Vinny Only The Beginning CD

High Energy Band. Vinny and Ray are redefining Latin Music. They lead 11 musicians in a superior musical performance reflecting their musicianship and showmanship. Their ability to play music comes from their soul.... A must see!Vinny Perez and Ray Perez are twin brothers, Puertorriqueños, born in the Bronx. Today they live and work in Connecticut. Their love for Latin Music comes from their ethnic background. Singing and dancing was always a part of growing up. During their high school years they began to play their instruments and they loved it! It became part of them just as they became part of their instruments....They played for different bands until they formed their first band. Their first band consisted of 5 members and was known as 'ORQUESTA PRESION" They became a local favorite band with their original songs and jamming style. They played at Block Parties, Colleges, Festivals and Dances... The band branched out and eventually they formed VINNY AND RAY. The public recognized them by their names so they decided to keep it that way. Vinny and Ray's band have played in venues such as: AFB in Washington, DC, the Catskills in NY, The International Arts and Idea Festival in New Haven. The Riverfront Recapture in Hartford,. Some of their opening acts were for Tito Puente, Ritchie Havens, etc.....Their musical influence is as varied as their music... Luis "Perico" Ortiz, Isidro Infante, Eddie Palmieri, Poncho Sanchez, Tito Rodriguez, Tito Nieves, are some of the artists that influenced them.... Their unique style in playing and breathing Latin music transfers to the audience and you can see the synergy between the musicians and the public. Their performance always involves solos, percussion jams, big band sounds and a smooth, eclectic stage presence.December 1, 2003.Ardel Records is pleased to announce that VINNY AND RAY is the recipient of the "Best Original Latin Song of the 2003" presented by the Independent Music Awards. The award winning song "Rumba en el Barrio" is featured on their first album "Only the beginning" (released in 2002). The news will be officially posted in January at the following site:http://www.musiciansatlas.com/winners.asp

Personnel: Vinny Perez (vocals, flute, trumpet, flugelhorn); John A. Mendoza (acoustic guitar); Chris Herbert (tenor saxophone); George Reyes, Freddy Ramos, Edward Chansky (trombone); Victor Ramos (piano, bass, percussion); Glenn Masso (piano); Wendy Taylor, Luis Rivera (bass); Ray Perez (conga, percussion); Jacqueline Santana, Carmen Gloria Pena (background vocals).
Recorded at Shock Recording Studios, Bridgeport, Connecticut.