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ManMadeSouls: Bios

Derek De Vette

Lead Vocals, Guitar, Saxophone

From soulful to intense, De Vette’s vocals are likened to Dave Matthews, Chris Whitley and Eddie Vedder.

A saxophonist too, De Vette smoothly interweaves his instrument amongst his vocals. But make no mistake, this is no jazz player. He likes his horn loud and proud and makes no bones about throwing down the James Brown funk riffs to keep his audiences on their feet.

Raised in South Miami on Afro-Cuban rhythms, his house was filled with conga drums, cowbells and exotic percussion. It was there that his love of rhythms began—one which would later influence Man Made Souls’ distinct rock sound with a twist of world percussion.

Contact info: derek (at) manmadesouls.com

Tom Valdez

Lead Guitarist, Backing Vocals

Valdez is an alternative rock guitarist hailing from San Francisco. Having grown up in a town full of jazz-funk-fusion, one can hear the subtle virtuoso influences creep into his hard-edged playing. His guitars capably add the signature touch which defines Man Made Souls’ musical sound.

Contact info: tom (at) manmadesouls.com

Tricia Small Stabile

Co/Backing Vocals

Partners De Vette and Valdez auditioned girl after girl before finding this rare pick from amongst all things—a demo tape of her singing in a 17-piece Broadway-style musical.

Enamored by Small’s lush voice and harmonizing skills, she was invited to join the band that week and was gigging within the month. Small’s musical theater skills further added choreography to the band’s dynamic show, one often compared to mainstream arena acts.

Contact info: tricia (at) manmadesouls.com

Guest Artists

Man Made Souls has been blessed to have the following artists record and/or perform with us:

Julia Migenes: Grammy award-winning opera diva

Justin Meldal-Johnsen: Bassist for Beck, NIN, Tori Amos, Linkin Park, Nikka Costa

Munyungo Jackson: Percussionist for Sting, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder.

Miguel Zamarippa: Percussionist for Cirque du Solei

Paulo Mattioli: African Percussionist for Sting, Kenny Loggins

Jimmy Paxson: Drummer for Steve Vai, Alanis Morissette, Robben Ford, Stevie Nicks, Stanley Clarke

Ruben Valtierra: Keyboardist for Funk Attack, Santana, Tower of Power, Red Hot Chili Peppers

Lance Morrison: Bassist for Alanis Morissette, Rod Stewart, Don Henley

Pupa Don: Belizian rapper

Jon Avila: Bassist for Oingo Boingo

Danny Keough: Bassist for Lisa Marie Presley

Bill White Acre: Guitarist/Producer for the Bill White Acre Band

Dee Dee O'Malley: Singer/Songwriter

Herbie Katz aka "Dr. Fun": Harmonica player for Wumbloozo

Frantz Widmaier aka "The Perfect Gentleman": Remix/Reconstruction artist