THE BAND
CHRISTIAN MORAGA
Percussion & Vocals
CHILE
After taking private lessons from Harbor Conservatory of the Performing Arts in New York with Johnny Almendra, multi-percussionist Christian Moraga, began playing professionally at age 17 by performing in various venues and festivals throughout Santiago. Christian grew up listening to Latin, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Rock, and World music. As a teenager, he was introduced to the rudiments and elements of classic percussion and was inspired to pursue music as a career. Christian’s desire to learn more about Afro-Cuban percussion prompted him to start traveling to Cuba and commence lessons with master percussionist 'Changuito' in addition to some other percussionists with a folkloric background. His travels have also taken him to learn Afro-Peruvian percussion in Peru. Since moving to the United States in 2005, he has performed with renowned artists such as Arturo Sandoval, Chaka Kahn, Frankie Valli, Poncho Sanchez, Harvey Mason, Bob Mintzer, Oscar Hernandez, Conrad Herwig, Gordon Goodwin, Nestor Torres, Bennie Maupin, Justo Almario, Luis Conte, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Tito Nieves, Ismael Miranda, Jimmy Bosh, Fruko, Mongorama and many others. When not touring and recording, Christian teaches privately, giving clinics on a variety of percussion rhythms, and concepts from around the world. Christian is a signature artist for Latin Percussion, Sabian Cymbals and Vic Firth Drumsticks.
While the trombone was the first instrument that he played, he always had an affinity for the bass. During his college years he officially made the switch to the bass. Rene received a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies and Composition from The University of Arizona. Since moving to Los Angeles in 1996, Rene has had the opportunity to explore many musical ventures, both in live performances and sound recordings. Rene began working with many Latin artists, shortly after moving to Los Angeles most notably, a five year stint with Celia Cruz. There were also brief appearances with artists such as Tito Puente.
After these successful endeavors, Rene began branching out to different genres such as Jazz, Soul, R&B, Country, as well as Rock. These career enhancing experiences enabled Rene to record and tour with a wide variety of artists from different musical backgrounds. Artists that he has worked with include: Alex Cuba, Joan Sebastian, Sergio Mendes, Ry Cooder, Oscar Castro Neves, Angelique Kidjo, Linda Ronstadt, Carol Welsman, Raul Malo (The Mavericks), Rickie Lee Jones, Juan Gabriel, The Fifth Dimension, and The Pointer Sisters. Rene continues to actively record with artists from all over the musical world and currently tours with Draco Rosa, Kevin Eubanks, Poncho Sanchez and WAR. Rene is a signature artist for: Gallien Krueger Amps, ESP Basses, Azola Basses, DR Strings and Reunion Blues Gig Bags.
RENE CAMACHO
Bass & Vocals
USA - ARIZONA
FERMIN SIFONTES
Piano & Vocals
CUBA
Since early childhood Fermin has always felt much passion for music and was influenced by the professional musicians and singers in his family. His childhood home was always a gathering place for artists with a strong Cuban flavor. At the age of ten, Fermin began his music studies at the Luis Casa Romero School and later he attended a high school for the gifted in his native Joseph White Music School in Camaguey. It was during these years of intense studying and dedication to his music, he discovered a passion for piano, harmony and composition. Upon graduating, the Afrocuba Orchestra became interested in him so, he traveled to Havana and began his professional career as a pianist, arranger, composer, and singer for the band. This experience influenced him and allowed him the tremendous growth in international tour opportunities. The band toured throughout Europe and one of the highlights was performing at the famous Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London. They also toured in several countries in Latin America and at the end of the tour he decided to relocate to Montevideo, Uruguay. Several years ago, Fermin settled in Los Angeles, California where he continues to grow in his professional career as a pianist, arranger, composer, choir director, and singer. Fermin has worked with Francisco Aguabella Orchestra (piano), Bayaló Orchestra, which is the orchestra of the great, Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz (lead vocal), Mongorama Orchestra which was nominated for a Grammy in 2011 (lead vocals), Charangoa Orchestra (piano, vocals, arranger, composer), AC Timba Orchestra (piano, arranger, composer)
Fermin plays Yamaha Pianos.
At the age of 6, Enzo began his studies at a kindergarten that specialized in musical education, by the age of 9 he was introduced to the classical music world where he picked up the trumpet as his main instrument but also learning piano and percussion as additional instruments. He was 16 when he performed as a soloist at the "Orquesta Sinfonica Juvenil de la Rinconada" and simultaneously was performing in the professional music world playing Pop, Latin, Salsa, Ska and many other styles with many artists. In 1994 he decided to embark on a journey to new frontiers and he moved to Los Angeles California, where he continued his professional career both as a studio musician and an in- demand live performance musician with multiple Grammy award winning artists.
Enzo has toured in 33 countries and he has performed with the Earth, Wind and Fire Experience featuring Al McKay, Frankie Valli, Franco D' Vita, Juan Gabriel, Joan Sebastian, Reily, Paulina Rubio and Grupo Niche. He is also a music producer and composer. His songs have been featured in feature films as well as television shows that have appeared worldwide. Some of his work can be heard in episodes of Dexter, Heroes, CSI and The Shield as well as the 2002, romantic comedy Maid In Manhattan, starring Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes. He currently tours with Panteon Rococo, a famous SKA band from Mexico and also the world-renowned Iranian singer, Googoosh. Enzo is a signature artist for SoundBack Acoustic Monitors and Callicchio Trumpets.
ENZO VILLAPAREDES
Trumpet, Vocals & Percussion
VENEZUELA
