TALENT PROFILE

Rico

Bridging Cultures, Uniting Souls, One Note at a Time!

 

Rico is a band defined by its rich, diverse sound, blending sophisticated melodic genres and cultural influences into a unique musical experience. With a style deeply inspired by the legendary Santana, Rico has carved out a niche as the modern-day embodiment of Santana’s spirit and sound. This essence is vividly captured in their albums “Make Music” (2010) and “Casa De Tambores” (2004), where the fusion of genres and ethnicities creates a dynamic and compelling listening experience.

The band’s repertoire extends beyond their original compositions, as they pay homage to their primary influence with a captivating three-hour tribute show dedicated to Santana. However, Rico’s versatility shines through in their ability to seamlessly adapt to various genres. Whether they’re putting their unique spin on covers by Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Kanye West, Jimi Hendrix, or Santana, they bring a fresh and vibrant energy to every performance.

Rico’s sound is an immense, fiery blend of bass, congas, percussion, drums, timbales, keyboards, guitar, and sheer passion. Their music moves listeners both physically and mentally, combining hypnotic Afro-Cuban rhythms with a profound sense of melody that touches the soul. Drawing inspiration from a wide array of musical pioneers in rock, soul, jazz, Afro-Cuban, blues, funk, reggae, and hip-hop, Rico creates a sound that is both eclectic and cohesive.

What You Can Expect to Hear:

Santana Covers: Maria Maria – Oye Como Va – Evil Ways – Black Magic Woman – Soul Sacrifice And More!

ALSO: Bob Marley – Marvin Gaye – Wycelf Jean – Marc Anthony – Al Green – Bobby Cadwell – And More!

Learn More About

Rico

Rico is a dynamic band known for its rich, diverse sound that fuses sophisticated melodic genres and cultural influences. Inspired by the legendary Santana, they deliver original music and a captivating three-hour tribute show dedicated to their hero. Their versatility shines as they reimagine classics from artists like Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, and Jimi Hendrix. With a powerful blend of bass, congas, percussion, and more, Rico’s music moves listeners physically and mentally, drawing from rock, soul, jazz, Afro-Cuban, blues, funk, reggae, and hip-hop. Their mission is to inspire and unite people through the universal language of music, promoting peace, harmony, and happiness.

Rico is:

Ricky Rico Baker: Leader/Guitar & Vocals

Raymond Roque: Drums

Joe Rendon: Congas/Percussion & Vocals

Jesse Tobias: Bass & Vocals

Jaime Claudio: Timbales/Percussion & Vocals

Devin Thompson: Vocals

Ugochi Nwaogwugwu: Vocals

Ben Lewis: Keyboard

Reasons to Book

Bridging Cultures, Uniting Souls, One Note at a Time!

 

Rico is a band defined by its rich, diverse sound, blending sophisticated melodic genres and cultural influences into a unique musical experience. With a style deeply inspired by the legendary Santana, Rico has carved out a niche as the modern-day embodiment of Santana’s spirit and sound. This essence is vividly captured in their albums “Make Music” (2010) and “Casa De Tambores” (2004), where the fusion of genres and ethnicities creates a dynamic and compelling listening experience.

The band’s repertoire extends beyond their original compositions, as they pay homage to their primary influence with a captivating three-hour tribute show dedicated to Santana. However, Rico’s versatility shines through in their ability to seamlessly adapt to various genres. Whether they’re putting their unique spin on covers by Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Kanye West, Jimi Hendrix, or Santana, they bring a fresh and vibrant energy to every performance.

Rico’s sound is an immense, fiery blend of bass, congas, percussion, drums, timbales, keyboards, guitar, and sheer passion. Their music moves listeners both physically and mentally, combining hypnotic Afro-Cuban rhythms with a profound sense of melody that touches the soul. Drawing inspiration from a wide array of musical pioneers in rock, soul, jazz, Afro-Cuban, blues, funk, reggae, and hip-hop, Rico creates a sound that is both eclectic and cohesive.

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Overview

Summary

Dark Side of the Yule: Where Classic Rock Meets Holiday Spirit!

 

Classical Blast’s Dark Side of the Yule is a live holiday concert like no other, where Christmas meets classic rock in a spectacular fusion of sound. Featuring world-class musicians, the show blends classic rock hits with holiday favorites, baroque carols, and more in unique and unexpected ways. With powerful performances of songs from their Dark Side of the Yule album, along with new additions each year, this concert creates a lasting impression that resonates well beyond the holiday season.

The magic of Dark Side of the Yule lies in its ability to explore the many sides of the holidays. Is it Christmas, rock, pop, or traditional? It’s all of these, woven into musical stories that delve into the darker, reflective themes of the season before emerging into the light. This emotionally rich, multi-genre experience is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, taking audiences on a unique and unforgettable holiday journey.

In December of 2024, the band’s holiday album, Whiter Shade of Winter, has added even more excitement to their repertoire. Released to strong sales, extensive streaming, and international airplay, the album earned Classical Blast recognition as the 2nd most requested indie band on the Canadian-based internet station “Christmas Songs Radio.” They’ve also been featured in two segments on WGN-TV Midday News and on multiple NPR radio stations, further cementing their status as holiday favorites. Additionally, the band made a special appearance at the Chicago Blackhawks Holiday Celebration at the United Center, performing in the Atrium and in the Arena during the first game break for nearly 20,000 fans—winning over the crowd in every sense of the word.

Dark Side of the Yule has become a hit across the Midwest, selling out 150-500-seat theaters in four states and earning rave reviews from fans of rock, classical music, and holiday classics alike. Whether you’re drawn to its powerful fusion of genres, its stunning musicianship, or its fresh take on the holiday season, this captivating performance will change the way you experience the magic of Christmas!

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What You Can Expect To Hear:

  • The Animals
  • The Beatles
  • Buffalo Springfield
  • John Lennon
  • Phil Collins
  • Procol Harum
  • Van Morrison
  • Evanescence
  • Faith Hill
  • Amy Grant
  • Janis Joplin
  • Joni Mitchell
  • Metallica
  • Moody Blues
  • Oasis
  • Pentatonix
  • Pink Floyd
  • The Podgues
  • Radiohead
  • Simon & Garfunkel
  • Sting

and more!

  • Amazing Grace
  • Ave Maria
  • Carol of the Bells
  • Coventry Carol
  • Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy
  • Do You Hear What I Hear?
  • Game of Thrones Theme
  • Greensleeves
  • God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 
  • I Wonder As I Wander
  • In the Bleak Midwinter
  • Mary Did You Know?
  • Nightmare Before Christmas
  • Nutcracker Suite
  • Silent Night
  • Swingle Bells
  • What Child is This?
  • Where Are You Christmas?

and more!

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