Janine Santana
Of Puerto Rican descent, Via Brooklyn, NY and Trenton, NJ Janine Santana has had a deep love for Afro-Cuban/ Caribbean
traditions and Jazz for as long as she can remember. She has been a professional performing artist in a variety of genres for the past 30 years.
The recent debut of Soft as Granite was born from her relentless drive to have something personal to freely express via her beloved Latin Jazz. “I closed my eyes, obeyed my muse and, fear or no fear, jumped into the fire of this idea. I had always been a side-man (er, side-woman) and this is my first outward expression of my own passionate ideas after keeping it rather tight & quiet for many years. My hands and my drive to keep learning this art really are soft as granite...”
Collecting musical heroes and friends from around the country and her current home in the Colorado Front Range, Janine leads a tight, creative rotating group with such luminary, legendary players as Richie Cole, Jose Madera and local pros such as Jeff Jenkins, Paul Romaine, Kim Stone, Kenny Walker, Brad Goode, Greg Gisbet, Wendy Fopeano and many others.
New Project!
In 2011 and 2012 Janine has begun work on a new and unique recording project. Again, Janine collects musical legends for the recording. Featuring a collaboration with Jose' Madera, arranger and percussionist for Tito Puente and co-leader of the Mambo Legends Orchestra and also featuring legendary composer and musician David Amram, more arrangements by Richie Cole and performances with a number of other amazing musicians soon to be announced, this project is anticipated with interest from fans around the world. "People have been asking me for some time now for more, and this will be my answer and gift back," Janine offers," I and my family have had a tough,challenging year. Yet, the music in my mind and heart never stop flowing, infact it is how I got through. Now it is time to share my music again and celebrate our survival!" Look for anouncements and updates very soon, right here and on our Facebook pages.
