Ace C. Ace
keyboards, vocals
keyboards, vocals
A modern day wizard of electronic and acoustic keyboards, most notably the organ and synthesizer, Ace C. Ace sets a standard by which others multiply. He is known for his fusion of rock with myriad musical styles including pop, latin, jazz and world music. With numerous writing and performance partners including legendary music producer Kim Fowley and rock guitar impressario Mike Pinera, Ace has written and recorded some
of todays' most adventurous music and brought it
to the masses with unmatched virtuosity and skillful showmanship.
Some of his early influences were artists Dave Brubeck, Fats Waller, Chick Corea, Keith Emerson, Tito Puente and George Duke. Classical composers also became influential to his music including J.S. Bach, Alberto Ginastera and Aaron Copland.
Not seeing the benefits of a traditional college education in his future, Ace attended the College For Recording Arts in San Francisco. There he studied recording engineering from audio engineering pioneer Leo De Gar Kulka. He began developing his unique synthesizer textures studying with synthesizer pioneer Morton Sobotnick.
In his twenties, Ace formed his first band called "The Forcefield 5." This powerhouse included legendary Latin Rock bassist Dave Brown from Santana and percussionist M.L. Benoit from Kim Carnes. The group set out on its own with a unique blend of synthesis, dance and world rhythms, pop, rock and jazz. Ace adopted Moog Synthesizers as his instrument of choice featuring the Moog Liberation (a guitar-looking strap on keyboard) during this period and soon gained fame for his outrageous stage movements and inspired musical performances.
Overflowing with creative musical ideas, Ace has not only played with San Francisco Bay Area greats such as Pete Escovedo, he has also written, produced and performed music for motorcycle companies Ducati, Harley Davidson, Buell and Custom Chrome, Ace being an avid motorcycle rider himself.
In addition to a musical career, Ace has also had an academic career at Cogswell Polytechnical College, the oldest engineering college in California.
There he formed new curriculum and taught in the areas of sound, synthesis and psychoacoustics as well as music for film and broadcast.
When asked about MANZO, Ace said,
"Gabe and I have played together in other original projects. But MANZO is a little different because this band reflects the true spirit of pioneers, of Latin Rock or any other type of modern band music. Great musicianship, a sense of adventure in discovering and creating new musical horizons, and above all, the comaraderie and friendship of the band that transcends just playing the music. Satisfaction in the sharing of life with each other and our audiences."
Besides music, Ace loves riding his motorcycles on the road or at the track, enjoying life, laughter and food with his family and friends.
of todays' most adventurous music and brought it
to the masses with unmatched virtuosity and skillful showmanship.
Some of his early influences were artists Dave Brubeck, Fats Waller, Chick Corea, Keith Emerson, Tito Puente and George Duke. Classical composers also became influential to his music including J.S. Bach, Alberto Ginastera and Aaron Copland.
Not seeing the benefits of a traditional college education in his future, Ace attended the College For Recording Arts in San Francisco. There he studied recording engineering from audio engineering pioneer Leo De Gar Kulka. He began developing his unique synthesizer textures studying with synthesizer pioneer Morton Sobotnick.
In his twenties, Ace formed his first band called "The Forcefield 5." This powerhouse included legendary Latin Rock bassist Dave Brown from Santana and percussionist M.L. Benoit from Kim Carnes. The group set out on its own with a unique blend of synthesis, dance and world rhythms, pop, rock and jazz. Ace adopted Moog Synthesizers as his instrument of choice featuring the Moog Liberation (a guitar-looking strap on keyboard) during this period and soon gained fame for his outrageous stage movements and inspired musical performances.
Overflowing with creative musical ideas, Ace has not only played with San Francisco Bay Area greats such as Pete Escovedo, he has also written, produced and performed music for motorcycle companies Ducati, Harley Davidson, Buell and Custom Chrome, Ace being an avid motorcycle rider himself.
In addition to a musical career, Ace has also had an academic career at Cogswell Polytechnical College, the oldest engineering college in California.
There he formed new curriculum and taught in the areas of sound, synthesis and psychoacoustics as well as music for film and broadcast.
When asked about MANZO, Ace said,
"Gabe and I have played together in other original projects. But MANZO is a little different because this band reflects the true spirit of pioneers, of Latin Rock or any other type of modern band music. Great musicianship, a sense of adventure in discovering and creating new musical horizons, and above all, the comaraderie and friendship of the band that transcends just playing the music. Satisfaction in the sharing of life with each other and our audiences."
Besides music, Ace loves riding his motorcycles on the road or at the track, enjoying life, laughter and food with his family and friends.