Bios
Joanna D' Angelo
Lead and background vocals
Born to a set of musically minded parents, there was no doubt
Joanna was going to inherit their genes. She 's been singing since
she was 5 years old and started to play the piano at 6. Jo 's love for
music is evident when she's on stage. Her talent, infectious energy
and charm help to make her a high-in-demand performer
separating her from all the rest. She has a unique style that
combines influences as diverse as Natalie Cole, Mariah Carey,
Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Billie Holiday, Karen Carpenter,
Donna Summer and Roberta Flack. She is a welcomed addition to
Spice and compliments the group with her professionalism, great
attitude, compassion, musical knowledge and business sense. She
also has a flare for fashion and design. She, along with John gives
the group a 1-2 vocal punch not often found in other groups. The
saying is "great things come in small packages'' and Joanna is all
that and then some.
John Cerecedes
Guitar, lead and background vocals
John is one of the founding members of the group and brings many
years of experience to Spice. His smooth and consistent guitar style and
voice helps to define the sound of the band. He and Rachel combine to form
one of the best vocal blends found in any group performing today. John
has worked with some of the best musicians in the Southern California area
and has traveled throughout the Southwest and Canada. John's style is a
combination of r&b, jazz, funk and tradition. He respects the past
and the present and finds joy in all good music.
John Chavez
Keyboards
John is known as the Mayor, not because of any political office he holds,
but instead for the command he has over his keyboards. John is one of three
founding members of the band and brings a jazz influence to all the songs
the group performs. His influences include Cal Tjader, Michel Camelo, Eddie
Palmieri and Chucho Valdez. John plays multiple instruments and is exceptional
on drums, keyboards and vibes.
Arnold Mesa
Bass Guitar
Arnold is the rock and foundation of Spice. He has been a member of
the group for seven years. He is exceptional playing
acoustic or electric bass. He has studied music with some of the most well respected
teachers in the business and is adept at r&b, classic rock, swing,
straight ahead jazz, latin jazz and salsa. Arnold has the feel and flair
of a pro and is a valuable member of Spice, who contributions not only
with his playing, but also with his musical knowledge of chords, dynamics
and arranging.
Alfonso Smith
Percussion
Alfonso is a congo, bongo and timbales player who also plays an assortment
of hand instruments. Alfonso has studied with jazz, latin and salsa greats
and has shared the stage with some of most well known jazz and latin jazz
artists in the world. He was the leader of a very successful Salsa band
and along with his younger brother Carlos performed many of the classic
salsa and latin jazz tunes of all time. His style is powerful and
explosive and his performance must be seen and heard.
Carlos Smith
Drums
Carlos is a founding member of the group, along with John and John.
He is a time keeper and then some and is student of r&b and funk and
credits Earth, Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang and Frankie Beverly and
Maze as major influences. Carlos has a unique ability to create musical
arrangements in his head and can think through an entire song without ever
picking up a pencil or paper. Carlos and Alfonso bring a wealth of knowledge
with regard to salsa, latin jazz and latin music in general which allows
the band to capture the purity of a particular rhythm and then transform
that rhythm into a song that moves both the soul and feet.