Mike Vincitore (Keyboards)
Mike was about 18 when he went to
his first Elton John concert at Madison Square Garden (what an incredible
show!), and that inspired him to learn to play the keyboards.
His best friend showed him notes on a piano and some of the basics - Mike just
took it from there; and once started, there was NO stopping him. Entirely - self
taught, over the years countless hours of practice, boning up on music theory,
and studying the styles of his favorite players have paid off by making Mike a
musical force to be reckoned with.
Like most musicians growing up, he started a few bands with his high school
classmates including Mindbridge and (most recently) The All Nighters. Mindbridge
was an 80's band playing a lot of progressive rock - Genesis, Kansas, Rush,
etc., with a touch of Billy Joel and Elton John thrown in to keep Mike quiet and
in his comfort zone. The All Nighters are a straight - ahead classic rock band.
Some of Mike's favorite bands are The Doors, Hall & Oates and Steely Dan.
Mike's favorite keyboard artists and major influences include Elton John
(surprise, surprise!), Billy Joel and Ray Manzarek of the Doors, whom Mike
considers a musical pioneer and hypnotic on the keys.
Mike's favorite CD's are Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John and The
Stranger by Billy Joel... Gee, we would never have guessed.
A modest guy, he is nonetheless justifiably proud of the work ethic and
accomplishments that have made him a Mo'rocker... almost as proud as we are to
have him!