JENNIFER ARIADNE SOTOLONGO is originally from Mexico, born of a Mexican mother and Cuban father. She has demonstrated her artistic abilities from an early age. Her father was a drummer, and his musical influence helped in the development of her talents. Her father's influence of Rock, Jazz, Soul, Funk, and Flamenco, became a part of her identity. Composing songs, singing, and dancing became part of her childhood games. At the age of 13, she joined ARIADNE joined her Church choir and became the soloist. She began to take part of many festivals and performances in town like the "Buscando Estrellas" Talent Search for Budweiser, and The "Fiestas Patrias" Celebration. ARIADNE graduated as a Vocal Major from The University of St. Thomas in Houston with a BA of Fine Arts in Music. During her studies at UST, she studied and sang Classical, Baroque, Jazz, and Broadway, while continuing to focus on Pop Music and Rock, which is her main interest. She was involved in the various choral ensembles, in Classical, Jazz and Popular Music. ARIADNE became the Female-Lead and back-up vocalist for Mango Punch in the summer of 1999. She was exposed to different Latin styles like Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, as well as Top-40 in English and Spanish. The band participated in the "Triunfando Awards" for the Chamber of Commerce in Houston for three years in a row. They were the opening band for ELVIS CRESPO, at Six Flags Astroworld. They also opened up for the Latin Male Group SON BY FOUR. With Mango Punch, ARIADNE participated in Corpus Christi's Bay Fest for two years, and in ABC's Early Morning show in Corpus Christi, TX. The band was also invited to participate in The Early Morning show for Univision's affiliate in McAllen, TX. Currently, she is involved in various musical projects, that include songwriting and working on a CD of her own original songs, produced by Jose Angel Martinez-Elias from 33rd Dimension Productions. She continues to develop her ideas and is in search for the right people to work with, as well as the opportunity to share her gifts and talents with the world.
JOSE MARTINEZ-ELIAS (guitar)~
This native of Cuernavaca, Mexico brings his personal touch to the band with his rock inspired guitar lics. José has been playing the guitar since the age of 15 when he received an acoustic Mexican guitar from his uncle. Since that day, he has not parted from his beloved instrument, and as a self- taught musician, he has explored various styles of music, particularly influenced by his "idol" Carlos Santana.
His musical career has included his start in his highschool band to playing with various musicians and artists in genres such as Hip-hop, rock, experimental, and R&B.
Besides the guitar, José plays bass, keyboard, percussion, drums, and trumpet.
He is the founder of 33rd Dimension Productions, his self-operated music and video production studio which has allowed him to work with various artist in many genres of music.
He is currently producing ARIADNE'S debut album and produces and co-writes all of the bands music side by side with ARIADNE.
YVANS JEAN-MICHEL (bass)~
Picking up the bass at the age of 13 years old, Yvans Jean-Michel built and polished his bass skills by displaying his talent in his home church. Yvans has become a modest expert at being 'nasty' on the bass guitar. He has been influenced by some of the best bass players on the planet such as James Jamerson, Marcus Miller, Bootsy Collins, Victor Wooten and many others. This Brooklyn native has a particular ear for and knowledge of many different styles and genres of music. Yvans personal style of playing has been described as being a true pocket bassist with a twist of amazing improvising. He also has the ability to step in and out the box with ease. When it comes to Yvans, it is all about the music. Besides the obvious fact that Yvans is a talented, unique bassist, his personality blends with his surroundings. He enjoys keeping the mood light while still staying focused. He is able to take constructive criticism when a particular sound is being looked for. This has allowed him to mold into the broad spectrum of musical styles that exists. He understands the importance of patience, discipline, personality and last but not least, rhythmical timing.
SHELDON CLAY is, in spite of his tender age of 21, is one of the most talented drummers in NYC. His early start in Sunday Church service has paid off to the fullest. While he continues to serve at his Church, Sheldon has expanded his musical horizons by playing with a couple of local bands, including L'una Soul; allowing him to discover new stlyes of music, breaking barriers including those of race, ethnic backgrounds, and language.
Sheldon's drumming cannot be described in a few short words. He makes the most difficult beats seem effortless and without any flaws. Sheldon as the backbone brings his funky and soulful rythms to this latin rock-fusion experience called L'una Soul.
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