THE THIRD HAND
A Bridge Between Playing and Teaching
Enildo Rasua
M.MUS, B.MUS.
Enildo Rasua is a drummer, educator, and researcher based in New Jersey, recognized for his revolutionary Third Hand technique, which has redefined the boundaries of contemporary drumming. This innovative approach allows him to play with three drumsticks while his feet execute complementary rhythmic patterns, creating a unique sonic experience that critics have described as striking, innovative, and extraordinary.
His strong classical training, acquired at prestigious music institutions, is evident in the richness of his sound, technical precision, and expressive depth.
This academic foundation, combined with his deep knowledge of Afro-Cuban traditions—such as son, changüí, rumba (including guarapachangueo), batá, tumba francesa, abakuá, and Franco-Haitian folklore—as well as his experience with flamenco and Indian music ensembles, allows him to create a unique musical language where structure and improvisation coexist organically.
Considered a leading figure in Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban jazz, Rasua is also a respected authority in music pedagogy and cultural research. He has played a key role in the development of several internationally acclaimed percussionists, including Ramsés Rodríguez Baralt (Chucho Valdés, Buena Vista Social Club, Joe Lovano), Eugenio Doria (Willy Chirino and Gloria Estefan), Isel Rasua (Emiliano Salvador, Gipsy Kings), and Arturo Stable (Paquito D’Rivera).
His passion for research led him to transcribe nearly the entire recorded repertoire of the legendary group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, a monumental and unprecedented contribution to the history of Afro-Cuban music.
He is the author of more than twenty books on Afro-Cuban percussion and multi-percussion arrangements—including works for marimba and vibraphone—which are now regarded as international reference materials.
His arrival in New York in 2013 marked a new chapter in his career, with a critically acclaimed performance at the Jazz Standard as part of Dita Sullivan’s groundbreaking Cuban Drum Series.
The event, highlighted by music journalist Tomás Peña as one of the most significant moments of the year in New York’s music scene, introduced the Enildo Rasúa Quartet to U.S. audiences and was praised for its originality and rhythmic sophistication.
Since then, Rasua has shared the stage with legends such as Alex Acuña, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Trilok Gurtu, and was a featured guest on Terry Bozzio’s show on Drumchannel.com, where he delivered a memorable live jam session alongside Bozzio and Acuña.
Currently, Enildo leads two vibrant youth Latin jazz orchestras: one at Jazz House Kids in Manhattan, under the artistic direction of Christian McBride (world-renowned bassist, composer, and five-time GRAMMY Award winner), and another at the United Children Music Project in New Jersey. These young ensembles have already had the honor of sharing the stage with the legendary Paquito D’Rivera.
