BIO & HISTORY
Santa Mamba represents a new attitude in cross-cultural harmony.
Where many bands who fall under the broad classification of “Latin” consist of musicians with a shared ethnic heritage, our story is different. We all come from different places and grew up in different times. Some of us come from small American towns where there was little access to anything outside of mainstream pop culture. Some of us grew up in American cities with strong ties to Italian and Portuguese traditions. And we have members who were born in Latin American nations - Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Due to our diverse backgrounds, it is remarkable that we’ve come together at all, and in such an unlikely place as Rhode Island. We have little in common, besides that we were all born with a passion for music and an openness to it in all its varieties of expression. We have worked hard to claim our sound as a band. Since we don't come from a common cultural background, there was no obvious style to build our sound on. Each of us has brought what he’s learned from a life of loving and studying music; collectively, we have had to learn how to listen to sharply contrasting points of view and how to understand something that we once considered foreign. Over time we have forged a sound that we call Latin Roots Rock, taking a firm understanding of various Latin and American musical traditions and giving them new voice in a unique combination of styles and personalities, celebrating diversity and life. We pride ourselves on our performance, and always endeavor to create an experience for our audience. We set big goals for ourselves; our chief ambition is to get the whole world dancing.
 GIO MURILLO
LEAD VOCALS, GUITARS & PERCUSSION
J. Gregorio Murillo was born in the mountains of Sorte in Yaracuy, Venezuela. He was raised in Brazil and lived for a time in Europe in his youth.
He founded GAMAGE, a Latin rock trio, in Chelsea, MA (1996), where he served as composer, songwriter, lead vocalist and guitarist. During this time, he also experimented fusing classical-style string arrangements in a pop-rock format.
In 2002, Gio launched ELEMENTO SOLO, one of the only Latin fusion projects in Boston, Massachusetts at the time.
Gio joined PLANET GROOVE in 2005, providing the catalyst for its evolution into SANTA MAMBA.
Gio is endorsed by Luna Guitars.
www.lunaguitars.com
 JOHN MEDEIROS
GUITARIST, VOCALS, PERCUSSION
Founding Member - Spiritual Guide
Musical Influences:
Larry Carlton, Al Dimeola, Adrian Belew,Peter Gabriel, fellow band mates.
John Medeiros is indorsed by Parker guitars www.parkerguitars.com |
 JOHN FERREIRA
DRUMS
Musical Influences – Prince, Ozomatli, Fania All-Stars, The Roots, Stevie Wonder, Malo, Santana, Miles Davis, Buena Vista Social Club, Tool, Puya, Juan Luis Guerra, Parliament-Funkadelic, Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, Ruben Blades, Hector Lavoe, Tito Puente, Grupo Fantasma
Drumming Influences – Robby Ameen, Steve Gadd, Todd Sucherman, Dennis Chambers, Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson, John Bonham, Dave Weckl, Tito Puente, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Vinnie Colaiuta, the many James Brown drummers, Ricky Wellman, Jojo Mayer, Michael Bland, Steve Ferrone, Tony Williams, Neil Peart, Max Roach, Elvin Jones
Born and raised in the state of Rhode Island, John was inspired at an early age to pick up the drums while listening to a Led Zeppelin album. After playing in the school band at age 8, he naturally gravitated to the drum set, and has been perfecting his technique and approach to the instrument ever since.
After playing and performing in various groups ranging from Rock to Funk to Jazz, John finally has found his place and home in Latin music. A longtime fan and supporter of Santa Mamba, John leaped at the chance to perform and create with this diverse collective of musicians and spirits.
 AARON WADE
KEYBOARDS
Musical influences: Peter Gabriel, Radiohead, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Paul Simon, Ruben Blades, Bob Dylan, Tribalistas, Tool, Claude Debussy, Eric Satie, Aaron Parks, Ethen Iverson (The Bad Plus), Brad Mehldau, Thelonious Monk, Ruben Gonzales, Miles Davis, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.
Aaron was born in Putnam, CT. He was encouraged to play piano at an early age, and began studying at the age of 5. Resistant to regimented lessons, he quit around the 7th grade, but came back to the instrument on his own terms in high school. He loves both well-crafted songs with compelling poetry and organic music rooted in group interplay and improvisation. In addition to piano, he has studied saxophone and voice formally, and guitar, bass, and accordion informally.
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 NICK WADE
BASSIST, VOCALS
Musical influences: Arcade Fire, David Bowie, Dirty Projectors, Animal Collective, Parliament/Funkadelic, Bruce Springsteen, Gang of Four, Wire, Fishbone, Tom Waits
Bass Influences: Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorius, James Jamerson, Bootsy Collins, Les Claypool, Flea, Rocco Prestia
Nick was born and raised in Putnam, CT. He started performing and playing music at the age of 10, studying the tuba. In high school he furthered his musical discipline by becoming the drum major for the Putnam High School marching band. He started playing the bass guitar at age 15, at the request of his music teacher. Nick also went on to study vocal performance and music theory at the University of Connecticut.
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 CHRIS N. FASCIONE
CONGAS, PERCUSSION
Rhode Island native Chris has been playing professionally in RI and along the East Coast for most of the past 4 decades. He started his music career playing the guitar and doing vocals before mastering his real love, Latin percussion. His extensive touring with Top Show bands allowed him to become a skilled conguero, speaking through his drums. His credits also include studio, TV as well as live performances.
He has perfected his craft by attending workshops and private lessons from noted percussion masters, including Giovanni Hidalgo, Karl Perazzo and Raul Rekow. He continues to embrace the music of the heart through his instruments.
His musical influences include Bob Sparadeo, PPE, Giovanni Hidalgo, Ray Baretto, Tito Puente, Miguel Anga Diaz, Raul Rekow, Mongo Santamaria, Earth Wind & Fire and Santana.
 EDWARD CARDENAS
TIMBALES, PERCUSSION, VOCALS
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Edward was inspired from a young age by both the music of his church and the flavorful sounds of the neighborhood (el barrio). This blend of Latin rhythms and cultural elements has enabled him to express his cultural heritage and beliefs through music. These influences include Merengue, Salsa, Bachata, Son, Pop, and Rock.
Former member and founder of:
Barriosonic (Boston)
Corazon Machines (RI)
Sol 18 (RI) |
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