Originally from Cuba, Orestes’ unique style on timbales is one of the most emulated in Latin music. His artistry has graced both the stage and studio, and he has performed with a Who’s Who of musical legends, from Aretha Franklin to Carlos Santana.

In 1995, Orestes earned a Grammy nomination for the groundbreaking album 'Ritmo y Candela' alongside fellow Cuban percussion legends Carlos "Patato" Valdez and José Luis Quintana (Changuito).

His performances have also graced the Grammy-winning albums of Cuban bassist/composer and original Mambo King, Israel "Cachao" López. Orestes also received a Latin Grammy nomination for his 2009 solo cd, 'It's About Time'.

Over the decades Orestes Vilato's credits include a nine year-stint with Santana, and recordings and performances with Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, Herbie Hancock, Linda Ronstadt, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, McCoy Tyner, Dave Valentin, Paco De Lucia and many others.