Born
in New York City and raised in the Bronx, Mike DeRosa was exposed to the
melting pot of pop music that emanated
from AM radio in the 1960's and 70's, and was heavily influenced by it.
Later in the 70's he, like many teens of the period, latched onto what
is today known as "classic rock", listening to bands like The
Who and Led Zeppelin. It was during this period that Mike found--and
immersed himself in--progressive rock, led by bands like Yes, Emerson,
Lake and Palmer, and of course, Genesis.
Mike
originally taught himself guitar in the late 70's. "My goal in
music, initially, was to write songs," he says. And so he did.
Before long, Mike was the leader and chief songwriter in several high
school and college bands, also taking up piano during this period. Later
on during the 1980's, Mike switched permanently to keyboards, studying
jazz improvisation with several teachers, including esoteric jazz guru
Sal Mosca, a Lennie Tristano protege.
While
he studied, Mike continued to play in pop rock bands and began teaching
music himself, something he has continued to do full-time for the last
15 years. But as far as music projects go, the idea of playing in a
genesis tribute band was probably the most intriguing and inspiring
vehicle Mike has hit upon yet.
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| "Man,
I'm tellin' you, I RUN to rehearsal to play this stuff! Of all the projects I've been involved
with -- original bands,
cover bands, recording projects, gigs, whatever -- this is absolutely the
most fun and challenging yet." |
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Mike's
equipment: (keyboards) Roland XV88, Korg M1, Roland Juno 1, Roland Juno
106, Roland Juno 60/(other gear) Samson 6-channel mixer, 3 Boss volume
pedals
 email
Mike
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