ROGUE WANDERER: A visit with Walfredo Reyes Jr., drummer for Chicago, the band

Published 7:00 am Thursday, February 8, 2024

This week I had the pleasure of visiting with one of the premier drummer/percussionists in the world of music.

Walfredo Reyes Jr. (Wally) is the drummer for one of the longest running and most successful American rock bands in history — Chicago. He’s been on board for the past 12 years and, judging by the astounding videos he posts on his Facebook page, he’s not slowing.

Chicago isn’t the only impressive gig on his résumé. Reyes has toured and/or recorded with Carlos Santana, Steve Winwood, Jackson Browne, Gloria Estefan, Boz Scaggs, Christina Aguilera, Lindsey Buckingham and many others. He kindly agreed to answer a few questions before heading out on another lengthy tour.

P: Did you practice hours a day to get this good?

W: I practiced as much as I could and still do. Went to UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) for a music degree but never finished. Instead I got a degree from the “University of the Streets,” traveling and touring around the world.

P: Were you given a score when learning the Chicago tunes? (Nearly six decades-worth)

W: All memorized, no music charts or score, we don’t read music on stage, no music stands. It’s the same with Steve Winwood and Santana and Lindsay Buckingham, Robbie Robertson. …

P: Do you work out to stay fit enough to play at your level, or is the drumming enough?

W: I try to walk, swim, warm-up and stretch before shows. I always practice to keep up with what I know already and practice to learn new things on drums, percussion, technology, recording gear, etc.

P: Is touring hard on family life?

W: Yes, it’s very hard on loved ones, children, pets, etc. After two divorces, with three grown children, it’s still difficult. I don’t have children with my present wife, Kirsten. However, it’s still difficult. We tour eight months out of the year.

P: How long were you with Santana? Any stories?

W: I was with Santana from 1989 to 1993, with Traffic in 1994, Steve Winwood from 1994-2004, Lindsey Buckingham 2007-2011 and Chicago from 2012 to now, and many tours with a variety of international artists in between these tours. There are many stories, but they would have to be in a book.

P: Would you want to add anything about your dad’s influence?

W: My dad and my musical family were teachers and musical/life mentors. I had many others also and continue to seek mentors and teachers on all levels of life.

P: Any parting thoughts on life, love, touring?

W: My goal in life is to be the best musician I can be “On Stage” and the best human being I can be “Off Stage.”

Reyes was born in Cuba and grew up with another accomplished drummer as his first teacher — Walfredo Reyes Sr. He learned how to fuse the best of Latin and Afro-Cuban jazz into much of his current drumming style. At 12, his family moved to Las Vegas, and four years later, he was playing professionally with a band.

During our brief connection, I learned that Wally is a congenial, outgoing friend-of-mankind who’s always tuned to learning opportunities. At 67, his energy delivering the firecracker pace of some of Chicago’s up-tempo hits both thrills and inspires. He ticks off mellow tunes with a restraint born of confidence.

He looks like he’s having a blast onstage. Lane and I had the pleasure of hearing Chicago perform at a sold-out Britt Festival show two summers ago. Three of the founding members still tour with the band and honestly, sound good. We’re picky about music. My last question brought us close to home and back to that memorable performance.

P: You told me you liked the Britt Festival venue. Do other Chicago band members as well?

W: We all love the Britt Festival — the vibe, the people, catering, the venue and the hotel. I’ve played there with Steve Winwood and Lindsey Buckingham also.

Learn more at walfredoreyesjr.com where he talks about his first paid gig at age 13 — playing percussion in a dance class for Las Vegas showgirls. He got permission.