Top Shelf
Tampa, Florida, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Where Momma Keeps the Hot Stuff
By Joe Sokolowski and Darren Torres on July 11, 2010
Darren Torres | Rocket Sports & Entertainment
Top Shelf, the local Tampa band, was formed in late 2009 by 4 college students attending USF. Joe Sokolowski (Lead Singer) and Anthony Lombardo (Lead Guitarist) were randomly paired as roommates. From the first time they played music together in their prison cell of a dorm room, they knew they had to find more people to jam with. Across the hall was Jared Huffman (Drummer) and Greg Baker (Bassist) who both heard the noise and came to offer their musical expertise. After a myriad of complaints and University Police noise complaint visits, Top Shelf was formed.
Top Shelf (from left to right: Jared Huffman (drums), Joe Sokolowski (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Greg Baker (bass guitar), Anthony Lombardo (lead guitar)
Top Shelf brings a sound that’s refreshing but familiar. They have a unique blend of Alternative, with strong roots in the Classic Rock we all grew up with. Classics like Rush, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix. And even newer bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the up- and-coming Cage the Elephant. “Top Shelf plays their instruments with heart. Something you don’t see often these days,” says James Gaiser, a Top Shelf fan from Miami, Florida. “They don’t look like the young, hip, male archetype that stores and advertisements tell me I should look like. They look like four guys that just love playing the heck outta some music. When you go see a Top Shelf show, you feel like you’re in a garage with some guys that seem more concerned with the fact that you are there and rocking, rather than making any money that night.”
Top Shelf plays shows in the Tampa area at various venues, also going back to the place where it all began – The Pegasus Lounge, playing every Tuesday, putting on a free open mic show for their fans. If you’re in the Tampa area and love to listen to some great new music with a great show, experience Top Shelf; “Where momma keeps the hot stuff! - Rocket Sports & Entertainment
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
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Bio
Top Shelf is a 4-piece rock band out of Tampa Florida comprised completely of College students attending the University of South Florida. Vocalist Joe Sokolowski and guitarist Anthony Lombardo, who had never met before, were randomly paired as room mates in 2009, their freshman year of college. After realizing their shared passion and talent for music, they went on the hunt for other musicians. A few doors down the hall drummer Jared Huffman heard the music and came to offer his abilities. Greg Baker heard the buzz of a bassist needed and he was welcomed with opened arms. Joe's unique style of vocals, Anthony's technical and amazing prowess on guitar, Greg's funky bass grooves, and Jared's clean rhythm created a distinct combination of sounds that birthed the new band Top Shelf.
Each of the members of Top Shelf have a vastly different taste in music and what has influenced their styles. These differing styles have helped them shape a new sound that is refreshing but yet familiar.
We love to make music, and we love to put on an awesome show. If you're ever in the Tampa area, odds are you won't have too go far to catch a glimpse of Top Shelf.
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