Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
These folks are one of the most fun live acts in the North Jersey area. Pete Poz's piano and vocals blend barrelhouse and jazz influences. Voacalist/Harpist Mark Swanek adds some Delta and Chicago style harp on his easy rollling vocals.
Truely good Blues "round here!" - Silk City Records
I you are looking for a good reason to get out for a great night of Chicago styled Blues, check out The Jersey Blues Depot's 360 CD, as they will have you dancing and smiling. - Bob Putignano
When folks talk about great blues scenes, cities come to mind - New Orleans, Memphis, Kansas City, Chicago - but more and more in recent years it's been extraordinary how much comes from New Jersey where the "state" of the Blues keeps getting deeper. And The Jersey Blues Depot exemplifies that. - WBGO FM
"I recently had the pleasure of booking The Depot at my establishment, the Great Notch Inn, in February 2005. Already knowing a few of the members as musicians and customers I sort of knew what to expect. They definately exceeded my expectations! The band was very tight and professional. They played three well constructed sets with great enthusiasm and energy. I found them very easy to work with while being great with the crowd. The Depot also brought a good crowd with them and did not play too loud for the room. I look forward to adding The Depot to my band rotation.
Rich Hempel
The Great Notch Inn - Rich Hempel
Discography
The band's CD "360", includes originals that have been played frequently on WBGO (Michael Bourne's Blues Hour), WFDU, and many other "left side of the dial" stations. Also, their original "JERSEY BLUES" is on Silk City Records' recent release "Red Hot" CD.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
The Jersey Blues Depot (The Depot) consists of musicians that take performing very seriously. The choice of songs varies from venue to venue, but one ingredient is constant: the band pleases the crowd with upbeat, energetic material. Five instruments take the band out of the traditional and typical trio. Harmonica and keys allow the band to stretch musically. Contemporary blues takes the stage front and center with the old masters taking a back stage position. When the crowd requires it, a tasty repertoire of rock tunes bursts onto the set list.
Influences: Monk, Ella, Coltrane, Buddy Guy, Buddy Holly, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Hendrix, Clapton, John Mayall, Musselwhite, and Van Morrison.
PETE POZ
Keys & Vocals
Jersey Blues Depot bandleader Pete Poz studied piano and keyboard harmony with Sanford Gold in New York City in the 70's. Pete supported himself by teaching music and playing local clubs with Donna Kane in a jazz oriented duo. Family and other opportunities sidetracked him until the late 1990's when long time friend guitarist Son Lewis {Silk City Records} talked him into "dusting off the keys". Since putting together the Jersey Blues Depot, he is back on track with his real passion for the blues !
Mark Swanek
Harp & Vocals
Resident "bachelor" and dynamic showman Mark has been playing harmonica since the mid 1990's. Along with burning up the local blues circuit, Mark has studied harmonica with blues "monster" Dennis Gruenling. Mark's performance highlights include; The Tampa Bay Blues Festival, Botany Village Blues Festival, and Buddy Guy's Legends Club. Some of Mark's favorite artists and inspiration include: Rick Estrin, Paul Delay, James Harman, Kim Wilson, Dennis Gruenling, and of course, Little and Big Walter.
Will Ferreri
Guitar & Vocals
Will has been strapped to an electric guitar since he was a teenager in the 1960’s. “I considered the Ventures, Beatles and the Yardbirds to be pied pipers luring me into the magical world of music”. In the early 70’s Will joined the previously established “BUTTON GWINNET". They were hugely successful on the college circuit at this time and Will was fortunate to be able to make an ample living during this time. It was also at this time that Will developed an ability to play blues by listening to Mike Bloomfield, Savoy Brown and John Mayall. Toward the mid to late 70’s Will joined “CONDOR” along with big shoes, big hair and “armadillos in our trousers”. Huge nightclubs afforded CONDOR roadies, sound people, lights, and an International box truck. It was lots of fun to be sure, but Will was dissatisfied playing Foreigner, the Cars and Foghat tunes. In the musically banal 80s, Will found himself in what’s commonly known as a ‘real job’. “I briefly dabbled with a new wave group but quickly realized I wasn’t crappy enough”. In the late 80’s and early 90’s Will’s talent as a vocalist surfaced for the first time in his own original project “UPRISING”, followed by the blues/rock power trio “WILLPOWER”. WILL is now finally playing the music he wants to with “JERSEY BLUES DEPOT”.
BILL GALBRAITH
Drums
Bill started his musical career in the early 70's studying with jazz drummer Sal LaRocca {Teddy Wilson Quartet}, and drummer-percussionist Lou Grassi {CIMP Records}. In 1977 after regional and statewide competitions, Bill’s many accomplishments include in the New Jersey All State Orchestra and had the privilege of recording a limited edition album under the baton of composer, conductor Vaclav Nelhybel. Bill’s talent with the sticks brought him to the attention of the regional touring band "Colony", where he sat at the drum "helm" previously held by Max Weinberg {Bruce Springsteen E-Street Band drummer}, and Joe Nevolla, {Mahoganny Rush}. Bill has indulged his love of the skins performing and recording with the likes of;- Vic Cennicola, Jim DeAngellis, Rob Mallosh{RPM Studios}, "Poor Bob" Susko, Dean Summers, VOCALISTS- Van Martin, Jackie Jones, Dee Kyles, KEYBOARDISTS- Rene Craig , SAXAPHONISTS- Mack Goldsberry {of Charles Lloyd fame} , Karen Lee, Sarah Walsh, BASSISTS- Jim McNeally, Bill Korineck {Debbie Davies band}. Bill was a "fixture" in the bands Keepsake and Passion during the 90's. Performances include: the ensemble "Keepsake" at the American Scholarship Awards in NY and has recorded with bluesman, actor, Sam "Magicman" Waymans. Currently along with performing with the Jersey Blues Depot, Bill stays busy freelanceing, doing weddings , and jazz, blues club dates in the NY- NJ tri-state area. Bill also shares his love of drumming, teaching in his spare time.
Pete Roberts
Bass
Pete started his adventures with bass in 1968 while playing tuba in the High School band. From there he taught himself bass by comparing what he was learning on the tuba. Pete lists the Beatles as a major influence on his desire to play bass after watching the Fab Four on T.V. Pete went on to study with bassist Bill Langan who taught him the fundamen
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