Forbidden Tropics is an Afro-Peruvian Jazz band from New Jersey led by guitarist/composer Alejandro Ataucusi from Perth Amboy. Their music fuses Jazz with Afro-Peruvian music, forming unique world music. Their compositions blend Afro-Peruvian rhythms such as Festejo, Lando, Zamacueca, and Panalivio with harmonic elements of Jazz. Forbidden Tropics released first EP “Road Trip to El Carmen” in 2019 and their new album “Peruvian Rhapsody” released in 2022 is available on all streaming platforms. The current band members are Alejandro Ataucusi (guitar), Robbie Sko (keyboards). James Nascimento (bass), David Greiff (Afro-Peruvian percussion), and Mike Dick (drums).

Alejandro Ataucusi (guitar) from Perth Amboy, NJ is a composer, educator and band leader of Forbidden Tropics. He has been the guitarist for the William Paterson University Latin Jazz Ensemble since 2013. He has played with many well-known Latin and Jazz artists such as Manny Pacheco, Jimmy Bosch, Claudio Roditi, and members of the Tito Puente Orchestra such as Ray Vega, Mitch Frohman, and Jose Madera. Alejandro is endorsed by Godin guitars, Udo Roesner amps, and Aquila strings.

Robbie Sko (keyboards) is a multi-instrumentalist who produces a wide variety of music from Neo Soul to French House using Ableton Live. He performs on keyboards with ensembles of all sizes in addition to DJing and mentoring students on how to play rhythm instruments and produce their own music.

James Nascimento (bass) from Staten Island, NY, attended Curtis High School and graduated from its performing arts program in 2013. His education continued at Rutgers University where he received his BM (2017) and MM (2019) in Jazz Studies. At Rutgers, he studied with Kenny Davis and played in Latin jazz ensembles. Now, James freelances throughout New York and New Jersey playing mostly Jazz and Rock.

David Greiff (cajon, cajita, donkey jaw bone, cowbell) is a drummer and percussionist based in Central New Jersey who started playing percussion with Forbidden Tropics in July 2021. Under Alejandro’s tutelage, he was taught traditional Afro-Peruvian rhythms and learned to blend them with his personal improvisatory style. Outside of Forbidden Tropics, David plays in a variety of other bands including a local 8-piece funk band “The Do Rights,” teaches private lessons, and currently attends Berklee College of Music.

Mike Dick (drums) has been a member of Forbidden Tropics since 2021. His affinity for sound led him to study acoustical engineering and music at the Hartt School of Music as well as Jazz Performance at New England Conservatory. In addition to performing music internationally, Mike is a composer and a board-certified member of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering.