Mandrill formed in Brooklyn, New York City in 1968. The original band included three brothers: Carlos Wilson (trombone, percussion, vocals), Lou Wilson (1941-2013) (trumpet, percussion, vocals), and Ric Wilson (sax, percussion, vocals). The Wilson brothers were born in Panama and grew up in the Bedford–Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn. The brothers played music together from childhood, but also led diverse lives. Mandrill’s long standing founder, member, and Harvard College grad, Doctor Ricardo Wilson (known as “Doc Ric”) coupled his musical career with being a Cardiologist and Internal Medicine Specialist. Carlos Wilson, following his service as a Vietnam vet, was also one of the co-founders of Mandrill, bringing his Mannes School of Music writing and arranging skills to the group.
The band's music is a complex mix of Funk, Jazz, Latin, R&B, Rock and Afro-Caribbean sounds.
