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Chris MendozaGuitar |
About Chris
Lead Guitarist , Vocalist, Composer/Songwriter for London based band ROMANCES.
Recently Guitarist for Roger Taylor (Queen) Enrique Iglesias, K’naan, Nelly Furtado, Izzy Bizu ,Tony Momrelle ,Pegasus Warning, Genes and Machines, Session & Solo work.
Instruments:
Guitar, Lead Guitar and voice (background and lead), proficient in Keyboards, bass, assorted percussion
Musical education:
The Conservatorio de las Rosas, Morelia, Mexico 1986-1993
The Collective School of Music, New York (Full Scholarship) (2006-2008, Professional Diploma Scored 96 in his final grade)
Studied under Sheryl Bailey, Chris Biesterfeld, Kim Plainfield, Bob Quaranta, Bill Conners, Wayne Krantz, Frank Gambale, Peter Retzlaff and Lincoln Goines among other NYC and LA professional Musicians
Professional experience:
Christian Mendoza has performed for thousands of people in some of the world’s biggest events and has performed for millions on some of the world’s biggest TV shows. also performing regularly in London and New York with some of the top players in the scene
Performing professionally since the age of 15 and coming from a family of musicians, Christian entered the music business at a young age as a session player for his father's studio and band.
Christian has been an active and popular guitarist on the NYC and London music circuit for several years and regularly plays in the house bands at the world famous venues of the Cafe Wha? and the Village Underground (NYC) both renowned for showcasing some of the best musical talent New York City has to offer and famous for starting the careers of Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen among others.
Since 2012 Christian has been touring with international major label artists including Enrique Iglesias, K'naan Nelly Furtado, Izzy Bizu, Tony Momrelle , Santigold, among many others.
He also has worked as a professor assistant at The Collective School of Music and is involved in teaching the Progressive Rock Program with Jason Gianni, as well as working as a rhythm section session musician for several programs including the APP (advance performance program) with Kim Plainfield and Bob Quaranta.
In 2013 Christian was hired to play guitar for the house band of Hit reality show La Voz Kids (Latin counterpart of hit show The Voice) in Miami… the show has broken records and it's the most viewed reality show Telemundo has ever had, reaching over 3 millions views weekly.
Christian’s image was recently used on billboard and print advertising across Europe for Desperado’s (beer brand) Europe campaign (2015)
In 2015 Christian Moved to London UK, and continues to perform in America, as well as Europe and the rest of the world , in 2016 he shifted his focus and along with his bandmates, founded the London based, alternative rock band Romances, and in it’s short time since it’s inception , has been one of the top emerging bands to watch, having performed successfully across the UK (performing two years in a row at the Isle of Wight festival) and hitting thousands of views online with their music videos. in 2021 Christian was hired by Roger Taylor (Queen) to be his guitarist for his solo project. they recently finished a 14 date tour in the UK
Since moving to London, Christian has also been approached and hired to perform, MD, put bands together , and source musical talent for touring American artists for their european performances , so far this has included Enrique Iglesias , Ricky Martin, Ralph Rolle (Chic) Sandra Bernhard , Amanda Brown (who is currently opening for the Killers as well as singing BGV’s for them on their recent tour) and many others .
Live shows and festivals:
Performed at high profile venue, events and festivals in Europe , Australia, Asia, NYC and North America including;
The Blue Note in NYC and Milan, Irvin Plaza, Nu Blu, Highline Ballroom, Global Citizen fest at The Great Lawn at Central park (sharing the stage with The Foo Fighters, Neil Young The Black Keys and Band of Horses), Joe’s Pub, Ronnie’s Scotts, Jazz Cafe , The Bowery Ballroom, The Isle of wight festival, The Bitter End, The Troubadour, The Royal, the Toronto Film Festival, The Genie Awards, The Independent Spirit Awards, The Voodoo Fest in New Orleans, Java Jazz Fest in Indonesia, Bird’s Basement in Melbourne Australia,
National and International television performances: House guitarist for The Voice's La Voz Kids (Telemundo)
The Jay Leno show, The Ellen Degeneres Show, The Jimmy Kimmel show, The David Letterman Show, Global Citizen Fest (sharing the bill with Neil Young and The Foo Fighters) The Independent Spirit Awards, The Genie Awards in Canada (the "Canadian Oscars") The We Day show in Toronto, Vh1's You Oughta Know series, X Factor Australia (session musician for the ‘Judge’s Houses’ phase, filmed in New York with guest coach Beyonce), The Starkey Foundation Gala (performing for President Bill Clinton, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Maria Bello and Forrest Whitaker among others)
Artists worked/played with:
Roger Taylor (Queen) Enrique Iglesias, Amanda Brown, K’naan, Nelly Furtado, Izzy Bizu, Jake Shears, Tony Momrelle , Brian May, Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson) David La Chapelle, Santigold, Ricky Martin, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) Vernon Reid (Living Colour) Corey Glover (living Colour) Howie D (Backstreet Boys) , Genes And Machines, CDZA, Guy Sebastian, Tor Hyams, Leon Gruenbaum, Marcus Machado, Melvin Gibbs (Rollins band) Black Rock Coalition Orchestra, Lafrae Sci, Ronny Draiton, Paulina Rubio, Prince Royce, Albert Menendez (shakira) Sterling Blue Productions, The Broadcast (band member and co-wrote and co-produced their first EP), Tony Bruno (Rihanna Enrique Iglesias), Cofi Burbridge, Grant Green Junior, Silya Nymoen, Guy Licatta (Sam Sparro) Kim Plainfield, Bob Quaranta, Jesse Murphy (Brazilian Girls, John Scofield), Gabriel Gordon (Natalie Merchant), Aaron Johnston (Brazilian Girls) Didi Gutman (brazilian girls) Clark Gayton (Sting, Bruce Sprignsteen) Tony Mason (John Scofield) Oli Rockberger (Mr Barrington) Avi Bortnick (John Scofield Band) Marlon Browden, Shawn Pelton, Jason Lindner (Now VS Now) Jonathan Levy, Lex Sadler, Blitz the Ambassador, Stephen Marley, Pegasus Warning, Tobias Ralph (Tricky, Adrian Belew), Amanda Brown (The Voice) , Mark Foster (Foster to the people) Colin Smith (Mr North), Miles Robertson (Adele), Cafe Wha? band, Village Underground Band, Patrick Alan, Petter Biggin (Level 42, Amy Winehouse) Lola’s Day Off, Rahj and the Mash, Rabbi Darkside, Punjabi MC, Sasha Allen (Christian Aguilera) Brocket Parsons (Lady Gaga P.Diddy), Michael Thurber (CDZA) Jonathan Baptiste, Mark Verbos, Mark Palgy (VHS or Beta) Joe Saylor (stay human), Joya Bravo, Lara Johnston and more
Recordings: Christian has appeared on numerous recordings for different artists and has shared credits in albums along with Nelly Furtado, K'naan, Bono, Kirk Douglas (the roots) Keith Richards, Mark Foster (foster to the people) Nas, Will.i.am, Howie D (Backstreet Boys), Tor Hyams, Jesse Murphy (Brazilian Girls) Chuck Harmony, Ryan Tedder, RedOne, Byron Moore, Nick Cassarino, Sterling Blue Productions, Albert Menendez, Blitz The Ambassador, Tony Bruno, Colin Smith, Brian West among others...
Bands and Artists sharing the stage with include:
Neil Young, The Foo Fighters, Peter Gabriel, The Black Keys, Band Of Horses, Madonna, Metallica, Ozomatli, Mike Stern, John Scofield, Vernon Reid, The Weeknd, Justice, Steve Martin,
Bill Frissell, Maroon 5, Enrique Iglesias, Adam Lambert, Karmin, Justin Timberlake, Foster to the People, Nelly Furtado, Pit Bull, Coheed and Cambria
Lauryn Hill, Arcade Fire, Sarah McLachlan, Stars, Metric, My Morning Jacket, Fun, and others
Equipment (Christian is Endorsed by Godin guitars and Malekko Effects):
Les Paul Gibson Guitars, ES 335 Gibson Guitars, Gretsch guitars, Ibanez Guitars, Godin, Line 6, Fender amps
Vox Amps, Fulltone FX, Eventide FX, Dunlop FX , Empress, Roland, La Patrie guitars
Recently Guitarist for Roger Taylor (Queen) Enrique Iglesias, K’naan, Nelly Furtado, Izzy Bizu ,Tony Momrelle ,Pegasus Warning, Genes and Machines, Session & Solo work.
Instruments:
Guitar, Lead Guitar and voice (background and lead), proficient in Keyboards, bass, assorted percussion
Musical education:
The Conservatorio de las Rosas, Morelia, Mexico 1986-1993
The Collective School of Music, New York (Full Scholarship) (2006-2008, Professional Diploma Scored 96 in his final grade)
Studied under Sheryl Bailey, Chris Biesterfeld, Kim Plainfield, Bob Quaranta, Bill Conners, Wayne Krantz, Frank Gambale, Peter Retzlaff and Lincoln Goines among other NYC and LA professional Musicians
Professional experience:
Christian Mendoza has performed for thousands of people in some of the world’s biggest events and has performed for millions on some of the world’s biggest TV shows. also performing regularly in London and New York with some of the top players in the scene
Performing professionally since the age of 15 and coming from a family of musicians, Christian entered the music business at a young age as a session player for his father's studio and band.
Christian has been an active and popular guitarist on the NYC and London music circuit for several years and regularly plays in the house bands at the world famous venues of the Cafe Wha? and the Village Underground (NYC) both renowned for showcasing some of the best musical talent New York City has to offer and famous for starting the careers of Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen among others.
Since 2012 Christian has been touring with international major label artists including Enrique Iglesias, K'naan Nelly Furtado, Izzy Bizu, Tony Momrelle , Santigold, among many others.
He also has worked as a professor assistant at The Collective School of Music and is involved in teaching the Progressive Rock Program with Jason Gianni, as well as working as a rhythm section session musician for several programs including the APP (advance performance program) with Kim Plainfield and Bob Quaranta.
In 2013 Christian was hired to play guitar for the house band of Hit reality show La Voz Kids (Latin counterpart of hit show The Voice) in Miami… the show has broken records and it's the most viewed reality show Telemundo has ever had, reaching over 3 millions views weekly.
Christian’s image was recently used on billboard and print advertising across Europe for Desperado’s (beer brand) Europe campaign (2015)
In 2015 Christian Moved to London UK, and continues to perform in America, as well as Europe and the rest of the world , in 2016 he shifted his focus and along with his bandmates, founded the London based, alternative rock band Romances, and in it’s short time since it’s inception , has been one of the top emerging bands to watch, having performed successfully across the UK (performing two years in a row at the Isle of Wight festival) and hitting thousands of views online with their music videos. in 2021 Christian was hired by Roger Taylor (Queen) to be his guitarist for his solo project. they recently finished a 14 date tour in the UK
Since moving to London, Christian has also been approached and hired to perform, MD, put bands together , and source musical talent for touring American artists for their european performances , so far this has included Enrique Iglesias , Ricky Martin, Ralph Rolle (Chic) Sandra Bernhard , Amanda Brown (who is currently opening for the Killers as well as singing BGV’s for them on their recent tour) and many others .
Live shows and festivals:
Performed at high profile venue, events and festivals in Europe , Australia, Asia, NYC and North America including;
The Blue Note in NYC and Milan, Irvin Plaza, Nu Blu, Highline Ballroom, Global Citizen fest at The Great Lawn at Central park (sharing the stage with The Foo Fighters, Neil Young The Black Keys and Band of Horses), Joe’s Pub, Ronnie’s Scotts, Jazz Cafe , The Bowery Ballroom, The Isle of wight festival, The Bitter End, The Troubadour, The Royal, the Toronto Film Festival, The Genie Awards, The Independent Spirit Awards, The Voodoo Fest in New Orleans, Java Jazz Fest in Indonesia, Bird’s Basement in Melbourne Australia,
National and International television performances: House guitarist for The Voice's La Voz Kids (Telemundo)
The Jay Leno show, The Ellen Degeneres Show, The Jimmy Kimmel show, The David Letterman Show, Global Citizen Fest (sharing the bill with Neil Young and The Foo Fighters) The Independent Spirit Awards, The Genie Awards in Canada (the "Canadian Oscars") The We Day show in Toronto, Vh1's You Oughta Know series, X Factor Australia (session musician for the ‘Judge’s Houses’ phase, filmed in New York with guest coach Beyonce), The Starkey Foundation Gala (performing for President Bill Clinton, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Maria Bello and Forrest Whitaker among others)
Artists worked/played with:
Roger Taylor (Queen) Enrique Iglesias, Amanda Brown, K’naan, Nelly Furtado, Izzy Bizu, Jake Shears, Tony Momrelle , Brian May, Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson) David La Chapelle, Santigold, Ricky Martin, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) Vernon Reid (Living Colour) Corey Glover (living Colour) Howie D (Backstreet Boys) , Genes And Machines, CDZA, Guy Sebastian, Tor Hyams, Leon Gruenbaum, Marcus Machado, Melvin Gibbs (Rollins band) Black Rock Coalition Orchestra, Lafrae Sci, Ronny Draiton, Paulina Rubio, Prince Royce, Albert Menendez (shakira) Sterling Blue Productions, The Broadcast (band member and co-wrote and co-produced their first EP), Tony Bruno (Rihanna Enrique Iglesias), Cofi Burbridge, Grant Green Junior, Silya Nymoen, Guy Licatta (Sam Sparro) Kim Plainfield, Bob Quaranta, Jesse Murphy (Brazilian Girls, John Scofield), Gabriel Gordon (Natalie Merchant), Aaron Johnston (Brazilian Girls) Didi Gutman (brazilian girls) Clark Gayton (Sting, Bruce Sprignsteen) Tony Mason (John Scofield) Oli Rockberger (Mr Barrington) Avi Bortnick (John Scofield Band) Marlon Browden, Shawn Pelton, Jason Lindner (Now VS Now) Jonathan Levy, Lex Sadler, Blitz the Ambassador, Stephen Marley, Pegasus Warning, Tobias Ralph (Tricky, Adrian Belew), Amanda Brown (The Voice) , Mark Foster (Foster to the people) Colin Smith (Mr North), Miles Robertson (Adele), Cafe Wha? band, Village Underground Band, Patrick Alan, Petter Biggin (Level 42, Amy Winehouse) Lola’s Day Off, Rahj and the Mash, Rabbi Darkside, Punjabi MC, Sasha Allen (Christian Aguilera) Brocket Parsons (Lady Gaga P.Diddy), Michael Thurber (CDZA) Jonathan Baptiste, Mark Verbos, Mark Palgy (VHS or Beta) Joe Saylor (stay human), Joya Bravo, Lara Johnston and more
Recordings: Christian has appeared on numerous recordings for different artists and has shared credits in albums along with Nelly Furtado, K'naan, Bono, Kirk Douglas (the roots) Keith Richards, Mark Foster (foster to the people) Nas, Will.i.am, Howie D (Backstreet Boys), Tor Hyams, Jesse Murphy (Brazilian Girls) Chuck Harmony, Ryan Tedder, RedOne, Byron Moore, Nick Cassarino, Sterling Blue Productions, Albert Menendez, Blitz The Ambassador, Tony Bruno, Colin Smith, Brian West among others...
Bands and Artists sharing the stage with include:
Neil Young, The Foo Fighters, Peter Gabriel, The Black Keys, Band Of Horses, Madonna, Metallica, Ozomatli, Mike Stern, John Scofield, Vernon Reid, The Weeknd, Justice, Steve Martin,
Bill Frissell, Maroon 5, Enrique Iglesias, Adam Lambert, Karmin, Justin Timberlake, Foster to the People, Nelly Furtado, Pit Bull, Coheed and Cambria
Lauryn Hill, Arcade Fire, Sarah McLachlan, Stars, Metric, My Morning Jacket, Fun, and others
Equipment (Christian is Endorsed by Godin guitars and Malekko Effects):
Les Paul Gibson Guitars, ES 335 Gibson Guitars, Gretsch guitars, Ibanez Guitars, Godin, Line 6, Fender amps
Vox Amps, Fulltone FX, Eventide FX, Dunlop FX , Empress, Roland, La Patrie guitars