Willie Ziavino (Ecuador)

Willie Ziavino, Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, began writing songs since he was 14 years old, based on personal experiences and stories ripped from the street.

In 1991 he suffered a serious accident and traveled to Havana - Cuba for treatment and recovery. This experience gave birth to his romance with Cuban rhythms and reinforced his love for Trova.

After 2 years he returned to Ecuador to finish his career in Electrical and Computer Engineering, postponing his passion for music.

In 1999 he was invited to participate in a songwriting nationwide competition organized by a radio station in the capital taking first place with his song "Confesiones".

In 2000 he recorded his first album "WILLIE ZIAVINO" with 12 songs of his own authorship and arrangements of Julio Bueno and Rolando Valladares, few months later he moved to Atlanta.

In 2008 he met Armando Bermudez who introduced him to the Flamenco and started the duo "DBarNBar" performing in several venues as Eclipse Di Luna.

In 2009 he released his second album "MARU" with a compilation of songs from the first CD and new songs with the arrangements of Omar Herrera (Uruguay).

In 2010 in Atlanta (USA), Willie formed the C.O.T. Band along with Juan Bonini (Panamá), Kevin Hyde (USA), Helder Zanella (Brazil), Rafael Pereira (Brazil) and Jose "BamBam" Ramirez (Puerto Rico), resulting in the fusion of trova, Caribbean rhythms and musical influences of each band member.

In that same year he began recording his album "CAMINO EMPEDRADO" with the help of the brazilian producer/musician Rafael Pereira. The album was released in April 2011.

(version en Español)