Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
"...Grieco's a polished and melodic songwriter and the performances are cooly passionate and absolutely professional. The Cartells are grown-ups whose passion for music hasn't faded and who create accessible and more than competitive work for other like-minded grown-ups." ~ Rick Koster, The Day - Rick Koster
Discography
Strong True Love
To find out more in-depth info about The Cartells, go to our site: www.thecartells.com
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Jazz, swing, rhythm & blues and popular music of all styles are equally represented in their impressive repertoire, and their dedication to defining and fulfilling the wants & needs of their audience results in every appearance being an event to remember.
Described by The Connecticut Advocate as “Connecticut's premier vocal and musical group", after over a decade the Cartells are a fixture in the realm of corporate event musical entertainment. With what has been described as an “uncanny ability to switch gears”, The Cartells adapt smoothly to performance situations with extremely diverse demands. Truly “musician’s musicians”, they perform, with equal credibility, smooth jazz “dinner music”, pounding dance sets or virtuosic concert performances in genres of jazz, rock, pop or fusion. A vocal band par excellence, 4 part vocal harmony is a key feature in the repertoire. The fluency in the many “languages” of music sets apart this multi-dimensional band.
As highly skilled musical performers, the Cartells excel in the techniques of the equally important arts of music and the art of defining and responding to the wants and needs of a given audience and situation.
KARIN BARTH: Vocals, Percussion, Alto Sax
Karin played with numerous New York bands before coming to Connecticut. She was a featured vocalist with the renowned Eight to the Bar, touring with the band for four years. She recorded two albums and the video "Swingin' School" (featured on VH-1) before leaving to form The Cartells. Karin can also be heard in numerous local and national commercials.
JOE GRIECO: Keyboards, Vocals
Joe's distinctive vocal style and acclaimed keyboard work were spotlighted recently on “Natural Wonder”, critically acclaimed Singer/Songwriter Phoebe Snow’s 2003 release on Eagle Records. He also writes and performs music for corporate video presentations and national television commercials, notably the nationally aired spot for the Army National Guard. His original songs have garnered him praise as “…a polished and melodic songwriter… coolly passionate…” Joe is a founding member of The Cartells.
TOM MAJESKY: Guitar, Vocals
Tom's guitar work can be heard on the "Blind to Reason" album by RCA recording artist Grayson Hugh, with whom Tom toured for two years. He's appeared on NBC's "Today" show as well as concert stages nationwide. Tom's original material has twice earned him recognition in Billboard Magazine's songwriting competition. In addition to his work with The Cartells, Tom is also engaged as an instructor of guitar studies at the Hartford Conservatory of Music.
WAYNE JUNE: Drums, Vocals
Wayne's dynamic drumming and remarkable 3 1/2 octave vocal range have played pivotal roles in a number of popular Connecticut bands. He tours internationally and records with Blues Legend Johnny Winter, has made appearances with The Harvey Brooks Band, and is a “first call” for freelance work with many CT favorites. His work in voiceover and audiobook narration has also afforded his distinctive voice an international audience.
JIMMY BIGGINS: Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax, Flute, Percussion
Jimmy's signature sound can be heard on commercials for Diet Coke, New York Telephone, Budweiser, and Goodyear Tires. He can also be recognized on albums such as "The Blues Don't Bother Me" (featured in the Blues Brothers movie), "Live" by Jonathan Edwards, "Once a Rocker Always a Rocker" by Joe Perry, and "Avenue Blue" by Jeff Golub (of Rod Stewart fame). Jimmy has toured with James Taylor, The Temptations, Michael Bolton, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.
CURT RAMM: Trumpet, Flugelhorn
The Kansas City Trumpeter has performed with: Kevin Mahogany, Lou Donaldson, Al Grey, Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Paquito D'Rivera, Jimmy Witherspoon, Kenneth Garrett, Carmel Jones, The Charlie Parker Foundation Big Band and the US Navy Band. He has also opened for Maynard Ferguson, Spyro Gyra and John Scofield. Ramm has recorded with Lee Ritenour, Harvey Mason, Abraham Laboriel, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland from The Police, The Roomful of Blues Horn Section and others. His music can be heard on ESPN, NBC, ABC, The Cosby Show, Access Hollywood, E News Daily and hundreds of commercials, documentaries and films. He has performed at The Kansas City Jazz Festival, The Toronto Jazz Festival, The Wichita Jazz Festival and The Newport Jazz Festivals.
To find out more in-depth info about The Cartells, go to our site: www.thecartells.com
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