RICO MONACO & SOL SONS
1. Click here to view the current One-Page Bio
2. RMSS
"Trailer" for the new DVD/CD released Dec. 2009
"So Alive from the Sunshine State."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgrmZF5wxuU
3. “Rico Monaco & Sol Sons EPK
Live Video Clips" at http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=40822720
or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74F5v_EXJhI
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-NEW 2010 added
2010 Best Latin Act-
2010 Gibson Opening Act Winner-
Opened the show for Tears For
Fears! (Highest
voted original act)
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
RMSS at Uptown Altamonte at Cranes Roost Park
07-16-10 (photo by
Scott Tucker)
Rico Monaco - guitar, vocals, musical
director, has performed with national acts, platinum producers and has gained
international notoriety as a stellar guitarist out of Florida. He has produced all
of RMSS recordings and is the main songwriter of the band. His leadership and
vision for RMSS has helped the band win many accolades and awards in the music
business. Rico won "Musician Of The Year" honors in 2002 at the JINO
Awards. The band has a won a national battle of the bands sponsored by Hard Rock
Cafe & Cabo Wabo Tequila, won Best Latin Act 5 of the last 8 years in Orlando, won
song of the year, CD of they year, etc. 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.
Page Quintana -lead vocals, is an excellent showman with a unique voice that combines Latin salsa with R & B stylings. He performed with RMSS around the world and has been a big contributor to the band by drawing large numbers to shows. He is a classic lead vocalist who gets your attention and put's on a show. He has toured with Puerto Rican merengue singer Giselle as well as had his own succesful CD release.
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.
Paul "Pablo D-Iguana" D
- Bass, backing vocals. The southern Californian
native brings a great new vibe to the RMSS stage. Professionalism, comittment, and
talent. He is a great asset that helps solidify the rhythm section and is a great
team player. He lays down a great groove which is everything in the world of RMSS.
Robert "The Polish-Siciliano" Butkowski- drums. This Mississippian graduated from Middle Tennessee University music program studies and work under the instruction of a world class drummer, Keith Carlock. He has shown the rock solid demeanor and focus to help bring the band to the next level. He has toured nationally and is the type of model professional that band needs to compete on the highest level.
Brian "88 Fingers" Giarraffa-
keyboards, vocals. An excellent keyboard player raised
in Queens, New York City which gives him the musical edge he has developed. He
studied music in Manhattan, NY and he carries on his father's legacy in the music business
along with his brothers. He has a firm handle on jazz fusion, pop, rock, and of
course, Latin styles.
SUBS/Additional musicians- take over when needed!
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.
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).
Tony Miceli- vocals. Tony is a multi-instrumentalist producer who has worked with the band on and off since 2004. He had major success with his company Sound Deluxe recording sound tracks for major films and engineered/recorded every sound track at the Universal Studios Orlando resort among many other credits.
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
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.
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.
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.
Nelson Robles -lead vocals, keys. A good 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. .
Horns - Trombones- Dean Dukes, James
Hosmer, Corey Powell,
Trumpets- Bill Carmichael, John "JR" Ritchey, Mark Zauss, John "JD"
Castleman
Tuba-Josh Parsons, 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
“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."