RAMONA, an original jazz-meets-R&B eight-piece outfit based in St. Augustine, released its new single “Not Your Mama” Sept. 18 off its self-titled album, and donated all proceeds made on the release date to assist victims impacted by Hurricane Irma. All proceeds from sales of the band's album and single made on Sept. 18 went directly to the American Red Cross.
RAMONA felt the effects of their own tragedy in 2016 when Hurricane Matthew destroyed singer and lead conceptualist Jeanetta Salyer and Alberto Cebollero‘s home.
“We were going through a lot of changes and growth as a band after Hurricane Matthew hit, and we began developing a more sophisticated, relaxed sound in part because we felt unshakable as a musical force," Salyer said. Creating was a sure way to bring positivity to an uncertain time of transition."
The six-song album took a total of three months to record through the expertise of Lucio Rubino from Fish Tank Records (Paramore, Larry Coryell, Flock of Seagulls). Due to their loss from Hurricane Matthew, the band was in the middle of rebuilding their lives and dealing with personal tragedy, while also sustaining their music by playing 40-plus shows a month and finalizing the record.
“I'm still in awe at the amount of work our band put in to get us back to square one after those devastating months,” Salyer said.
Throughout the past year, RAMONA has garnered national attention, winning the Delta Grammy contest, being named the “What’s Hot” band of the year and receiving a feature on the Best of NPR. Created to lift spirits, "Not your Momma" has been described as “a lighthearted, humorous take on an ordinary occurrence, a true new school jazz standard riddled with female empowerment, playful lyrics and a musical punch.”
While often performing as a duo or trio, RAMONA also plays as a full-piece band, consisting of Jeanetta Salyer (vocal/emcee), Chris Kearnes (saxophone), Alberto Cebollero (guitar/piano), Jim Johnston (guitar), Tommy Bridgewater (bass) and Kent McKinney (drums).
To purchase the album or single “Not Your Mama” online, go to www.ramonatheband.com/music.
