Jingo (Santana Tribute Band)- Shake Things Up! (May 2021)

Issue Thirteen- May 2021:

By Mercedes Barreto

Jingo is the perfect blend of familiar melodies, infectious rhythms, searing legendary guitar, and true Latin percussion all delivered with authenticity and exuberance that is not only true to original recordings but note for note.

Why is the band a Santana Tribute Band, in particular? Why has this path been chosen, and how is this portrayed when it comes to performance?

“After performing nearly 40 years in cover and original bands the members of Jingo were tired of performing the same music that many of the bands were doing, we wanted to shake things up. Why Santana? Santana is unique in many ways, and definitely a challenge to replicate.  This involves a blues guitarist, combining rock with Latin beats, some salsa, samba, and even some Calypso merengue included. The members of Jingo, eat, breathe and dream the rhythm of Santana!”

How did the band come together and get its start?

“Bandleader and founder of Jingo, Rich Mertrud (Keyboardist) began the quest to create a Santana Tribute like no other on the scene today.  Rich met Les Piela (Bass Player), who was also tired of performing the same old material, and the two hit it off right away.  They had performed in some of the same venues, with mutual bandmates.  It took time, about 3 years, to search for and find the right mix of members, perform a few festivals, a few clubs, and a lot of adjusting musicians that fit the bill.  They needed seven members who all felt, believed, and sacrificed the same for this project to really have it all come together.  They finally found the perfect mix, Rich Mertrud on Keyboards, Les Piela on Bass guitar, next onboard was John Camillo on Timbales, and Peter Tateo on the drums.  Les and Pete had been members of a cover band years ago, so that rhythm section fit like a glove. Rounding us out we brought on Nik Rael on Lead Vocals and percussion, Randy Montalvo on Congas, and Jeff Mohr on guitar as our Carlos Santana. 

Unfortunately, after their first theatre performance and others coming up, Covid struck.  Covid struck not only around the world but struck Jingo’s Conga Player Randy Montalvo, who is still as of May 2021 recovering from a severe case.  Which brings us to their current Conga player Juan Osorio.”

How has Covid either positively or negatively had an impact on the productivity of the band? If so, why? 

“Covid has been two-sided with Jingo, first losing their Conga player and then the rescheduling of shows just as they were picking up momentum and getting noticed. Covid put a damper on the whole industry.

But due to the true dedication of members and their families, as soon as it was safe for band members to get back together they did. They utilized the downtime to really hone and really get things even tighter. Additionally, Jingo sought out representation and was able to get together with our Agent Kathy Wagner of Panzyler Entertainment.  Thanks to Kathy, Jingo started hitting the stage again in December of 2020 with a brand-new venue, The Landis Theatre in Vineland, NJ.  Although the show was Covid restricted it went well.  Our real test came up when we performed at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe PA.  The crowd was fabulous and ticket sales were on point (just shy of selling out).  The next show on the schedule was the Milton Theatre in Milton DE, which “sold out” in just a few weeks, however, due to Covid, it had been rescheduled to Saturday, May 15, 2021.  Kathy booked us for Cinco De Mayo at the legendary “Daryl’s House Club” in Pawling, NY (owned by no other than Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates).  What an incredible experience! Not only were in-house tickets sold out, but the show ended with a double encore and standing ovation, and had 13.7 thousand online viewers. 

Another downfall due to Covid is most of the venues rescheduled their 2020 acts to 2021 time slots, but next year Jingo will be hoping to grab some new venues with the help of our incredible agent Kathy of Panzyler Entertainment.”

If the world would like to hear Jingo and their music immediately, what is the one platform or place you would send them to first to get a listen?

“We would definitely send them to a live show.  Although videos have come a long way, you just cannot feel the power of percussion that makes Jingo rise above all the current Santana Tributes.  Jingo’s percussion is the backbone, meticulous, and such a driving force that brings you to your feet.  Take our percussion and add the precision of intricate keys, incredible guitar, and lead vocal performance, and just WOW!”

What two words describe the shock regarding the audience’s experience when being entertained by no other than Jingo? Is it just like Santana in the flesh or Santana with a twist?

“What two words: “Just WOW!”

Jingo performs the music of Carlos Santana like in the flesh with note-for-note renditions.  Audiences have said that if they close their eye’s they would swear they are at a Santana concert.”

Where can we find and hear Jingo?

“Our upcoming events are listed on our pages, just “like” and “follow” us on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/jingotribute;  our website: www.jingotribute.com; and Instagram @jingo.santanatribute.”

Is there anything you feel you must add here?

“Jingo is quickly becoming the best Santana Tribute on the East Coast.  We would love to perform at a Hard Rock and some big festivals, to continue to grow our fan base.”