meet the band
JeSánte (Jessica Colasante)
Lead Vocals
A true New York blend of Soul, Acid Jazz, R&B, Latin, Jazz, Funk and beyond combined with meaningful lyrics and fierce energetic live shows JeSánte delivers the complete package. The young New Yorker has dedicated her life to singing and continues to wow audiences all over the world.
Her debut album entitled Jessi Colasante, is a collection of songs that highlight her incredible vocal range and musical diversity and run the gamut from Latin beats to funky soul to slow jazz to Afro-Cuban downtempo to everything in between. Though the songs vary in style, they are similar in theme. “My lyrics mirror my life,” she explains. “I want people to know that there are many struggles when moving toward your dream, it is not easy, but the fight is worth it when you get there!”
“I write what I know. I sing from my soul.” ~ JeSánte
Anthony Richards
Piano, Keyboards, Sequencer & Programming
Anthony's passion for music was sparked at a very young age due to the variety of music being played on radio and TV in the early 70's along with the sounds of jazz music his mother played in the house on weekends. His musical education began in grade school and continued throughout his years as a music major in college where drums were his focus of study along with music theory and composition. During this time Anthony also became an accomplished guitarist, bassist, keyboard player and composer of original music. Currently he is the keyboardist for New York's premiere Santana Tribute Band—Milagro. Visit them at Milagrolive.com
Mark Rowser
Saxophone, Flute, Djembe, Cajon, Percussion
Raised in the sounds of 70s and 80s, Mark was immersed in contemporary jazz, r&b, funk, latin music, classic rock, and new wave. While never actually picking up an instrument until college, Mark began teaching himself clarinet, flute and saxophone. After college he began playing out at various open jams throughout Long Island. Picking up the djembe, as well as the bongos and conga, Mark began adding percussion to his list of skills. Playing percussion and saxophone with various dj companies, as well as dance and Zumba classes, he developed a true passion for groove oriented dance music. He currently plays with the bands Soul Purpose, Black & Blue Rolling Stones Tribute and many singer songwriters in the NYC area.
Richie Guerrero
Congas, African Drums, Percussion
Originally from Astoria NY, Richie spent his early years honing his unique percussive sound in Greenville, SC and in the jazz clubs on River St. in Savannah, GA before eventually returning to NY. For over 30 years, he has been playing, studying and teaching both drums and percussion with a specific focus on Latin, Brazilian and African influences.
Richie got hooked on the music of Santana, El Chicano, Malo, Osibisa, Mongo Santamaria and many other Latin, Funk, Soul and Jam Rock artists. At a young age, he would listen to his father’s vinyl records and decided he "wanted to play that music". He is also known for Djembe Ensemble drumming and leading hand drum circles and classes all over Long Island.
Visit Richie Drums & Percussion on Facebook for his many projects.
Joe Pauley (Former Member)
Timbales, Electronic Drums, Percussion
A driving force behind his band "Latinology," Joedy grew up in Puerto Rico and Miami absorbing the rich culture and applying it to his music. A seasoned drum kit player, he eventually focused on timbales and percussion and has a vast knowledge of Salsa, Merengue, Cha Cha and Jazz which he evokes in his playing. He is also a sound engineer, producer and a whizz in setting up microphones and sound on stage and in the recording studio. Currently he is the timbale player and co-founder of Latinology. Visit them at latinologymusic.com
