Band
Jorge Santana
Born in Autlan, Jalisco, Mexico, Jorge Santana is the youngest of the three brothers and the second after Carlos to pick up the guitar. Being a part of a musical family and having his ear constantly exposed to music was a definite influence, and Jorge was inspired by the musical activity in the household. However, Jorge hadn't had formal music instruction when he started playing the guitar at age 14 in San Francisco.
At first, Jorge was drawn to the sounds and rhythms of the blues and Carlos' interpretations of that style of music. In fact, he credits Carlos for introducing him to a wide range of music, musical styles, personalities and experiences.
By the late 60's and while still in high school, Jorge was playing with a four piece blues band in local San Francisco clubs. He was asked to join a band called THE MALIBUS'S, a nine-piece R&B group with horns. After a steady club gig which helped the band refine their sound, they changed their name to MALO. And, as part of the active scene in San Francisco in the early 70's, the band was signed by Warner Brothers.
The group released four albums, with the self-titled debut album their biggest, driven by the single, "Suavecito." By 1974, when the last MALO album was released, Jorge had found a comfortable identity as a career musician and was involved in all aspects of music.
On his own in 1974, Jorge appeared as a special guest with the FANIA ALL STARS in a concert held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This performance has been released as both a video and CD on the Fania label.
After that show, Jorge moved to Mill Valley, California, and devoted his time exclusively to a personal exploration of music. Between 1975 and 1977, when he started putting a new band together, Jorge did little but play the guitar.
That period led to his first solo project for Tomato Records. Titled "Jorge Santana," the album featured his own songs and arrangements. It was produced by Tony Bongiovi of the Power Station in New York and mixed by Bob Clearmountain. The album was well-produced and had a good selection of songs - all in all, a very commercial album.
That album was followed by "It's All About Love," which was produced by Allen Toussaint. His involvement with the two albums kept Jorge busy until 1982, but lacking a good agent and proper management, he decided to take a year's vacation. But, the year hadn't passed before he ended up getting married and moving to Walnut Creek, where he and his wife started a family.
The one year turned out to be seven, during which time Jorge even had a job outside of music. But then, in 1989, Carlos asked Jorge to join the team at Santana Management. He was put in charge of artist relations and his skills and experience led to his involvement in production, music clearances, publishing and a number of other responsibilities and eventually got him on the road with the Santana band.
It was while on the road and as Jorge performed with the band on various dates that the idea for the "Brothers" album came up. Jorge has taken an active role on the album, writing, arranging and producing both his own songs and collaborating with Carlos (and nephew Carlos Hernandez) on others.
The experience with the "Brothers" album has given Jorge additional inspiration to continue his own musical career. Currently, Jorge Santana continues to live in the Bay Area.
Gabriel Manzo
It's rare to see esteemed San Francisco guitarist Gabriel Manzo without a guitar in his hands. Ever. It began when he was 8 years old. His grandmother bought him a guitar, and from that moment on, guitar became Gabriel's constant companion. Within a few years, he was playing in his own popular music group, heading up countless school dances and local functions.
As the summer of love blossomed in San Francisco, a teen-aged Gabriel was exposed to the emerging electric guitar music of Jimi Hendrix and Michael Bloomfield. Something clicked. Still in high school, he began writing his own music and formed The Gabe Christopher Band, an original rock group flavored with Latin Jazz, Blues and Psychedelia. They quickly gained local popularity, and opened concerts for Buddy Miles, Fleetwood Mac, Canned Heat, Elvin Bishop, Luis Gasca and others.
In 1974, Gabriel was invited to play in the legendary Bo Diddley's band. After a few years touring the west coast with Bo, Gabriel began freelancing, doing everything from touring Canada with a soul revue to living in Hawaii a year playing tourist venues 5 nights a week. Eventually he returned to the Bay Area where he was a member of various bands, most notably (Malo and Santana bassist) Pablo Tellez's band with Latin Jazz percussionist Pete Escovedo. It was there he first performed songs that are now Malo classics, and began making his mark on the San Francisco Latin music scene and ultimately the genre of Latin Rock.
By the early 1980s, Gabriel also played guitar in the house band at San Francisco's prestigious nightclub, Bajones. It was there he was discovered by and invited to join powerhouse Latin Rock group Malo. He was soon on tour with them, and has remained one of Malo's principal members ever since. Along with cornerstone Malo classics, two of Gabriel's compositions, "Techno Rumba" and "Ritmo Tropical" have become perennial favorites of Malo concert-goers. Both songs appear on the popular 1997 release "Latin Legends Live" and other Malo live concert releases.
During his time with Malo, Gabriel formed a strong musical bond with original Malo guitarist Jorge Santana. Their guitar work became a signature of Malo's performances, thrilling audiences with intertwining melodies, exotic rhythms, and adventurous improvisation. They have periodically worked together outside of Malo, achieving some success with a Latin Rock EP titled "Many Faces” released in 1999, followed by large festival concerts including Northern California's fabled Tribal Stomp. Throughout their musical relationship, Gabriel and Jorge developed a lasting friendship in addition to the music. It almost seems inevitable they would come together again now with an extraordinary group of musicians surrounding them.
Gabriel Manzo's guitar work is amazingly versatile but always recognizable. Besides tasty Latin-flavored rhythms, he is particularly known for his melodic guitar solos, and the depth of his fiery improvisation. He also has a rich vocal range and is accomplished on bass guitar and percussion instruments. In addition to annual touring, Gabriel has composed, recorded and released music with various artists. He also co-founded flamenco group Guitarras Y Congas and faith-based group Bueno, both of which released critically acclaimed albums, and continue to play selected events. In 2013 Gabriel released his own full-length CD titled "MANZO RALLY - Give Love" including his songs "Don't Come Cryin'" and "Love Me Lorena" which he is honored to be currently performing with Jorge Santana. The MANZO RALLY album and singles are available on Amazon, iTunes, Google Music and most other major digital music sources.
Besides earning the respect of his listeners and colleagues, Gabriel has received two certificates of honor from the city of San Francisco in recognition of his contribution to the birth, life and history of Latin Rock. He also appears extensively in the landmark 2004 book “The Voices Of Latin Rock” by Jim McCarthy and Ron Sansoe. Gabriel studied in-depth with noted jazz guitarist, author and instructor, Warren Nunes, and is an ongoing student of guitarist/bassist and LA studio legend, the great Carol Kaye.
Gabriel Manzo is proud to be endorsed by Gibson Guitars, Jim Wagner Pickups, MONO Instrument Cases, and Rocktron Guitar Technology.
Devan Bolding
Up-and-coming vocalist, Devan Bolding, is from Selma, California, 'The Raisin Capital of the World.'
Born and raised in the central San Joaquin Valley, Bolding started to publicly promote his natural vocal talent and theatrical performances in high school and continues to shine while in the pursuit of his dream and career as an entertainer. His persistence has carved an eventful road paved with the success of traveling and entertaining local and international audiences around the globe. As a solo recording artist, his versatile vocals have been displayed on local radio stations and throughout popular clubs; are felt within his original debut album, Who Ever Knew? which was released under his independent label, B Music Entertainment; have been heard in harmony with Latin Rock Legends group MALO; and have captivated many during his solo performances as the opening act for some incredible national artists.
Bolding began touring internationall when he was hired by Holland America Line as the male lead vocalist for the Production shows onboard their fleet. After that contract, he was selected in 2013 by Carnival Cruise Lines, as the initial male frontman for the inaugural branding and structure of their 2.0 Party Showband onboard their entire fleet.
Overall, his original, bold tones reside within the soul.
Silvestre Martinez
Having traveled, taught, performed and studied throughout Indonesia, Europe, Asia, Mexico, Cuba and the United States, Silvestre Martinez has performed with legendary musicians such as Paquito D'Rivera, Oscar Stagnaro, Eddie Santiago, Tony Vega, Maelo Ruiz, Jose Alberto El Canario, Orestes Vilato, Louie Romero, Karl Perazzo and more.
Ray Uribes
Ray Uribes has over 40 years experience playing bass guitar for various bands both inside and outside the SF Bay Area. He has toured with multiple acts throughout the US and also played with local Bay Area bands La Ventana, Zarate/Pollace Project, Milagro, Secret Sauce, Native Sons and Silver Star. In addition to performing with Jorge Santana, he is currently working simultaneously with both Latin Rock/Reggae/World Music band Ruckatan and top rated Santana tribute band Caravanserai, playing festivals and concerts throughout the western US and beyond.
Brian Camara
Born and raised in the gritty East Bay area of San Leandro, California, Brian Camara is a versatile, creative and relentlessly slamming drummer. He first picked up the drumsticks at age 13 and began lessons with Bay Area pro drummer William Woodley for several years. At 16 Brian was already jamming with numerous punk and metal bands in the Bay Area while remaining active in musical programs in high school such as marching band, winter percussion, and jazz band where he gained formal and classical training on drums and percussion.
Upon high school graduation, Brian dove straight into the drum corps scene. He marched snare for the San Jose State University drumline as well as the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps where he solidified his rudmental chops and toured the states.
In 2008 Brian was picked up by Oakland's extreme metal group Antagony, playing many shows all over California including a West Coast regional tour, which was soon followed by signing a record deal with Deep Send Records and putting out the full length album "Days of Night." Shortly after that album was recorded, he cut a demo for his own metal project with his high school friends, Prelude to Ruin.
In 2009 Brian relocated to Los Angeles to attend PIT @ Musicians Institute where he became a much more well-rounded, solid player by studying in depth different styles such as rock, R&B, funk, jazz, be-bop, Afro Cuban, and Brazilian music with world class teachers Jeff Bowders, Jason Harnell, Donny Gruendler, Andrew Megna, Gary Hess, Fred Dinkins, Ed Roscetti and Chuck Silverman. After successfully graduating with an AA degree from Musicians Institute, Brian scored a gig touring with LA's finest rockabilly band, The Rocketz. The tours consisted of a 6-week spring Midwest tour and a long, 10-week summer full U.S. tour, displaying his chops and showmanship nationwide to the masses.
Brian currently resides back home in the beautiful S.F. Bay Area, where he keeps a busy schedule teaching drum lessons and hitting the stages at many venues, clubs, and festivals with many talented musicians such as Drew Southern, Mike Sallani and Friends, Latin group Mirage, and many other local artists. The two groups he performs with regularly are ABELsound, a funk/jazz trio that grooves throughout the East Bay, and Latin/reggae group The Ruckatan Latin Tribe that kicks the party off, gets the dance floor poppin', and entertains captivated audiences throughout California and beyond.
Marcia Migét
The press see her as "...a treasure;" industry professionals refer to her as "...an artist of uncommon talent and sensibility;' Carlos Santana's description, "...her music reflects a strong, deep and honest commitment to life," an accomplished performer, composer and educator who is the living example of a rich musical heritage, she is 'la Maestra', Marcia Migét.
Marcia is consummate musician performing on saxophone, flute and piano. She is Founder & Artistic Director of Miraflores Academie, a non-profit 501c Music Performance School in San Rafael, CA. An Artist-in-Residence for the National Endowment of the Art's 'Jazz Artist in Schools' Program, Marcia has shared her talents with many audiences throughout the United States performing with a vast array of musicians in several different music idioms. The CD "Marcia Miget Discovery" is a compilation of her original works.
Frank Bailey
Frank Bailey (Frankie B) is one of Northern California's most sought after trumpet players. He was born in Los Angeles, CA, and raised in Northern California. Frank is a widely sought after musician for both recordings and concerts, playing with bands that display a variety of styles from jazz to rock, funk, R&B, top 40 and Latin music. Characteristics of Frank's playing abilities are his fine improvisation skills along with an incredible range. Frankie B worked with Malo from the early 200s to 2008. Frank is currently touring with John Lee Hooker, Jr., fresh off a European tour premiering John's new album "All Odds Against Me." This album has been nominated for a Grammy in 2009. Frank has performed with many different groups from Ray Camacho in the late 70's and early 80's to present day with Roger Smith of the Tower of Power Band. Frank also has worked with Latin legends Tierra from L.A. and is currently featured as a special guest on their new album, "Back On Track." Frank has also had the privilege of performing Big Band style with Ralph Carmicheal from L.A. Frankie B is not only a fine trumpet player, but a very fine vocalist as well. While not ton the road and away from home, Frankie B has his own group called Frankie B. This band plays local venues, wineries, private parties and much more.
Bob Crawford
Bob Crawford was born in Long Beach, California, and raised in the Bay Area with his 12 brothers and sisters. Primarily self-taught, he started playing in bands with his saxophone-playing twin brother during their college years. After graduating, Bob gained experience in various Bay Area ensembles, playing jazz, funk, Latin and Brazilian music. In 2001 he was offered the keyboard chair in Michael Franti's band Spearhead. Bob logged multiple tours throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe and Japan. Bob also recorded on several of Spearhead's albums and appeared on a number of international TV programs with the band. Also with Spearhead, Bob found himself performing with a who's who of international stars, including Tre Anastasio, Me'Shell NDegeOcello, Chuck D, Ani DiFranco, Jack Johnson, Robert Randolph, Woody Harrelson, Mixmaster Mike, as well as members of Ozomatli, Zap Mama, and Galactic.
Bob took a break from extensive touring to spend time with his family and to pursue his own musical vision. Now residing in the East Bay, Bob continues to perform and record with a variety of artists, including Fito Reinoso y su Ritmo y Armonia, Mazacote, Boca De Rio, Greg Errico (Sly and the Family Stone), Ray Obeido, Pete Escovedo, Lee Oskar (War), Lenny Williams and Mic Gillete (Tower of Power), Pedrito Calvo (Los Van Van), Richard Bean (Malo), The New York Gypsy Allstars, as well as members of El Chicano, Santana, Tierra, Big Brother and the Holding Company, and many more.
Recently, Bob has served as the musical director for the Latin Kings Allstar band, which features members from Tower of Power, Malo, and The Whispers. He has worked with the fantastic Alayo Dance Company and the Stagebridge Theatre Group. He has also worked for two years with the San Francisco Symphony's "Adventures in Music" program, bringing music to every public elemetary school in San Francisco. Bob also leads his own piano trio, and is founding member of the Latin jazz-funk band Machina Sol.
