Conjunto Progreso

Miami's own Conjunto Progreso has been nominated for a 2006 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album for their CD "Masters of Cuban Son". Ever since it’s inception, the traditional Cuban son ensemble Conjunto Progreso has taken audiences back in time to the nostalgic era of early Cuban popular music.

Led by Johnny Aguiló, son of Cuban trumpet legend and band leader Rolando "El Ruso" Aguiló (Lecuano Cuban Boys, Orquesta Hermanos Castro, Conjunto Casablanca, etc) and grandson of Cuban Bass player Mario Aguiló (Conjunto Yumuri, Orquesta Saratoga, Conjunto Casablsanca, Nat King Cole) and co-founded with Jose Elias April of 1999, they have seen the group grow from a quartet to its recent incarnation of nine members.

Their experience goes back to many of the major orchestras and musical associations in Cuba as well as several salsa and charanga groups in New York and South Florida. In 2004, Conjunto Progreso released its long awaited debut album titled "Masters of Cuban Son" --a one of a kind traditional Cuban recording.

Through the years, Conjunto Progreso shows have featured an array of legendary artist including Johnny's dad Rolando "El Ruso" Aguiló, Congero Luis Miranda an original mainstay of the Machito Orchestra, bassist extraordinaire Eddie “GUA GUA” Rivera of the legendary group Batacumbele, Trumpeter Feliciano “Pachu” Gomez who has worked with Cachao, Roberto Faz and Riverside Orchestras respectfully, and Lazaro “Tato” Alfonso, the original conga and bata drum player of Irakere.

No wonder many publications have called them 'Masters of Cuban Son'. The album was so well received by the American public that it was honored by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences with a 2006 Grammy Award Nomination under the category of Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album. Furthermore, throughout the music industry the group has been noted as the Buena Vista Social Club of America.

The Band is: