Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Talk about prolific. Pat Pileggi says he’s written hundreds of songs over the years. Happily, he now has a band to play them.
His band, Walkers Cross, has an earthy Southern-rock flavor that fans of the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker Band and some of the rowdier Nashville guys can well appreciate.
Pileggi’s songwriting is inspired, his take-charge voice has a weathered rasp to it, and the backup harmonies are solid. Instrumentally, the band’s four-guitar lineup packs a punch.
Walkers Cross will celebrate the release of its debut CD with a show Saturday night at Rolando’s at 2433 Whipple Ave. NW.
“Southern rock is really where our roots stem from,” says Pileggi, 33. “Skynyrd, the Allmans, 38 Special and others, plus I’m a big country-music fan. Our music is kind of in-between all that.”
Formed three years ago, Walkers Cross was originally called Marshall Law but changed its name after learning there were several other Marshall Laws already out there.
Band members are Pileggi on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, brother Dino Pileggi on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Steve Suarez on lead guitar and backing vocals, Steve Miller on bass and Danny Bernard on drums.
Friends since preschool, Pat Pileggi and Suarez have “been in and out of bands together all our lives,” Pileggi says. “Crown Royale, Paisley Custard, the list goes on. “We’ve mostly played classic rock, but in the early ’90s we tried alternative rock — Soundgarden, Nirvana — trying to keep up with the times.” Dino Pileggi toured the country in the Kiss tribute bands Cold Gun and Strutter, playing the Paul Stanley role.
“We’re fanatics,” Pileggi says about Walkers Cross’ quest for perfectionism. While the guys rehearse regularly, the band hasn’t played out too often. A memorable recent gig was opening for Warrant in December at B.B. McClain’s. The band’s shows include no cover tunes, only Pileggi originals.
The nine-song Walkers Cross CD was recorded at Nashville’s Sound Kitchen, which is owned by the Pileggis’ cousins, John and Dino Elefante. (For a time, John was lead vocalist of Kansas.) The third-largest recording studio in the country, the Sound Kitchen has been used by stars of country (Toby Keith, Garth Brooks, Faith Hill), contemporary Christian (DC Talk, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant), and pop-rock (Elton John, Jewel, Jimmy Buffett).
During his four visits to the Sound Kitchen in 2003, Pilegggi met Bruce Springsteen, Deena Carter, Trace Adkins and Donna Summer at the studio. The Elefante brothers are currently shopping the Walkers Cross CD around to major labels.
“In the studio, we play as a band. We don’t do it track by track,” Pileggi says. “Basically what you hear on the album is what you’re going to hear live.” In concert
- Canton Repository
Discography
Walkers Cross - Made In America
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Walkers Cross was created by two guitar players and childhood friends Patrick Pileggi and Steve Suarez in 2001. They both believed that what was missing in music today was a true back to the basics rock-n-roll band. Not knowing in what direction their music would go, they began to collaborate in what would be the beginning of a great sound. After writing and arranging the beginning of the Walkers Cross sound, they started looking for other musicians who had the same drive and dream. The first decision they made was a bass player Steve has played with off and on for over ten years, Steve Miller, an amazingly strong and talented musician in his own right. After working with several drummers, they started asking around to fellow musicians and friends if anyone new of a dedicated musician drummer. The person they kept hearing about was Danny Bernard. Danny has been a working drummer for years, playing with some of Northeast Ohio's premier musicians. Wanting concentrate more on vocals (though still playing guitar) Patrick decided to ask his brother Dino Pileggi, who has been a touring musician for over 12 years, to join and play rhythm guitar. Finally all the pieces are together to create a great band. With influences ranging from The Beatles, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Allman Brothers, Michael Stanley, Kiss, Led Zeppelin and many others, Walkers Cross cranks out an eclectic mix of Southern-Rock, Blues and Rock-n-Roll.
The nine-song Walkers Cross CD was recorded at Nashville’s Sound Kitchen, Which is owned by John and Dino Elefante. (For a time, John was lead vocalist of Kansas.) The third-largest recording studio in the country, the Sound Kitchen has been used by stars of country (Toby Keith, Garth Brooks, Faith Hill), contemporary Christian (DC Talk, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant), and pop-rock (Elton John, Jewel, Jimmy Buffett).
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