RICO MONACO & SOL SONS
Click here to view the current
one-page BIO
“Rico
Monaco & Sol Sons EPK Live Video Clips" at http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=40822720
from around the world!” See video clips of RMSS performing in Paris and
San Francisco, Walt Disney Worlds Epcot Center headlining New Year's Eve, Cabo Wabo
Cantina, Mexico, Hard Rock Live Orlando with special guests Tito Puente Jr and Sammy
Hagar. The video demonstrates the some of the reasons why the band has won numerous awards
and traveled the world with their music.
Awards
2008 Best Latin Act
(with an original release)
2004 Best Latin Act
2003 Best Latin Act
As voted by the readers of the
Orlando Weekly
2002 National Battle Of The Bands Champion
(as chosen by
Musician Of The Year - Rico Monaco
CD Of The Year – Rico Monaco & Sol Sons
Band Of The Year - Rico Monaco & Sol Sons
Song Of The Year – “Tell Me” by Rico Monaco
& Sol Sons
Rico warming up before a gig at Hard Rock Live.
Live shows by RMSS are legendary.
Rico Monaco - guitar, vocals, musical
director, has worked with platinum producers and has gained notoriety as a stellar
guitarist out of Florida. His production and vision for RMSS has gained the band
many accolades and awards in the music business. Rico won "Musician Of The
Year" honors in 2002 at the JINO Awards. Many superstar musicians and producers
have praised him for his outstanding emotionally driven guitar work, showmanship,
songwriting, and strong leadership of RMSS. His cultivation of his bands' great
reputation, sound, and "following" have led to major shows and exposure around
the world.
Dimas "Professor" Sanchez - drums, timbales, bongos & percussion, studied with the best percussionist in Puerto Rico. His abilities and approach have earned him the moniker, "Professor Of Latin Rhythms." He has been with Rico since RMSS was formed in Orlando in 1998. He is a great musician and powerful player. His brother David Sanchez is a Latin Grammy winning saxophonist and is world reknowned. Dimas obviously had a powerful influence on his brother.
Luis Rojas - bass, backing vocals, he is an accomplished musician who is very professional and always prepared. His Latin roots from Costa Rica give him a unique perspective and style. Luis is a great musician that has a great feel and is very proficient in many different styles of music.
Nelson Robles -lead vocals, keys. A great vocalist, keyboard player, and writer from New Jersey! Nelson has the classic influence of his Latin heritage and the edge of a New York style musician. He is a welcome addition to the band because of his commitment and passion for RMSS' sound.
Zoraida - lead and backing vocals. Zoraida has
great experience from her last group Mpress which toured with national acts, performed on
national TV, and released a record. She is an excellent onstage performer and brings
a much appreciated exciting female presence to the stage. Her work ethic is
undeniable.
Carlos "Clos" Hernandez-
congas, timbales- Carlos is a talented percussionist and
writer from the funky streets of the Bronx New York. Coming from such a competitive
environment has made Carlos that much better. He co-wrote the RMSS Song Of The Year
with Rico and Pete Buddenbaum, "Tell Me" and he continues to be a valuable
member of RMSS.
Jose Rosa - congas, bongos,
percussion & vocals. from Puerto Rico. Toured with the legendary trumpet
player Arturo Sandoval for 2 years! A well studied, disciplined percussionist with great
ability and decication to the band.
SUBS/Additional musicians- take over when needed!
Jessie Caraballo - drums, percussion- Jessie is the main
percussionist for world famous Salsa/Pop vocalist Marc Anthony & Jennifer Lopez!
Jessie is an amazing talent and has a tremendously positive attitude as well. He
and Rico really ROCK OUT when they are onstage together. Whenever he is off the
road, he loves performing & recording with Rico and his projects (RMSS & The New
Centurions).
Eddie "Gua-Gua" Rivera - bass, one of the most respected bass players in Latin music in the world from NYC! He is a member of the "Latin Legends" world traveling famous group. He has performed with Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Larry Harlow, etc.... He has recorded on over 500 CDs! He is simply a legend in the latin music world. (PERIOD). RMSS is proud to say that Eddie loves what the band is doing and where we are heading.
Peter Affa -keys. An excellent keyboardist from upstate New York who attended Berkley College of music in Boston. He is also an excellent vocalist and performs with RMSS & The New Centurions. He and Rico have a great working chemistry onstage and behind the scenes. He is a rare player indeed. His work ethic is unquestionably professional.
Joel Lopez - keys, backing vox. Joel is a young upcoming producer of music and a long time friend of Jessie Caraballo. When onstage together they play off each other like no other combination. Joel is a talented musician and is producing some great Latin Christian artists.
Horns - Trombones- Dean Dukes, James Hosmer, Corey Powell
Trumpets- Bill Carmichael, John "JR" Ritchey, Mark Zauss, John "JD"
Castleman among others....
Press & Quotes
“Rico Monaco & his band are serious musicians who won a
National Battle Of The Bands in 2002 sponsored by Cabo Wabo & Hard Rock Café. I personally chose them & have had the
pleasure of jamming with Rico on many occasions at the Cabo Wabo Cantina.
From Van Halen to Santana Rico
Rocks!……
Rico Monaco and Sol sons, what can I say. Hands down the best band
I have worked with in years. A sound very unique and can truly play the great music from
Santana to Tito Puente. I get great pleasure every time we hit the stage together and jam.
"Es un Descarga Tremenda!"
Patricia
James (on air personality) on the air on WLOQ 103.1 Orlando
June 2006.
“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. Orlando Weekly Music Awards issue
September, 2002 - Jazz in Orlando - "You may know their music already. If not, get to know it because he’s the guy just described ... an amazing and talented guitarist who plays great shows consistently, puts all of his energy into delivering entertainment, is professional, has good business sense, works hard, and appreciates his listeners and fans."