Artist description Rico Monaco & Sol Sons is a Latin rock band based in Orlando, Florida. Their influences include Rock, Latin, World, Pop, Jazz, Funk, etc. Their style is a true "melting pot of music and cultures." International commercial success, artistic integrity, and development of their original Latin rock sound are the goals. They released a 13 song CD in 2001 and have received rave reviews. They have headlined with outstanding results in cities such as Paris, France, San Francisco, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, etc. They have also headlined at the Orlando Arena (Orlando Magic Halftime), Disney’s Epcot Center New Year’s Eve 2002, Hard Rock Live, House Of Blues, Jackie Gleason Theatre, Jacksonville Coliseum, and at many outdoor festivals with thousands of people attending. Rico and the band’s musicianship has been described in the press as "nothing short of stunning" and "top notch instrumentation." Additionally, the band performs as Tito Puente Jrs’ backup band with Rico Monaco as his Musical Director. **When possible, the band adds two to four horns and dancers for large shows.** Considering the popularization of Latin music, the band has a tremendous edge in the music world. Rico Monaco & Sol Sons’ signature sound is ready for all cultures, everywhere.

Music Style A unique blend of Latin Rock. Stunning guitar work and brilliant keyboards with silky smooth vocals on a well crafted bed of Afro-Cuban rythyms. The Santana of a new generation.

Musical Influences Santana, Tito Puente, Latin Rock, World Rock, Pino Danielle, Marc Anthony, Van Halen, BOC

Similar Artists Santana, Latin Rock, World Rock.

Group Members Rico Monaco - Guitar, has worked with platinum producers and has gained notoriety as a stellar guitarist out of Florida. At live performances he leads the band with his emotional, exciting, and professional showmanship abilities. His vision and development of RMSS’ Latin rock sound has proven to be excellent. Freddy "Velvet" Sepulveda - lead vocals, has an incredibly warm and powerful voice. His wonderful tone was added to the band in April 2000 and was the final piece to the puzzle. Peter "Scientist" Buddenbaum - keyboards, attended the Berkeley College Of Music and is Rico’s main songwriting partner. He is a tremendously talented essential ingredient in the band. Dimas "Professor" Sanchez - timbales, bongos & percussion, studied with the best percussionist in Puerto Rico. His abilities and approach have earned him the moniker, "Professor Of Latin Rhythms." Mike "Mon" Mehesan - drums, comes from California via Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas. His dedication and desire to make this band’s rhythm section "smoke" has obviously produced great results. Carlos "C-Los" Hernandez - congas, bongos, percussion & vocals, a New York University Music Major came up playing Rhumba on the streets of the Bronx. His style and passion push the band higher. Gard "Saint" Lewis - bass, studied at SE Louisiana University. His New Orleans roots are a great addition to the band not to mention the hot and spicy grooves he lays down.

Albums Rico Monaco & Sol Sons

Press Reviews Aug. 2001 - Connections Magazine- "Anyone who has seen Rico Monaco & Sol Sons live knows the musicianship of this band is nothing short of stunning... From start to finish, all 13 tracks display the stellar guitar work of Monaco. This latin-flavored, Santana-esque disc sports the finest talent in the biz..." Oct. 11, 2001 - Orlando Weekly - "Orlando Music Awards" issue. ......."Featuring Rico Monaco, easily one of the best guitarists in the area, the collective basks in the glory of outstanding musicianship. The results are documented on a stunning self-titled album, released this year." http://www.orlandoweekly.com/music/tba/archive.asp?tba=180

Location Orlando, Florida - USA

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