Rampart Records

In Memory of the late Rudy Salas from the musical group "TIERRA". A great Guitarist and Band Leader as well as a Pioneer in Mexican American Chicano Music. May he Rest in Peace and may God bless his Musical Soul. Rampart Records Print Ad for Rudy's Pasta House in 1978 featuring "Eastside Connection" and "Tierra" along with DJ "Lash the Flash". During this era, the club was under the jurisdiction of the Musician's Union Local 47 in Hollywood. Musicians had to be members and have a current paid union card to perform here. Musician Union Reps, Hector Rivera and Rene Block would often show up unexpected and ask band members to show their current union cards or face the Union Trial Board and pay a hefty fine.

I recently heard the news that my Drummer Friend, Aaron Ballesteros had passed away earlier this month due to natural causes. He was truly the best drummer that I had ever played with as well as being a great Martial Artist and a Super Nice Guy! Aaron had played drums with Los Lobos, James Brown, Prince, Carlos Santana, Jeffery Osborne, The Beach Boys, Ike and Tina Turner, Malo, and Tito Puente (to name a few). He also played drums with Jazz Artist: Freddie Hubbard, Wilton Fe...lder, Hubert Laws, Poncho Sanchez, Wayne Henderson and Buddy Collette. In 2003, Aaron made the cover of "Vintage Drummer Magazine" standing behind his 1967 Green Metal Flake Ludwig Drums who he affectionately nicked named "The Big Green Machine" (see photo). Back in the day, Aaron played drums with "Thee Royal Checkmates" (see B&W photo). In 2003, I was at Tru One Recording Studio in Santa Fe Springs, California playing my Red Cervantes 5-string Bass Guitar along with Aaron on drums (see photo). Promoter Steve Chavez hired Aaron and I to record the "Frankie Firme" Internet Radio Promos & Commercials. As a Bass Player, It was an incredible experience for me to record with Drummer Aaron Ballesteros. He was a great musician. My Bass Guitar never sounded so good! May God Bless his beautiful musical soul. R.I.P. See more