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the sketches

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The Sketches are headed up by lead singer/songwriter Charlie Bernardo who is Lucky number 7 of 10 kids. The children of Cuban immigrants who fled the communist regime in 1959 for a better life in America, the Bernardos also found refuge in music. Charlies oldest brothers Luie and Jorge played the Beatles relentlessly on their record players, an influence that would later prove stronger than any other in Charlies songwriting. Armed with a forceful tenor in the style of Queen's Freddie Mercury and U2's Bono, both of which he's often compared to, there is no doubting the sincerity and depth in Charlie's voice. His other duty is rhythm guitar which he attacks with a vintage classic rock sound through a Vox amp and Gibson SG guitar, which he affectionately refers to as the "Beatles on steroids" sound. Charlie's brother Manny shares his apartment as well as his dedication to his craft - Manny provides guitar, piano, and backing vocals. He likes long walks on tree-lined streets, his cat Ray-Ray, most things Fender, and probably you. Manny has worked as a solo artist, and in bands in DC including the Hard Tomorrows. Greg Watkins has an unusually natural feel for rock given his musical background. Trained at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Greg is highly in demand as a classical and jazz bassist. Greg is also a studio recording artist, whose playing can be heard on numerous film, television, and radio soundtracks, as well as string arrangements for the screamo band, Thrice ("The Artist in the Ambulance"). Greg adds a deft touch to The Sketches sound with his melodic rock bass, and unique bowed and plucked Double Bass. Dave Magazine plays drums. He likes coffee, cereal, beer, and other breakfast-related items. He has toured the East Coast and Canada multiple times with Monopoli (DC) as well as friends The Hint, and has worked in the studio with the likes of Dan Rappaport and Sal Villanueva(Thursday, Taking Back Sunday), and shared stages with loads of national acts. Studio drummer Anthony Allens credentials include having played jazz on four continents, working as a freelance columnist for several drum magazines, and being a published author. His attention to detail and different percussive styles are a testament to his focus on finding the perfect rhythm for each song. When Anthony is not playing, he's busy teaching private lessons and running his online drumming school (www.drumsallday.com) to teach the future unemployed drummers of tomorrow. THE SKETCHES latest effort, SECRET ALPHABETS (released June 2, 2007), is a collection of 10 songs produced by Mike Poorman(Royden, Paulson) and mixed by Michael Barbiero(Counting Crows, Guns N Roses, Maroon 5). You can purchase THE SKETCHES debut (an album quality demo collection) on their website at www.thesketches.com.