Mambo_tropical, Aptos, CA
Mambo Tropical, is a non-stop journey through some of the hottest contemporary and classic Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue and Reggaeton sounds of our time. Steeped in the rich Afro-Cuban music traditions and led by the vocals of Diana Rivera, this collection is sure to be a favorite of Latin music fans everywhere. The band can perform to a wide range of requirements from a small, quiet combo to a swingin' full-on 12-piece powerhouse. We are currently working on a new music video "Mi Suegra" which we plan to have on Gigmasters soon as well as a new CD so please stay tuned..
Mambo Tropical features Vocalists Diana Rivera and Ric Feliciano. The Rhythm Section includes Joaquin Pla on Timbales, Oscar "Papo" Martinez on Congas,Shane Cantanho on Piano, Jim Polizzi on Bass, and various other percussionist of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Diana "Baby D" Rivera, Lead Vocalist and Percussionist, is the baby of the band. Born and raised in Bogota' Colombia, Diana was born with Clave in her heart and has been influenced by all of the classic Cuban and Afro-Colombian sounds; bringing this experience into her music today. Baby D is recognized for her singular vocal style and energy on stage in every performance; making you feel the FUN of Mambo Tropical. Her style focuses on different Latin rhythms like Salsa, Cumbia and Merengue. Baby D's influences are Celia Cruz, Celina Reutilio, La India, Los Van Van de Cuba, and Hector Lavoe.
Ric "Mightybone" Feliciano - Lead Singer, Songwriter, Trombonist, Background Vocals, Keyboardist
Ric, who is a Puerto Rican from New York City (Nuyorican) is a Singer, Songwriter, Keyboardist & Trombonist. Working for 30 years in music business, Ric has performed with Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Foreigner, Pete Escovedo, John Lee Hooker, Jr. and many others. Ric was an integral part the Grammy nominated album, Phil Driscoll's "Warriors" (Word Records 1994). Ric now lends his astounding musical writing talents as well as his gift with arrangements to Mambo Tropical's upcoming album. Ric's influences are Willie Colon, Jimmy Bosch, Hector Lavoe, and Chino Nunez with the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Marc Anthony, and Horn Bands from the 60's and 70's R&B era.
Joaquin Pla - Percussion
Born in Barranquilla, Colombia from a musical family consisting of six brothers & two sisters all of which play in different groups. Juaquin has played and recorded with flautist Nester Torres, the Lucho Bermudez Orchestra as well as Grupo Niche.
Shane Cantanho - Piano
Shane began classical training in the third grade & then began playing jazz in high school & won the outstanding solo award at the Herb Patnoe Jazz Festival. He also has a BA in improvised music from SJSU
Jim "Jimbo" Polizzi - Acoustic Bass
Jim brings a great classic sound to the foundation of the band with his classic salsa instrument, the "Baby" Bass. "Jimbo's" captivating and pulsating bass patterns and sounds provokes audiences out of their seat and on to dance floors everywhere Mambo Tropical performs.
Mambo Tropical has come a long way, and has evolved into their own unique sound. What we have today we would have never had without the influence of our dear sister, Yvette Watts, who left us and the world in 2013. We can all still hear her on our first CD which we recorded in 2004 with Percussionist Pete Escovedo. We can still feel her in our music and occasionally she will whisper to us from heaven. Gone but never forgotten.
