india with StraightAhead biography

Band Members Information

In the jazz world, there are vocalists, and there are divas. There are singers who get through a tune with style, and there are singers who exude style, not only during a melody but also between the notes. Count India among the latter classification. An heir to the jazz vocal tradition of Ella Fitzgerald or Lena Horne, India sings with sophisticated phrasing and glittering scat improvisations that literally bound with her youthful ebullience. She doesn't just sing a song, she commands it. India began studying the piano at the tender age of four. She has sung with the Soquel High Jazz Choir and the Cabrillo College Jazz Singers where she received numerous honors and awards for her jazz styling. She had the opportunity to perform at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1989.

steven velasquez . . . drums and percussion

"Pappa Velasquez", India's father, is a vintage drum collector and restorer. He has played with the Randy Gerard Group, The Batteries, also a member of the original "StraightAhead" ensemble. He has been active in the Santa Cruz music scene for more than 15 years.

gino raugi . . . guitar and arranger

Gino is the Music Director with the Branciforte Elementary School Orchestra and graduate of UCSC in music. Original member of the group "StraightAhead". Played with The Drifters (LA), Studio Musician's Workshop (director Jack Marshal), Studio Musician (Hollywood Sound, Stephen Spielberg Film School, USC), Johnny Vee Band (Nashville, Orlando), Ken Foberg Roaring Big Band (Palm Springs, Idylwild).

steve larkin . . . bass

Steve is an accomplished jazz and classical bassist. He has played in the Bay Area for over twenty years. Steve can be seen on weekends playing with the group Warmth on the Pacific Garden Mall.

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