BAUTISTA BAND BIO'S MARK BRISENO Timbales/Shakers/Cowbells Mark was born and raised in San Jose, CA and now lives in the Contra Costa County. He comes from a family of Musicians and was involved with active Musicians in the late 70's in the Bay Area. After being inactive for several years, he has started playing again and has been involved with a Blues and Classic Rock Band. Mark is now looking forward to performing with BAUTISTA and bringing some of his creative flavor to the mix. PAUL SONNABEND Conguero Born and raised in San Francisco, Paul has been drumming since he was 12 years old. A second generation percussionist, his mother a flamenco dancer and father a drummer, rhthym is in his blood. Paul has studied with master drummers from Africa, Cuba and puerto Rico including Olatunji, Mbemba Pangou, Titos Sompa, Raul Rekow, Michael Spiro and Massamba Diop. He has performed, toured and recorded with Beat Freaks, Repercussions, Grupo utrera, Franco Brothers, African Rain, Osumare, Marimba Pacific, Saliva Blue, Earl Thomas, Wazobia, Samba Ngo, Albino, Aphrodesia and many others. He's honored to be playing in Bautista with his old friend Norman. ERIC ENGSTROM Drums Picked up drumming at the age of 9, attended Berklee College of Music 3 semesters, studied with Alan Dawson-renowned jazz drummer, played professionally in Boston/NY area with various original rock (Orchestra Luna) and show bands, toured the US for 1 year with show/dance band, based in Minneapolis for 5 years freelancing Broadway shows, jazz, Latin rock etc. Did 2 tours of Europe. Played in several jazz groups in Tampa, Fl. JIM ALLEN - Bass Bassist Jim Allen is a veteran studio musician and live performer. Raised in Los Angeles, Jim studied music at UCLA and worked with many outstanding musicians including "Richie Havens, Jai Winding, Danny Elfman and members of Oingo Boingo". Playing in clubs and festivals throughout California he has shared the stage with Charlie Musselwhite, Lydia Pense and Cold Blood, Rick Derringer, Jefferson Starship, Shuggie Ots, and Bruce Willis. After relocating to the Bay area, Jim has continued to play and record with many local musicians including Sonny & The Blenders, Levi Lloyd, Jackie Payne, Jami Jamison and BAUTISTA. DAVID DYKSTRA - Rythym/Lead Keyboards & Back up Vocals Perhaps it was growing up hearing classical music and jazz always playing on his Dad's stereo....or listening to all the highly creative Rock and Fusion of the 70's. Whatever the origin, David is a natural talent who's focus has often been on improvisational music in a Jazz/Rock format. Hear this in his own compositions as recorded on his Solo CD "A Gazelle Hunter's Weekend" (www.daviddykstra.com). David's high energy and musical instincts are heard in his shimmering leads and tastily placed chording that has rounded out the BAUTISTA sound. NORMAN BAUTISTA - Rythym/Lead Guitar & Lead Vocals Bautista has been writing and singing original music since 1970, Fusing Latin feels and Funk Grooves into Rock creating percussive, rythym driven, soulful songs with melodic lyrics and screaming Guitar Solos. He created several bands, including Paradise Drive and Full Moon, but the internet broadened his circle of musicians to recruit and he was able to bring together talented players from all around the Bay Area that BAUTISTA is today. His influences are from Jimi Hendrix, early Santana, early Tower of Power, the incredible players of the 70's Jazz Fusion like Al DiMeola, Joaquin Leviano, Jean Juc Ponty that can be heard in parts of the songs he writes. Songs have Solid beginnings and endings that are bold statements with tight breaks, ultra smooth danceable Grooves and melodic Lyrics. The creativity of Norman Bautista Rythyms and Arrangements intrique bold and powerful players and attract audiences of all ages and cultures and best of all Dancers love to Groove to these songs! Additional BAUTISTA Players EDWIN SANTOS Drums Edwin is constantly exploring and uplifting his techniques and styles. Has been an avid student of much sought after Bay Area Drum teacher Chuck Brown. Edwin's style of Drumming is a mighty force in such band's as Safari and other Latin influnced bands. When Edwin is hooked up with BAUTISTA the sound is powerful and forceful!