Sadly, Cecil Carter, a rumbero and wonderful human being passed away today 3/13/2012. Cecil's death was caused by lymphatic cancer.
Cecil was a tremendous rumbero with a quinto slap that cracked the air. Incredibly humble, Cecil would wait in line for a turn at the drum even though he had twice the experience and skill of many of the other rumberos around.
Cecil was active in both the New York and San Francisco Bay Area rumba scenes and was an accomplished percussionist in several other styles as well.
I feel fortunate to have heard his music, seen his warm smile and played alongside him at rumbas here in San Francisco and jamming at the Ashby Bart drum circle.
Goodbye Cecil, you are missed by many.