Native New Yorker, Anthony Stonier (piano & vocals), shaped Mambo NYC’s sound from the beginning, “salsifying” the jazz and R&B songs he grew up with, from Gershwin to Bill Withers, while bringing crisp new arrangements to existing salsa classics, from Eddie Palmieri to Tito Puente to Mongo Santamarîa. His mission in life is to infect Latin and non-Latin listeners alike with the new Mambo fever.

Seasoned salsero, Julito Villot, has recorded with Charlie Palmieri and other heavyweights. His lusty baritone was a regular treat for early fans of salsa at the fabled Roseland Ballroom. Mambo NYC is proud to have lured Julito back on stage to seduce a new generation of salsa lovers.

Flautist Willie Hernandez is a veteran charanga player famed for his sparkling solos atop groups like Siglo Veinte and Orchesta La New Yorker. One of New York’s best kept secrets, this native son now grabs the spotlight on stage with Mambo NYC.

Saxophonist Lily White has worked with Mario Bauza, the father of Latin Jazz, and his Afro-Cuban jazz orchestra. She’s also done short stints with blues pianist Jay McShann, jazz great Dizzy Gillespie and salsa’s own Celia Cruz. Since the release of her first CD under her own name, her band has played festivals and clubs across Europe. Lily’s sax stylings can also be heard on her two solo recordings for Jazz Focus Records. She now adds her sax skills, sunny personality and sharp wit to the Mambo NYC mix.

Spanish-born trombonista, Cristina Hernandez played flamenco rap across Europe and Africa with the all-girl band, Xoxonees. Here in New York, Cristina teaches music and has written, produced and recorded the acclaimed Spanish-language children’s CD, Colores.

Puerto Rican-born Ferdinand “Conga” Lugo is one of the reigning rhumba kings of Tompkins Square Park on the lower East Side. Catch him any sunny Sunday dominating the crowds of drummers who gather to show their skill.

Bass virtuoso Stuart Grant first picked up his instrument at age eleven, later studying with jazz greats Steve Swallow and Ron Carter, as well as Orrin Obrian (NY Philharmonic) and Dave Walters at the Julliard School of Music.  In 2001, he caught salsa fever and quickly signed on at Boys Harbor, honing his tumbao with Latin legend, John Benitez.

Freddie “Kimbe” Ayuso is another crowned rhumbero of the Tompkins Square scene. Those lucky enough to catch him playing elbow to elbow with his old friendly-rival Lugo are in for a show they won’t forget.

Some say Barrio legend Victor Morales was born with drumsticks in his hands but Victor insists he was already four when he took up the traps and at least six before he got “serious” on the timbales. His mastery and showmanship on the drums have excited New York crowds for decades.

Straight out of Manhattan's Bass Collective, John McFaul quickly became one of the most sought-after bajeros in town. His rock-solid "tumbao" and virtuoso solos incite Mambo NYC's rhythm section to new heights of ferocity.

Before joining Mambo NYC on lead vocals and coro, Rose Trivisonno was happy to smoke and handle band business for her husband, Anthony Stonier. An eleventh-hour substitution one night revealed her ease and talent on the mic and she’s been singing with the band ever since.

Contact Information:
Anthony Stonier, Musical Director, Mambo NYC
Tel 212 866 6631
mambonyc@mac.com
www.mambo-nyc.com