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Bill McGowan
Bass Player, Backup Vocals |
David Neri
Lead/Rhythm guitar, some vocals. I started really listening to the blues around 1990 at about 18 years old. Like most people around that time I became heavily interested greatly due to SRV’s untimely tragic death in Alpine Valley. Stevie’s dedication to the greats made me pay attention to the pioneer blues masters of the past. I then discovered Albert & B.B. King, Chester Burnett, Aaron “T-Bone” Walker, Lightnin’ Hopkins & Buddy Guy. I was taken right in. My curiosity and respect for these masters made me go back even deeper discovering guys like Huddie Leadbetter, Robert Johnson and Jimmy Reed. A short time later, I found myself working at a biker bar where I was exposed to such under rated, under appreciated local talent as “Dave Howard & the High rollers”, “Ronnie Earl” and “Erik Narwhal & the Manatees”. It was then I decided to get a guitar and chord book and give it a shot. Since then I have been able to meet and play with some wonderful people including some of my closest friends and my “baby” brother. I just hope, with the help of some of the younger players today, we can keep the blues alive for the generations to come. Other influences: Buddy Holly, Muddy Waters and Robert Cray |
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Ken Neri Jr.
Lead Vocals & Harp: I have been in this band since the beginning of my career, starting out as a fill-in singer. A little practice, back-to-back gigs, and some voice lessons later, I'm still here and I'm having the time of my life. My brother Dave was really the one who inspired me to join the band and get an opportunity to showcase my talent, he even bought me my first harmonica. I think if it was not for him and his faith in me, I would not be here. Other influences of mine include a wide range of musicians like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Brian Setzer, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and the Blues Brothers. I cannot forget Erik Narwhal as another inspiration, as well as Dave Howard & the High Rollers and Roomful of Blues. As I got older, I started to understand the meaning behind certain songs and was able to express myself through those songs. And, like I said, I've got to thank Dave for giving me that chance. I have tried, and still plan to, try my hand in writing our own material. I do have some lyrics that I just got to get to the band and see what we can come up with. Now, if you'll excuse me, the new phone books are here! |
Raphael Rotondo
Percussionist/Harp Player I have been playing drums for about 35 years now. Playing the blues is a large part of my expertise however, classic rock is also in my soul. |
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Francesco Capaldi
Lead Trumpet I have been playing trumpet for most of my life influenced heavily by my uncle Tom Rotondo. He introduced me to the instrument at a very young age. I started taking lessons from him as he was the music teacher for the Town of Johnston School Dept. I have been with this band from the beginning as I am one of the co-founders. It has been a long road but I'm trying to do my part to keep the blues alive. It is pretty easy for me as my life is a I IV V blues song anyway. |
Frank Weeks
Trumpet Frank has been playing trumpet for many years. Back in the late 70s/early 80s he played in a band that did lots of tunes from Chicago, BS&T, and Tower of Power. After several years off, Frank is now practicing his talent with this improvisation based band. He has 2 horns; a silver Getzen Eterna 900, Doc Severinsen model and a SILVER Elkhart Bach Stradivarius trumpet in the key of Bb (Model 180ML/72 ) 72 bell. Frank resides in Glocester, Rhode Island but don't hold that against him. |
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Jason D'Aguanno
Sax Player, Tenor and Baritone. I am 33 yrs old with over 12 yrs of professional instruction on Keyboards and Sax. Main Axe is a Selmer Mark VII, With a "Super" Tone Master 8* metal mouthpiece and La Voz Med-Soft to Med-Hard Reeds. Other horns include a Conn 20m Alto, and Buescher Bari and Soprano Saxes. |
Peter Fratantuono
Saxophone I’m 23years old and currently work full time as a fire fighter for the town ofCoventry. I started playing the sax in the 6th grade and from there it becamesomething I grew to love. I first taught myself to play by listening to David SandbournCD's and playing along. I later began to take private lessons from a gentleman bythe name of Mitch Kaplan who taught me the basics and really helped me form thefoundation to become the musician I am today. Towards the end of high school Ibegan to study with Eddie Tomassi Professor of music from Berklee College ofMusic in Boston. Eddie really helped me to form my improvisation skills andsharpen my knowledge with the theory aspect of music in regards to jazz. Throughout high school I really grew to enjoy Jazz, which became my focus as amusician. I started listening to a lot of John Coltrane, Charlie Parker andCannonball Adderly. This is the sound and style I began to strive for as a saxplayer. Following graduating high school in 2004 I spent the summer studying atthe Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship. Following the summer afterexploring Berklee I decided it was not for me and transferred to URI intoGeneral studies. Shortly after this took place is when I decided to become aFirefighter. While perusing my career to become a Firefighter I met FrankCapaldi while working at Exeter rescue and somehow music came up. This is whenhe told me about his band and I decided to check it out. The rest is history Ihave been playing with them ever since. Currently I play the tenor primarily in the band. In thefuture I hope to continue to play with bad luck and trouble and someday hope tohave my own recording studio and produce my own music on the side of my fulltime job.
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