Artist Information
Biography
In 2010 we played in South America. In 2011 we have booked shows in cities like Montreal, Boston, Miami, Charlotte, Washington DC and San Juan - PR. Our joyful Latin Rock sound appeals to many markets and our live show has grown into a very touching experience for the audience. If you are looking for a band that delivers an unforgettable moment, please do not hesitate to contact us to learn more.
"[Leonardo Roman's] music is passionate, sexy, sultry and exciting. It is full of life. It’s contagious and bonds with the audience on a high level."- Alexis Katzowits (Vogue Magazine)
"Our mission is to bring joy. In a world with widespread suffering, each of us can take our own action and become a part of the solution. For me, it starts with the feeling transmitted through a song and the connective experience of a live show. This connection inspires the audience to do something for people that need help, joining our effort to open the gates to a better place. A place we call Alegría." – Leonardo Roman
Under the genre of Latin rock, Leonardo Roman’s sound is created with Afro-Latin and Indian percussion, rock guitars, and electronic sampling. Leonardo’s music communicates the vibrancy, struggle and resilience characteristic of both his native country, Colombia, and New York, the city where he has established his artistic identity.
After two years of writing and recording, Leonardo is ready to release his latest work, Open Gates of Alegría. With this EP, Leonardo presents what fuels his life as a musician, an initiative that channels the power of human connection through music into the empowerment of people in need.
Leonardo’s goal is to provide lasting solutions to exemplary families in the poorest areas of Medellin, Colombia, whose will to overcome the trappings of poverty has prevailed despite the regional reign of crime, drugs and violence. More than just a concert, each performance is a call to the audience to get involved with the cause. (See our mission video).
Leonardo's strongest musical influences come from two main fronts: Latin music legends such as Hector Lavoe, Willie Colon, Ruben Blades, and Juan Luis Guerra; and legendary rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Santana, Guns'n Roses and Bon Jovi.
His talent has been recognized with the opportunity to write music for brands like Coca Cola, Miller, and Cover Girl. Some of his earlier recordings were selected for Rhythmlatino 2, a CD compilation of Salsa and Samba songs for Latin dance national competitions.
Between 2006 and 2008 he performed at the MTV3 sponsored Latin Alternative Music Conference, as well as local independent radio and TV shows in New York. With two years of live shows Leonardo built a local fan base that has filled venues like Don Hill's, Mercury Lounge, Crash Mansion and D'antigua. This run was culminated with a sold out acoustic performance at China 1.
In the fall of 2010, Leonardo started his new performing season with two shows in NYC and Boston. In December, he took his Open Gates of Alegría to South America doing several live and TV performances. Spring and Summer 2011 will find Leonardo playing at music festivals in the US (FL, CA, NC), and then, in october 2011, he will head to the Middle East to perform with his full band in Latin Music festival in Dubai.
Instrumentation
Miguel Rodriguez - Bass
Santiago Leon - Guitar
Pablo Vergara - keyboard
Peter Johnson - Percussion & Drums
Discography
EP: Open Gates of Alegria
1. Wait Up
2. I Feel
3. You & I
4. Santa Fe
5. Breakdown
6. Linda Tierra
Official Website
Links
Video
Press
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Live Show Reaction
[+ Show ]
"His music is passionate, sexy, sultry and exciting. It is full of life. It’s contagious and bond...
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Music writing review
[+ Show ]
"He has the ability to craft great songs!. His vocals are heartfelt and campassionate. BRAVO, BRAVO,...
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TV Show
The perfect mix between great music, fun, and social responsibility.
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Local Scene - Live Show
We love your (Leonardo's) energy! We enjoy having you in our studio and please come back soon.
Setlist
Set list:
1. Breakdown
2. Linda Tierra (Spanish)
3. Wait Up
4. Santa Fe (Spanish)
5. Atrapado
6. Cover: Ojala (Silvio Rodriguez - Spanish) acoustic guitar and vocals.
7. You and I
8. Cover: Turn the lIghts Down Low (Bob Marley)
9. I Feel
10. Cover: I wanna know what love is
Aprox.. 60 mins
