Jose Vazquez-Cofresi, also known as "Manos de Hierro" (in English meaning Iron Hands), is a respected conguero/composer in the salsa music industry. Jose was born to Puerto Rican parents on September 18, 1975 in Biloxi, Mississippi, USA. He began playing congas in his early teens and continued until forming his first salsa band at the age of 17.



In the first salsa project, Jose was the co-founder of the band La Excelencia with his good friend Julian Silva with the ambition that they would tour the US.



After much success Jose and Julian were offered a recording deal in New York City but unfortunately, the recording company went under and a few of the musicians moved on after that.



However, determined to bring salsa music back to a new generation, Jose and Julian Vazquez Cofresi stuck with La Excelencia and the orchestra is now highly successful in New York City. The salsa orchestra released its first CD "Salsa Con Conciencia" which took the salsa world by storm in 2006/2007. La Excelencia is currently working on its second album to be released between late 2008 to early 2009.



Jose Vazquez Cofresi chooses Tycoon Percussion’s Master Handcrafted Pinstripe Series Congas for his playing and touring.