From Santa Cruz, California, guitarist Carmen Grillo started his musical journey. Carmen fronted several local Santa Cruz bands.I n the late 1970s moved to Los Angeles. He soon became an in-demand session guitarist and vocalist. His credits in the studio include Bill Champlin (Chicago, Sons of Champlin), Rita Coolidge, Donna Summer, Tom Scott to name a few.

From 1980 through 1986, Carmen toured and recorded with Rita Coolidge. During that same time period, Carmen toured with Bill Champlin. In 1985, Carmen co-wrote One More Day with James Pankow of Chicago, which appeared on the platinum selling album Chicago XVIII.

Carmen then joined the legendary horn-based soul band Tower of Power in 1988. He performed and recorded with TOP for the better part of a decade before leaving in 1997 to pursue other musical interests.

Carmen now plays with the Sons of Champlin, Max Weinberg and is pursuing his solo career with a new album A Different World.