About LocoMojo

Dive into the story of LocoMojo, a band with a rich mix of seasoned artists blending classic a whole world of different stlyes. Learn about our journey, our influences, and our dedication to creating unforgettable music.

a sepia tone photo of Bob Valderrama, original member and lead guitarist of The LocoMojo Band.

Bob Valderrama
Lead guitar

Experience:
35+ years experience. Studying jazz improv with renowned bebop player/student of Lennie Tristano, Larry Meyers.
Conversant in Irish, Rock, Jazz, Latin and Funk genres.

– Toured with Temptress, Lewd Buddha and One Step Beyond.
– Session work with Kenny Simmons of the Commodores,
– Session work with Blues great Mason Casey.

– Session work with Rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame legend Freddy Scott.
– Session and tour work with Fusion guitarist Joaquin Lievano.
– 4 consecutive years in house band at The Bitter End (Lewd Buddha).
– Shared the stage with Black Sabbath at Jones Beach Theater.
– Opened for Motörhead and White Zombie.

Gear:

Custom 24 Paul Reed Smith loaded with Joe Barden pick ups. G&L Stratocaster Fender telecaster, several acoustic guitars. VUDU Custom head, 212 Mesa Boogie cabinet, Fender Deluxe combo.

a sepia tone photo of Pete Malvese on Bass Guitar

Pete Malvese
Bass / Vocals

Experience:

45+ years experience. Concert master status for symphonic band. Steady Pro gig player and studio musician.

– Member of the popular 90s power trio, Causticlasm.

– Performed with several professional cover bands.

– Currently in several alternative projects including metal, rock & funk.

Influences:

Including but not limited to The Beatles, Van Halen, ZZ Top, Metallica, Iron Maiden, King’s X, Rush, Funk, R&B, early HipHop, and even my Mom, who performed in several barbershop quartets and choirs.

Gear:
Carl Thompson 5 string fretless and 4 string fretted basses, Fender Jazz basses, Ampeg cabinets.

a photograph of Andy St. Angelo, founding member and drummer of The LocoMojo Band.

Andy St. Angelo ("Saint")
Drums - Founding member - "Big Chief" of LocoMojo

Experience:

45+ years of performing in concert bands, orchestras, drumlines, jazz groups, theater companies, worship groups, jam bands, and studio sessions.

– 2003-2006, Toured and recorded with Lewd Buddha
– Opened for George Clinton and P-Funk (2005 Danbury, CT)
– Opened for Rusted Root (2006 Hartford, CT).

Influences:

John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Carlos Santana, Joe Zawinul, Steve Gadd, Omar Hakim, Dennis Chambers, Billy Cobham, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Jim Keltner, Johnny Vidacovich, Stanton Moore, Zigaboo Modeliste, Vinnie Colaiuta, Mike Shrieve, Trilok Gurtu, AJ Hall.

Gear:
Pearl Drums, Ludwig Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Pearl Hardware, Trick ProV-1 double kick pedal.

a sepia tone photo of Christian Brugger, original member and Violin player/Mandolin player of The LocoMojo Band.

Christian Brugger
Violin / Mandolin

Experience:

40+ years experience playing violin, 21+ years playing guitar. Several years playing trombone. Began violin at the age of 5. First violin was a crackerjack box as part of the Suzuki School. Learned Classical Guitar while living in Central America.

– Performing with several Contemporary Christian Worship Bands.
– Member of the contemporary Jazz group, Soul Progression.

Influences:

More influenced by styles and genres than particular artists — Bossa Nova, Brazilian Jazz, Classical Latin Guitar, New Age, Bebop Jazz, Blues, Christian and Classic Gospel music.

Gear:

Jordan Violin, Yamaha Godin Mandolin, Taylor guitars, Electro harmonix and TC electronic peddals as well as Fishman amps.

a sepia tone photo of Jonathan Bonett, Lead Vocalist/Rhythm guitarist of The LocoMojo Band

Jonathan Bonett
Vocals / Rhythm Guitar

Experience:

35+ years performing music. Studied music and theater at SUNY Geneseo and countless dive bars, coffee houses, garages, basements and sidewalks.

– Member of Lewd Buddha

- Founding member of Midnight Chowder

- Member of Little Music Company

- Opened for Rusted Root, Edwin McCain and Howie Day
– Featured artist on Lewd Buddha's albums "Soap and Tabasco" and "Life in Interesting Times"

Influences:

Elvis, Springsteen, Beatles, Stones, Roy Orbison, Paul Simon, Billy and Elton, George Michael, Rob Thomas, Bob Valderrama and Frank Malabe

Gear:

Fender American Stratocaster, Epiphone GS335, Fender Acoustisonic Telecaster, Fender Deluxe combo. Shure Super 55 and Blx288 Sm58.

a sepia tone photo of Fred Waxenberg on Sax

Fred Waxenberg (Dr. Fred)
Sax / Flute / Keys / Backup Vocals

Experience:

40 + years performing.
– Featured artist, performed with Hollywood, Flashback, the Belairs, the Phantoms of Soul, Rapidfire, Cover to Cover, and The History of Rock and Roll.
– Performed in venues nationwide with several bands.

– Recorded and performed with Crystal.

– Recorded for Blackhawk records.

– Appeared in shows for the New York Roots Music Association (NYRMA).

Influences:

Jazz Fusion, Pop, Soul, Rock and Roll.

Gear:

Selmer Mark 6 Tenor Sax, Conn Alto Sax, E.M. Winston Boston Soprano Sax, Selmer Bundy Flute.

a sepia tone photo of Mike Bolitho on slide guitar

Mike Bolitho
Rhythm, Slide, Lead Guitar, Vocals

Experience:
— 45 + years experience playing in full Band and Acoustic gigs.
— Substitute guitarist, bassist and vocalist for multiple bands and solo artists
— Former member of The Tommy Gunn Band, South Street Band & Wildflower JAM.
— Proficient in all genres of music from Blues & Country, Hard Rock and Modern Pop.
— 10 years experience hosting weekly open mics at the Homestead Restaurant.
— Has opened and shared the stage with Edwin McCain, Zebra, and Randy Jackson.
— 45 + years of writing and recording originals.
— Currently guitarist with The John Byrnes Band

Influences:

Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, Little Feat, Outlaws, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bad Company, Warren Haynes, David Gilmour, Derek Trucks, Rolling Stones, Larry Carlton, Joe Perry, So many others.

Gear:
Fender 40th Anniversary Strat (naturally distressed from 30 years of careless handling) equipped with 1980s lace sensor pickups and a Dimarzio hot rails in the bridge, and PRS Custom 24 guitar with a Seymour Duncan Phat Cat in the neck and a JB in the Bridge
— Too many other electrics guitars
— Martin D35 and Taylor 714CE Koa Acoustic
— Effects Line 6 HX FX and Korg Tuner. Way too many other assorted pedals
— Blues Senior by Rocknroll Amps, original 1968 Fender Vibrolux Reverb