Ernesto Simpson is a great Cuban drummer now based in New York City. He has played with percussionist Samuel Torres on his solo efforts, pianist and composer Hilario Durán, and trumpet player Arturo Sandoval, among others.

Ernesto Simpson is one of the most important Latin jazz drummers on the scene today, notably as the drummer for Arturo Sandoval, Richard Bona, Paquito D’Rivera and Manuel Valera.

Starting out with Jazz royalty Dizzy Gillespie at the start of his musical career in Havana, Cuba to Michel Legrand, Carmen McRae, Paquitto D' Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, Ray Baretto, Mark Murphy, Chucho Valdés, Michael Brecker, Herbie Hancock, Mike Stern, Richard Bona, Rodrigues Brothers, Manuel Valera, Yosvany Terry, Larry Coryell, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Kyle Eastwood, Omar Sosa, Hugh Masakela to name but a few.

Ernesto is a regular special guest of the NDR big band. His playing has also graced original motion picture scores to include 'Random Hearts' (1999) starring Harisson Ford, and 'For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story' (2007) where he composed, performed and played a cameo alongside Andy Garcia. Ernesto has lived in Havana, Bogota, Miami, New York, London and Athens. Sharing in his passion for all music wherever he goes and further enhancing his skills by always interacting with the local music scene. He now divides his time between Europe and the US with his wife & manager Kate.