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Meleni - lead vocals
Meleni's singular ability to translate her own experiences into songs that reach into the hearts and minds and nerves of her listeners is a remarkable talent that's already been recognized by: a) ASCAP, who granted her a songwriting award in 2003; b) the music producers behind the #1 box office smash "Hitch," which features Meleni's "Happy" on its soundtrack; and c) a loyal and steadily-growing fanbase, who travel to hip New York hotspots like Joe's Pub, S.O.B.'s, and the Knitting Factory to share in the magic of this electrifying young star on the rise. The release of Some Kind Of Urban, her debut album, signals the arrival of a versatile new voice in pop music. |
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Marshella Griffen - background vocals
Marshella Griffin has been performing professionally since the age of 10.
She is an accomplished singer, actress (commercial, t.v. and film), television host, model and make-up artist.
Marshella is a soprano that sings a range of styles like Gospel, Spirituals, Jazz, R&B and Classical.
As a youth and through her adulthood, she studied at the Indiana University School of Music. One of her main focuses in college was the Indiana University African-American Choral Ensemble under the Direction of Dr. James Mumford, where she was a member for 4 year’s. She also was a member of the Elite group, “Sojourner” which was a contemporary gospel group within the Choral Ensemble. Marshella’s motto is to “Put God first and everything else will follow”. |
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Shannon Kennedy - saxophones and flute
19-year-old Shannon Kennedy, is a young female saxophonist making a name for herself in the smooth jazz and pop music industry. As said by Paul Hodgins, in an article entitled Poste Haste – The Sounds of Child Prodigies, that appeared in the 2006 issue of the OC Post, "Kennedy [plays] with confidence that belies her youth." Shannon has three album releases to her name, the first of which was released at the age of 17. She has performed with artists including Craig Chaquico and Starship, Peter White, 10,000 Maniacs, James Torme, Michael Lington, Candy Dulfer, Eric Marienthal, et al. Dubbed the female smooth jazz saxophonist of the next generation by many, Shannon Kennedy looks forward to a career in saxophone performance. |
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Teddy Kyle - trumpet and background vocals
Teddy Kyle first began to play trumpet as a full time musician at the young age of 16, and since has made a name for himself touring with band such as the Gap Band, Ike Turner, Tina Marie, and Barry White. Kyle is also an accomplished composer; he wrote the Sand Diego Charger theme song when he was 16. Recognized as an "in demand" studio musician, Teddy Kyle has had opportunities to work in the studio recording on movies with the cast including actresses such as Courtney Cox and Pam Anderson. His influences include Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, and Lee Morgan. |
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Ruben Aguilar - guitar
Ruben Aguilar started playing guitar at age 14, and developed a wide interest in the instrument ranging from acoustic folk, classical, latin, flamenco to the electric jazz,blues and rock music. Eventually he attended the Conservatory of Music in Mexico city. By age 19 he was playing clubs professionally working with several Los Angeles local bands, Candela, Limelight, The rhythm express to name a few. Playing different styles of music it`s been an important aspect of learning about the craft, it creates a wider range of rhythms and approaches. Mr. Aguilar is currently writing, recording and producing his own music and has participated in the John Lennon songwriting contest and made the final 10. |
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Vince Washington - bass
A native Philadelphian , Vince brought the "Philly Sound" to California. An experienced bassist with twenty plus years of providing the low frequencies to area bands and music projects, he has performed at most of the area's venues. His influences span many of the great bassists. He plays Modulus, Fender and Yamaha basses through SWR amplification. |
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Mark Lopez - keyboards
Mark is our crown jewel in the Taboo Band. Mark is the senior player in our ensemble and has performed and toured with many legendary icons such as Marilynn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. Mark is also an accoplished singer song writer with many credits to his name for professional publications, recordings and special quest perfomances for his many colaborations. Mark plays Yamaha keyboards exclusively. |
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Tonatiuh Hernández - percussion
Tonatiuh Hernández, at the age of 22, is striving to make his own mark in the music world. Being the “new kid in town,” Tonatiuh is dedicated to establishing a name, reputation and level of musicianship that will undoubtedly gain the respect of his peers and allow him to excel further in the music industry. Tonatiuh has performed live with a variety of groups in and around the LA area. He has also been seen performing on such TV shows as “Despierta America” and NBC’s “Age of Love.” Tonatiuh’s most recent project has been with smooth jazz recording artist Kenny G to promote his newly released Latin album “Rhythm and Romance.” Tonatiuh is currently endorsed by Tycoon Percussion. |
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Manny Ramos - drums
LA session musician and producer, Manny Ramos, works regularly in the the contemporary jazz, gospel, and pop genres throughout the US. He has had the opportunity to perform with known acts including Howard Huntsberry, George Black, and Billy Bathstone. He is also the drummer for International Sensation Banig.
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