Welcome

“The Governors are an up and coming four piece from New York City that spend many nights polishing their craft in the dark bars and clubs of NYC. Raised on a healthy diet of rock and roll, The Governors recall a time when American rock and roll meant something, before soft shouldered pretty boys gave it a bad name. I do mean rock in the grand sense of the term-sharp melodies, a couple of hooky progressions, and a balanced presentation. A presentation that reflects back on the Seventies rock and roll that a lot of our generation grew up on. That is part of their charm, yet it does not overpower the band’s songs and musicianship in this modern world.

In the Spring of 1999, Politone Recording artists, THE GOVERNORS, began a rapid ascension onto the local club, radio and festival scene. They’re an energetic, agressive, pop-rock unit based out of the New York City metro area that has quickly attracted a loyal following. They play with a raw and genuine intensity. Rock solid grooves, jazzy keyboards and funky guitars comprise the eclectic soundscape. The well crafted tunes jump to life with fresh melodies and clever lyrics.

VITO BARBIERA, Lead Vocalist/Keyboardist: his longtime vision to a launch a group that shared in his musical dreams, became a reality in the spring of 1998, when his ad in The Village Voice led to the formation of The Governors. A wide array of influences ranging from The Police to Genesis surface throughout his compositions.  His jazz/rock inflected piano playing has often been compared to Billy Joel, Vince Guaraldi and Ben Folds. Vito’s voice fits the music with rawness and honesty.

OSCAR BAUTISTA, Guitarist: Club circuit veteran, Oscar’s hot funk-rock playing style is unmistakably his. As an arranger and co-composer, his grooves and melodies are attributed to a wide blend of influences ranging from the Rolling Stones and Jamiroquai. His razor sharp solos and catchy hooks definitely challenge you to listen. Some say Oscar’s playing resembles “Santana meets Hendrix”.

ROB CANTWELL, Drummer: A disciple of the Carter Beuford and Stewart Copeland school of drumming, Rob’s innovative grooves, superb arranging ability and aggressive style of playing keep The Governors sounding un-polite. He compliments each tune with his recognizable and unique ryhthms. His influences range from Led Zeppelin to Dave Matthews.

TIM KEALEY, Bassist/Back Vocals: Within The Governors, Tim finds a more challenging & fulfilling musical atmospHis driving yet melodic and soulful bass playing, co-composing skills and vocal harmonies realized their truest voice within the group.  He knows exactly what to play and when to play it. Tim’s influences stem from the 60’s British Invasion and Motown years: Beatles to Stevie Wonder. Within The Governors, Tim finds a more challenging & fulfilling musical atmosphere than ever before. His driving yet melodic and soulful bass playing, co-composing skills and vocal harmonies realized their truest voice within the group.  He knows exactly what to play and when to play it. Tim’s influences stem from The Beatles to Stevie Wonder.