Kelly Che – Vocalist
Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Kelly is a classically trained singer/ musician who arrived on the scene in Los Angeles and soon discovered she loved singing Jazz. Kelly refined her craft preforming weekly shows for over seven years at Bobby London’s in Hancock Park as well as special events throughout the Southland. During her musical travels, she has collaborated with the likes of John Clayton and Oscar Hernandez among other notable Jazz musicians. Kelly’s just released her first album, ‘Collage’ features LA Jazz veterans Edward Resto, Ramon Stagnaro, Joe Rotondi, Joey De Leon, Walter Rodriguez and Harry Kim. It is an eclectic mix of musical styles and traditions that offers the listener a truly unique jazz experience.
Joe Rotondi – Piano
Joe began at an early age studying piano with his father, Joe Rotondi, Sr., who laid a strong foundation for starting his musical career. He continued his musical studies at Los Angeles Community College, performing in the jazz big band, and soon after was working professionally in jazz, Latin and pop fields in live performance as well as recording. He taught at the Musicians Institute for several years. He also began touring with various artists, including Alex Acuna (from Weather Report), Vikki Carr, Linda Ronstadt, and Herb Alpert, among others. He was the keyboardist on the Paul Rodriguez’s TV show, and played on the “Dirty Dancing” and “Mambo Kings” soundtracks.
Edward Resto – Bass
Born and raised in Manhattan, NY, Eddie is an established name in eth Latin Jazz industry. He started his career at age 15. Eddie played with the hugely popular Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra “The Machito Orchestra”. At 19 Eddie joined the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra, had immense exposure performing and sharing the stage, recording, and touring with Ruben Blades, Sonny Stitt, Tito Puente, Dizzy Guillespie, Carlos Santana. Eddie moved to LA in 1988 and continues to work with artists like Justo Almario, Alex Acuña, Larry Coryell, Liz Torres, Marilyn McCoo, Luis Conte, Chick Corea, Oscar Hernández, Poncho Sanchez, Joni Mitchell, the Estrada Brothers, Herbie Hancock, Rita Moreno, Paul Simon and many other stars of Latin and world music.
Harry Kim – Trumpet, Flugalhorn
Harry Kim is one of the most visible musicians of our time, with numerous appearances on awards shows, international television specials, and world tours with global superstars. His stage presence, versatility, and leadership both on and off stage have fueled his successful career. Harry has worked with Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Earth Wind and Fire, Phil Collins. Shows include American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Grammys, Latin Grammys, Emmys, and Oscars.
Ramon Stagnaro – Guitar
Originally from Lima, Peru, Ramon began playing guitar at a very early age. After moving to the U.S, he worked with music producers such as David Foster, Humberto Gatica, KC Porter, Mark Portman, Jorge Calandrelli, Juan Carlos Calderon, and Randy Jackson. He’s also recorded with notable artists such as Gino Vanelli, Seal, Celine Dion, Al Jarreau, Andrea Bocelli, Diana Ross, Ricky Martin, Neil Diamond, Paul Anka, Enrique Iglesias, Placido Domingo, Josh Groban, Kenny G, Patti LaBelle, Shakira, Cristina Aguilera, Boyz II Men, The Manhattran Transfer, Michael Buble. Ramon can also be heard on movie tracks including, “Legend of Zorro”, “Contact”,“Sex and the City”.
Joey De Leon – Percussion
Classically and street-trained percussionist Joey De Leon, Jr., has held the bongo chair for Poncho Sanchez for the last five years and is now the band’s timbalero and drummer. Joey holds a Bachelors Degree in Classical Percussion Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. He comes from a legacy of well-known musicians in the Latin music field.
Joey is currently working with Arturo Sandoval in both his LA All-Star Big Band and West Coast Sextet. He also plays with Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band.
Walter Rodriguez – Drums
Walter is an openly creative multidirectional drummer/percussionist. His richly eclectic and unique gift encompasses a plurality of styles–from rock to latin to world music–in a way that is extremely rare in a realm dominated usually by “doing-one-thing” specialists. Walter embodies -”The drummer/percussionist of the new century”- quoting his mentor Alex Acuña.
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