Michael Santoro

Michael Santoro has been a presence in the New York music scene since 1980. He began playing guitar in 1976 at age 13 and immediately started his first band with Joe Adelfio, Dave Giffen (Alice Donut), and Tom Di Fiore. In 1978 Michael joined up with Albert Victor, Frank Todaro and Mark Greenfield in their band "NTH", performing gigs in lower Westchester County from 1978 to 1981. In 1980 at the age of 17, Michael was playing and writing with reggae superstar KIDDUS I ("ROCKERS" the movie) as well as IVAN KRAL (Patti Smith, Iggy Pop). Being a part of the "ROCKERS" scene, Michael played and recorded at P.A.W.S (Professional Artist Work Shop). PAWS was owned by "Rockers" producer PATRICK HULSEY and was a favorite studio of Mick Jagger's among many other notable artists. Patrick Hulsey encouraged Michael's playing and summoned him for various musical endeavors. This collaboration helped to pour the foundation for Michael's writing and recording career.In 1986 Michael was playing with RONNIE WOOD and stellar Australian banjo player MARK COLLINS.In 1987 he was in Lewes, England collaborating with KEITH EMERSON.From 1988 to 94' Michael teamed up with MICKEY CLEAN (DOWNTOWN 81' Movie) & THE MEZZ, replacing Asa Brebner (Jonothan Richmond) on guitar. This band also featured LENNY FERRARI (Lou Reed, DOWNTOWN 81' Movie) on drums and MARVIN WRIGHT (JuniorWalker & the All Stars) on bass. During this collaboration Mickey and Michael staged momentous shows at CBGB's.In 93'-94' Santoro caught the ear of legendary engineer/producer RAY BARDANI (Luther Vandross, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Bob James) producing "Alcohol of Fame" and "Keep on Looking".Michael continued on to play , record and produce his own music in NYC with engineer MARTIN BISI (Herbie Hancock, Sonic Youth) under the auspices of Sacred Bull Entertainment . He was managed by JAMES "J.P." PULLIS, working venues such as "Downtime" and "China Club".Growing up under the influence of his illustrious older brother Tom , J.P. (proprietor of nightclubs "Trax" and "J.P.s") and legendary concert producer KEITH KEVAN had quite an impact on Michael. This experience led to a very prolific time in Santoro's writing career- recording "Karma Kops" , "You Can't Run Away", I Can't Deny It", "All Night", "The Gig's Over" and many others.He now plays in the animated alt. funk/hip hop band "RAGZ MO' ROCKA" with the multi talented rapper/illustrator AL DIAZ, and producer/musician extrordinaire ISH ALLEN. Their first independent release "Rising of the Phoenix" was met by national critical acclaim in March of 2005.Check RAGZ MO" ROCKA at cd baby- http://cdbaby.com/cd/ragzmorocka/from/glono