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Richard Borg and Kenneth Vella have worked together musically for almost nine years in a performance and song-writing atmosphere, and have travelled down many musical paths. In 1997 they decided that their latest path would help them to discover a new and uniquely diverse way to express themselves. They had turned their song-writing chemistry to an instrumental urban Latin setting.
Borg & Vella are the newest contribution to the exciting world of "Nuevo Flamenco" and the "New Age Latin" music. Guitarists Richard Borg and Kenneth Vella lead their four piece band in an exciting and energy filled music which combines their influences of Jazz, Pop, Latin, and Rock to create their own style that is reflected on them-selves and inspiring to all who listen to it.
Their first CD release entitled "Colours of the Spirit" is a collaboration of songs that capture the spirit of music itself. With music having so many colours, Borg & Vella chose this title to express the influence that music has on themselves.
Since the release of their CD, Borg & Vella has received a wide range of exposure on television, radio and in the press both locally and overseas and also thrilled sold out appearances at night clubs and outdoor festivals both locally and abroad.
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Richard Borg
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Rich began playing the guitar at age seventeen and discovered at an early stage his love for songwriting. His development as a player came from attending such schools as The Toronto Guitar Institute and Beaches Music Studios and later studying theory at The Royal Conservatory of Music, but credits most of his learning from playing with as many people and various styles as possible. To this day his passion still lies in songwriting and has now also moved into areas which include arranging, recording and of course performing.
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Ken started studying the guitar at age eight. Formal studies were abandoned and did not resurface again until the age of seventeen when he began studies at the Eli Kassner Guitar Academy. From there he went on to study music theory at The Royal Conservatory of Music. Being exposed to the worlds of Jazz, Classical, Blues and Flamenco, is what helped him to amalgamate these styles into a unique playing voice.
Kenneth has also added teaching guitar on a part-time basis which allows him to pass on his love and knowledge of music to others.
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Kenneth Vella
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Raoul Koonin
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South African born Bassist, Raoul, joined Borg & Vella in the summer of 2000. Since that time his energetic playing style and improvisational skills has become a staple in the signature Borg & Vella sound.
A well schooled musician, Raoul recently graduated from the Humber College music program. Raoul is truly a "Jack of all trades" and his voice on the instrument lends itself well to any musical situation which is ever present when playing in the Borg & Vella band.
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Marco began studying classical music at the age of six. Upon completing his Grade VIII piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music, he re-focused his musical studies on symphonic and orchestral percussion. In 1996, Marco continued his education at Humber College and solidified his training with a performance degree in drums and percussion. Under professors Roger Flock, Don Vickery, Paul DeLong, and Rick Lazar, Marco developed a well-rounded foundation in Jazz, Funk, Afro-Cuban, and Brazilian drumming. Graduating with honors in 1999, Marco has since been an active and involved musician within the Greater Toronto area. When Marco is not performing or recording with Borg & Vella, he continues to write, arrange, record and perform for synKratic, The Audiophiles and other local talent.
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Marco Del Degan
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