 Quiñones spent the next five years in salsa master Willie Colón's band, playing every percussion instrument at one time or another.His ability to sight-read music led to his becoming musical director of the band for the last two years; he also co-produced one of Colon's albums.He then spent two years playing with Rubén Blades as well as playing on and touring for David Byrne's Latin music "Rei Momo" project.