Raised in a musical family as the youngest of ten, Armando was exposed to classical music, jazz and romantic Latin boleros. His father was a violinist/bassist and set the musical tone and standard for the entire family. In addition to the musical influence at home, Amanda gravitated naturally towards the local blues and jazz talent in the City of Houston, playing in some of the same clubs and backing such artists as Bobby "Blues" Band, The Winter Brothers and Albert COLA's, to name a few. It helped mold the sound that is Texas Brown.