It all started one day at the age of seven. Al, the second son born to Cuban immigrants, was outside playing with the other kids from the Hialeah, Florida apartment building when he came inside for a drink. His mother and a salesman were sitting in the living room having a discussion when the man turned to Al with an open folder displaying a picture of a guitar and an accordion.

 

      He asked, "Which would you like to play?", to which Al replied "The guitar!" The man then said, "The accordion is easier." to which Al replied, "O.K. The accordion!"

     

      Not understanding the consequences of that short dialogue, Al ran back outside to play. "The following week I'm in a practice room with an instructor and staring at an accordion, wondering what the heck kind of instrument it was!"

 

      Years later, Al was playing saxophone in junior high and high school. After high school, he played bass guitar for several bands and even recorded a few songs at a couple of local studios. "By this time I also had cursory skills at trumpet, keyboards, and drums, and could 'learn' whatever parts were called for on a given track."

 

      After recording several songs in a studio with his band, Al started working at the modest studio. "I just jumped in and started working with new recording clients, figuring things out as I went along. "I got to work with a lot of interesting artists and enjoyed the whole process."

 

      A few years later, Al put together a modest recording setup in a bedroom and recorded local artists there. In 2000, before Pitbull's career took off, his producer at the time sent him over to Al's place to record a few tracks.

 

      “I was amazed by his raw talent and his drive. This guy wanted to be a major player in the music industry, and he seemed very sure he'd get there. I believed 100% that he would make it.” Since that day, Pitbull preferred to record with Al.

 

      In those early years, Pitbull was building his way up with hits like CULO featuring Lil Jon, THAT'S NASTY featuring Lil Jon, Fat Joe, and Lil Scrappy and SHAKE by Ying Yang Twins featuring Pitbull. “One day, Pitbull comes in and records a new song over a cool new beat. As always, I mixed a good reference of the song and dropped a CD copy with him. Next thing I know, I'm hearing this song all over the radio and clubs everywhere!”

 

      The song was Calle Ocho (I Know You Want Me), which was the exact reference print Al gave him that went on to make Pitbull famous worldwide. They went on to record hundreds of tracks and many multi-platinum albums. Pitbull often flies Al out to Europe or Asia or anywhere else he is traveling so he can record when the inspiration strikes.

 

      When not traveling, Al was in the studio working with a variety of clients and styles as well as mixing tracks for Pitbull including "Manos Pa'ribba (Echa Pa'lla)", and "Hoy Se Bebe" on the Grammy Award Winning 'Dale' album. Al also mixed Elvis Crespo's "Pegaito Suavecito" and "Sopa de Caracol" which both reached the No. 1 spot on the Latin Tropical Airplay chart.

 

      “When mixing a song, my goal is to make sure the listener is connected with the energy of the music and vocals. I deliver balanced and controlled power while making sure the attitude and emotion sound unrestrained.”

 

      Everyday it's working on a new song from a multitude of artists. " I feel so blessed to earn a living doing what I truly love and enjoy! Every day is a new challenge, but most importantly, I have fun doing what I do. I've traveled the world, going to places and countries I'd never thought I'd visit. I've met and worked with great people and great artists! It's been an amazing experience! I will always be grateful for everything music has brought into my life!”