the band: Jeff Santiago: vocals, guitars Andy Marshall: bass, backing vocals Chris Jourat: drums Lori Friesthler: backing vocals Rozinante is groove rock with a conscience. The music is set by percussive rhythms which lay down a foundation for lyrics that are both a social commentary as well as an interpersonal reflection. Rozinante is a project formed by singer/songwriter Jeff Santiago in 2001. Santiago, a product of NYC, has been performing on the southern California music scene since moving there in 1997. This is when he truly gained his experience while playing with numerous projects in LA. With these projects he played LA's famed stages such as the Whiskey a go-go, Coconut Teaszer, Martini Lounge and the Hollywood Athletic Club. Feeling the growing pains, Santiago embarked on a solo journey. He began playing solo shows regularly at the Crooked Bar on LA's Sunset Strip. As the audiences grew, he invited many different players to lend a hand, ranging from vocalists, percussion, bass and harmonica players. Although there's a great music scene in southern California, it's not enough. So, Santiago headed to the U.K. in the fall on 1999. In London, he played places like the Acoustic Cafe and The Spot. After receiving a warm welcome there it was off to Dublin, IRL. There he played for the crowds in the Temple Bar pubs. Special moments include playing at McCabe's Pub completely unplugged, under candleabra lighting, with the locals and busking on Grafton Street before an international crowd. Upon returning home to southern California, he continued to play his home turf at his regular spots and other clubs like the Knitting Factory LA and 14 Below. But with the travel bug still looming large, he also made a point of returning to New York City a few times a year to perform in places like The Lion's Den and Kenny's Castaways, building on his native NYC following. Santiago wanted to offer not only the intimate acoustic shows, but the full on electric experience as well. And thus it was time to form Rozinante. Santiago recruited veteran players Andy Marshall, bass, and Chris Jourat,drums, for the electric shows. Andy Marshall, born in Trinidad, comes to us via Toronto. He's responsible for the fat bass, melodic and pumpin'. He also brings his vast music theory knowledge to the table. Chris Jourat, born in Paris and raised southern Californian, thumps the skins. He's played the Hollywood scene inside out with bands like Fur Bucket, Craze and Media Whore. Here's a drummer who likes to take arrangements and turn them upside down, on thier side and make 'em extra crispy. These three players together create and amalgam of global experience. An honorable mention goes out to Lori Freisthler who occasionally joins the band in their LA shows and recordings to provide her sultry harmonies. In December 2001, Rozinante headed into the recording studio. They haed the privilege of working with guru producer/engineer Jim Morgan, whose credits include Billy Preston, George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. They recorded, mixed and mastered their independent CD debut, "A Road To Anywhere", at Silent Sound Studios in West Hollywood, CA. The full length CD includes fan favorites like the pumpin' "Cradle My Will" and the sultry "Seen This World." While southern California is where they reside, Rozinante hope to make the world a place to play.