Roland Bautista

Roland Bautista (May 30, 1951 – February 29, 2012) was a rhythm guitarist who was a former member of the band Earth, Wind & Fire.[1] In his career Bautista has also worked with artists such as Tom Waits, The Jackson 5, Ramsey Lewis, Randy Crawford and George Duke.

Career

Bautista played on the 1972 Earth, Wind & Fire album Last Days and Time and left the band soon after that album's release. Subsequently he released two solo albums on ABC Records which were 1977's Bautista and The Heat Of The Wind which was released in 1978. He also worked as a guitar player for the Ronnie Laws Band, The Crusaders, Jackson 5, Lamont Dozier, Ramsey Lewis, Randy Crawford, George Duke, Wayne Henderson and Hubert Laws.

His contributions to Tom Waits' albums are those for 1978's Blue Valentine and 1980's Heartattack and Vine upon which he played the 12-string guitar as well as the electric guitar. He returned to EWF in 1981 replacing fellow rhythm guitarist Al McKay and performed on 1981's Raise!, 1982's Powerlight and 1983's Electric Universe. He left the band in 1983 when the group went on a hiatus that eventually lasted for four years. On February 29, 2012, Roland Bautista died of natural causes.

Selective discography

[2]

References

External links

Roland Bautista at AllMusic