability in both percussion and drum set roles. His technique and musical background have made him a sought-after musician in both live and recording contexts.
His current role with Chicago includes an extensive touring schedule in North America and abroad. Reyes also continues to teach masterclasses and workshops, frequently focusing on rhythm education and stylistic versatility.
Innovative Percussion’s recent additions to its artist lineup reflect a continued effort to expand its reach into the drum set and world percussion markets. The company previously focused heavily on the marching and concert percussion communities but has grown its presence in contemporary music over the past decade.
The announcement of Reyes’s inclusion was shared through the company’s official channels and reposted by Chicago’s official social media. As of now, there are no announced plans for collaborative product development between Reyes and Innovative Percussion, though further updates may follow.
Reyes continues to perform regularly with Chicago and appears at drumming events as an educator and clinician.