JEFF PICCININI (bass and vocals) Jeff Piccinini, also known by his alias, Geoff Myles, began his professional music career
in London playing bass with Stormtrooper a proto type punk band he formed with his
long time friend Nigel Hutchings. After the demise of that band he joined the famous
punk band Chelsea. Chelsea was widely known throughout Europe, opening for the
Clash, and having a band called The Police opening for them! In fact the debut US
single by Chelsea was the song "I'm On Fire" that was written by Jeff. Both Chelsea and
the Police were managed by the rock mogel Miles Copeland famous for bringing the
Police to mega success which unfortunately eluded Chelsea.
Jeff left Chelsea and started The Smart with long time friend David Martin and former
rhythm guitarist for Chelsea and they toured the Europe & US in the early 80's with the
likes of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Iggy Pop, Lords of the New Church, OMD and The
Fixx to name but a few, but after more than a decade, returned to his home in the US.
Twenty five years later the Smart's debut album "Better Late Than Never" and a live
album "Better Live Than Never" were released in May of 2009 much to the surprise of
the band.
In San Francisco Jeff started a pop trio in mid 90's called the Merciful who released one
album but faded away in 1999. Longtime friend and co-writer James Sant Andrea and
Jeff reformed the band as Rovanna & the Ravens in 2005 to record six songs for a
feature film "Spirits of the Road" directed and co-produced by Jeff including being
the cinematographer.
Besides his distinguished musical career, Jeff became a freelance director of
photography and videography and has worked widely on numerous television
shows, documentaries and independent features, including his own independent film,
"Spirits of the Road". He also wrote and performed most of the music for the
soundtrack of his film.
Revenant finds Jeff playing in a modern rock trio heavily influenced by classic British
rock and the power trios of the past together with his punk rock roots. |
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FRANK GUILES (guitar and vocals) I was born into a family of musicians and performers. Mom was a violinist and pianist, a graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory. My uncle, a graduate of the Berkeley School and music, jazz and classical composer, and composed orchestra and symphony for colleges across the US. My Dad loved music, and was an incredible aficionado of jazz and classical. I started playing music at age 4, drums and started playing horns at age 7. Played in music school and had private tutoring for many years as a youth. I played in orchestra and concert band, and in California State jazz band. My music influences started with Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Louis Armstrong, and Doc Severson. I started listening to Rock and Pop in the early to mid 60's, and was excited about bands like the Beatles, Paul Revere and the Raiders. In the late 60's my musical tastes shifted to Rock when I heard bands like the Who, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Steppenwolf, Cream, Yes and Genesis. Those influences gave me the desire to play outside of school and band. I picked up guitar at age 9 and never looked back. I've played in a Scottish band, [Black Raven pipe band of San Francisco age 13], started playing in rock bands in my early teens. My influences for guitar in my teens included Queen [Brian May], Ulrich Roth, Michael Schenker, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, David Crosby, Al DiMiola, Tommy Emmanuel, Robin Trower, John Pertrucci, Randy Rhoads, David Gilmore -and the list goes on. I have played in Hard rock/Metal/Progressive rock bands most of my life. In the 90's, I formed a progressive hard rock band, Endless Dream, and played throughout the bay area. I have recorded at such recording facilities as the Record Plant in Sausalito, Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, Hyde Street Studios, SF, Wally Heiders SF; And I also joined an additional progressive hard rock band, Forever’s End. In early 2000, formed an Ozzy Osborne Tribute band with vocalist Pete Marino [Cacophony]. I have been teaching a variety of instruments off and on for several decades. I am very excited about my current bands, Revenant and Tempest. Both possess promising potential to reach a broad and enthusiastic audience. I have played every club in Northern California and also have played stadiums which include Hewlett Packard Pavilion, Staples Center, and San Diego Convention Center. I am no stranger to performing for both large and small audiences alike.
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CHRIS CARPINIELLO Born in New York City in 1961, destined for Rock I began playing the drums at age 7. Studied Jazz for my first 5 years. I begged my teacher to let me learn Rock. He said I wasn't ready. I'm glad he did. Jazz gave me an insight into Rock that many drummers never experience.
Rock and Roll had always called my name. I had no choice but to answer. Involved mainly in original projects in the 70's and 80's such as A.K.A., Next Generation, The Mess and The Wanted. Hard Rock, Punk and New Wave were ALL my thing. Manhattan was the scene and it was on fire! Did I mention the Pazootie Heads? I wish you all could have been at C.B.G.B.'s that night!
In 1987 California caught my attention and I decided to come and check it out. I found a home and a musical wonderland in Marin county. I quickly met up with the likes of Lee Presson. Back then he was still Leland Susser but don't tell anyone I told you. We had a big band called the John Bellushi Memorial Blues Band. Hot stuff!
I have been luck to play with more than a few great musicians in my life and have learned from each of them. I love all styles of music but you know where my heart is. HARD DRIVING ROCK AND ROLL!
There were so many other bands and shows including Shakin' Cactus, October Day, Tom and the Cats, Trailer Trash, The Creation, The Four Teardrops and then S'Cream who introduced me to Jeff and so here I am in Revenant.
