by rudyards | September 20th, 2013
Fondue Monks (Houston, TX)
https://www.fonduemonks.com
The Fondue Monks play “Texas Funk” with a groove that remains true to their Texas roots. Driven by a dedication that borders on obsession, the Fondue Monks are totally committed to the crowd and married to the beat. Their live performance is a combination of raw energy, emotion and a vibe that is captivating and infectious.
The original lineup has remained unchanged since the band was formed in April of 1991.
Denver Courtney – Lead Vocal
Denver combines a commanding stage presence with a powerful vocal style. His extensive background in theater and passion for poetry enable him to mesmerize an audience with insightful lyrics and a powerful delivery. “Denver is the soulfire of the band. Brought down from the wind and
exhaled like some ass shaking love child of Elvis and Jim Morrison, Scientificly impossible and yet as real as air itself.”
Steve Olson – Guitar
Steve is a graduate of the renowned Berklee College of Music. In addition to his formal training Steve has 20 years of live performance experience. Steve is a veritable cornucopia of guitar styles. His history includes live performance and studio session work with funk, R&B, rock and countless jazz artists.
Ronnie Zamorano – Drums
Ronnie has a unique style that elevates him high above your average keeper of time. His ability to maintain a rock solid beat is the central element in the funk formula. Ronnie has recently returned from Iraq, where he worked for a private contractor, and has returned to his music with an energy and enthusiasm that enhances his live performance. Ronnie and his brother Rozz lock into a groove that drives the Fondue Monks like a well-oiled machine.
Rozzano Zamorano – Bass Guitar
Rozz received his first bass guitar from his father at the age of twelve and still plays it to this day. Rozz has received countless nominations for best bassist in the Houston Press and won the honor in 2002. An ardent fan was once overheard saying, “Referring to Rozz as just another bass player is like calling the Golden Gate just another bridge”. Rozz plays both acoustic and electric bass with an in your face jaw dropping style that brings the art of bass playing to a new level, moving the bass beyond simply being a rhythm instrument and introducing it as a lead soloist vehicle.
Yoko Mono (Houston, TX)
https://www.facebook.com/yokomonoband
The Yoko Mono project began in the summer of 2007, shortly after the break-up of the highly acclaimed Rock en Español band “Chango Jackson”. Singer/songwriter Moises Alanis began writing and recording new songs and the idea of starting another band started falling into place. With the help of Vlady Castellano (of Super Naco fame), the material for what will be Yoko Mono’s first independent release was completed. Moises called on past band members and friends to help complete the line-up, and began rehearsing. Within one month the band made its debut and quickly made its way into high-profile venues and opening shows for national touring acts.
Yoko Mono plans to release and E.P. in the spring 2013, and is currently planning a number of tours of the U.S. and Mexico. The filming of a music video for their first single “Nausea” is also in the works.
Moises Alanis has been featured in Rolling Stone magazine as a Budweiser True Music Artist and has shared the stage with many international touring acts such as:
Mana, Molotov, Control Machete, El Tri, Maldita Vecindad, Alek Syntek,Aterciopelados, Kinky, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
Rozzano Zamorrano has been featured on many albums nationally and is sponsored by Dean Markley Strings. He has won the Houston Press award for “Best Bass Player” twice and also won a national battle of the bands contest sponsored by Shiner Bock Beer. He has shared the stage with international touring acts such as:
Yes, Lenny Kravitz, Cheap Trick, Van Halen, B.B. King, Eric Johson, Smashmouth
