Julián Silva was born in Cali, Colombia and is a noted timbalero, composer, and bandleader. Julian Silva’s interest in salsa music began at the age of four, when his parents moved from Colombia to Baton Rouge, LA in 1981.



After spending his childhood learning and practicing with his favorite instrument, the timbales, Julian Silva met Jose Vazquez-Cofresi in 1994 and the two of them formed a new Salsa orchestra. The orchestra received national recognition and eventually got them the introduction with Johnny Pacheco, "The Godfather of Salsa" and Herman Rodriguez-Bajanda, who would eventually relocate them to New York City.



In 2001, Julian Silva and Jose Vazquez-Cofresi formed the band La Excelencia and during the summer months, the band held their first rehearsals at El Museo Del Barrio on 104th Street.



Their collaboration with some of New York’s finest vocalists and musicians would come to complete the 12-piece band now known throughout the country.