SLIM CHANCE AND THE GAMBLERS
''SLIM CHANCE AND THE GAMBLERS''
SEPTEMBER 30 2012
55:44
1. The Power/5:22
2. Mr. Lucky/5:12
3. Little Red Wagon/5:11
4. Jersey Girls Don't Pump Gas/3:42
5. Blue/5:00
6. Sin City/4:18
7. Mama's in the Kitchen/5:25
8. You Can't Smoke It Here/6:37
9. I Wanna Know/4:30
10. Harbor Heart/4:48
11. Prelude: A Carpenter's Peace/0:40
12. Hey Angel/5:05
ABOUT
By Mario Casella (Slim Chance)
The music of "Slim Chance & The Gamblers" is strongly based in Blues and R&B. Our objective is to play for the body, mind and soul in that danceability and lyrical substance are key factors. Each member brings their own special musical character and influence into the concoction that makes the unique sound that is "S.C.&.T.G... It's been said that " 0ur sound seems to fall somewhere between "The Black Keys", "J. Geils" and "War". Our sound is as diversified in the blues realm as Joe Bonnamassa, Bonnie Raitt, or Delbert Mc Clinton.
The line up includes: Mario Casella, lead vocals, guitar, Sandy Storm, background and lead vocals, Sandy Mack, harmonica, vocals, Rockin' Randy Ladet, keyboards, vocals, Eric G. Greene, Guitar, Jimmy Grant, 7 string bass, vocals, Steve (Night Train) Murphy, drums, and Johnny G. Reo, percussion and drums. Together we create a diverse sound that all audiences can enjoy, and our fans love to dance to our music.
We think of our sound as being a kind of “Bluesrockafunkadelica, which is Blues, Rock, Funk and Psychedelic music combined, "Together we take the gamble at laying our time and our love for music on the table. Serendipity has brought me a wonderful band, wonderful friends and now I am blessed with the gift of song".
----------
Mario Casella - Guitarist/Vocalist/Songwriter
Mario Casella is a guitar playing singer song writer who's blues roots show in most everything he writes. He incorporates elements of Blues, Rock ,Soul, and country into his writing. Richard Skelly of The Asbury Pk. Press and Dom Gregoria of The Rag Magazine have praised his song writing and performance abilities and Rag magazine called his debut cd with Slim Chance & The Gamblers "A Masterpiece" ( Nov. edition.)
His musical career began in the hills of New Hampshire in 1970 jamming and playing with the likes of Aerosmith. Later his band "Troublemaker" was produced by Mick Ronson of David Bowie fame. During the same period he found himself playing with C.B.S.recording artist Charlie (Midnight) Kaufman of James Browns Living In America LP fame. Marios studio and live music career has spanned over 40 years.
He is now establishing himself in New Jerseys Asbury Pk. area as one of its premiere singer songwriter artist. Slim Chance & The Gamblers is his Dream come true band made up of 8 of the most talented players in the Asbury area. In their recent show at the Iridium in Manhattan they received rave reviews from the clubs staff and management as well as from the crowd.
Sandy Storm - Vocals
Born and Raised in Paterson N.J. At age 11 I joined the Choir. At 15 I joined a Group Called "Up Up With PEOPLE . Which was a National singing Group. Married in my Twenty's and two children So i had to take some time off.I was a Lead singer for approximately 6 Bands through my 30's and 40's. All Local bands of Monmouth County. 2006-2008 I became a Member of a Band "Yasgurs Farm".It was a Great Experience!! Then I met Mario Casella in May of 2011 at the Asbury Blues Club.I was very Impressed and Loved the Sound of his Band.Not like any other Music I had heard. I followed Them for the next 6 Mos. In Nov 2011 Mario asked me to Join the Band up to N.H. for a Show @ The Keane Country Club. The Rest is History ! That point on I became an Official Member for SC & TG.
Sandy Mack - Harmonica & Vocals
. Sandy cut his musical teeth in the early 1970s jamming in Asbury Park, NJ clubs with renowned NJ artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt & Southside Johnny. He has spent many years studying all the post war Chicago blues greats & is now generally considered to be one of NJ's premiere blues harmonica players. Recent highlights include: 2012 winner of Asbury Music Awards Best Blues Band, 2010 induction into The Blues Hall of Fame as a Great Blues Artist from New Jersey, 2009 recording of "Still Going Strong" CD with legendary guitarist Kid Ramos. Live performance credits include appearances at Chicago Blues Festival & Montreal Festiblues. Sandy also organizes the popular annual musical charity event-Harpin' Help.
Rockin' Randy Ledet - Keyboards/Vocals/Arranger
Bio To Come . . . .
Eric (E.G.) Greene - Guitar/Producer/Arranger
It was seeing the old clip of The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show from 1964 when Eric first knew what he wanted to do with his life. From that point on, he got his first guitar, took lessons at a local studio near his home town of Madison, NJ, and listened intently to records from BB King, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, David Gilmore, Joe Walsh and Dwayne Allman, learning by ear how to stylize his own sound.
He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he majored in Production and Arrangement. E.G. soon found a group of like-minded musicians at Berklee, some from his home state of NJ, and they decided to head back to the Jersey shore and get established in the Asbury Park music scene.
E.G. joined Kristian Rex and Bully, who played regularly at the iconic Stone Pony, The Fast Lane and NYC hotspots like The Ritz, TRAX and CBGB…..opening for artists such as Joe Jackson, Meatloaf, Ian Hunter, Steve Forbert, and others.
E.G. became a regular session player, writer and producer in NYC full time. That’s when his band mate Mario , (singer/songwriter/bassist and guitarist) and Eric produced some recordings of Mario’s music, which met local critical acclaim as a WDHA-FM 2nd place contest winner and gained airplay at the station. After years of being out of touch, Mario Casella reached out to Eric and formed an 8 piece band known as Slim Chance & The Gamblers, again producing together and releasing a critically acclaimed self-titled record in 2012. The band plays in the Northeast, where they continue to develop a grass roots following in the NYC/Asbury Park/Atlantic City/Philadelphia area
Jim Grant - 7 String Bass & Vocals
Upon graduating high school Jim invested in his first bass, self-taught and in less than a year he landed a full time gig with the cover band Touch. Jim gained experience quickly, playing 5 shows a day at Great Adventure and 5 shows a night in the hotel circuit weekly. In sharing the stage with Gary Bruno Jim was introduced to Gerry Carboy with whom he had the privilege to study under, which aided to build the foundation for Jim’s technique and chops. In addition to the impact Graham Maby had on Jim some other influences are Jaco Pastorious, Tony Levin, Jack Bruce and Victor Wooten and among many other greats.
After 3 years of cover bands and a diversified range of music from classical, jazz, rock, heavy metal, and of course the blues, Jim set forth and pursued original projects. Included in these projects were Youth in Asia, Point of View and Now Voyager where Jim met Yuri Turchyn with whom he is still a band mate of in Grupo Yuri an original Latin funk fusion band.
In the year 2000, Jim purchased his first 7 string bass and has been playing one ever since. While playing a blues jam session in 2011 at Asbury Blues Jim met Mario Casella and soon after was asked to join Slim Chance and the Gamblers.
Steve (Night Train) Murphy - Drums
In 1978 Steve joined Kristian Rex and Bully, an Original Pop Rock band. It was here that Steve first met SC&TG band mates Eric Greene and Mario Casella. KR&B was a great learning experience for Steve on how to craft a song, focusing on dynamics and simplicity.
Following CR&B in the early 80s Steve joined Nursery Cryme, a Genesis tribute band, while also working on original projects with fellow ex band mates Nejat Bakin and Gary Shapiro (Stone Feather) and Stanley Jankowski (Days) on projects that continue to this day. Following Nursery Cryme, Steve and friends Mark Ribler and Gary Shapiro formed the cover/original band Contact playing the tri-state area. Steve went on to join Yasgur’s Farm in 1988 for two years, a legendary Woodstock era tribute band.
For the next two decades Steve kept busy primarily on recording projects with old band mates and friends.In May 2011 Steve was reunited with Kristian Rex and Bully band mates Mario Casella and Eric Greene for the first time in over 30 years and asked to join Slim Chance and the Gamblers, an original Blues, R&B contemporary Rock band led by Mario (Slim) and Eric on guitar.
Johnny G. Reo - Percusion
Bio To Come . . . .
''SLIM CHANCE AND THE GAMBLERS''
SEPTEMBER 30 2012
55:44
1. The Power/5:22
2. Mr. Lucky/5:12
3. Little Red Wagon/5:11
4. Jersey Girls Don't Pump Gas/3:42
5. Blue/5:00
6. Sin City/4:18
7. Mama's in the Kitchen/5:25
8. You Can't Smoke It Here/6:37
9. I Wanna Know/4:30
10. Harbor Heart/4:48
11. Prelude: A Carpenter's Peace/0:40
12. Hey Angel/5:05
ABOUT
By Mario Casella (Slim Chance)
The music of "Slim Chance & The Gamblers" is strongly based in Blues and R&B. Our objective is to play for the body, mind and soul in that danceability and lyrical substance are key factors. Each member brings their own special musical character and influence into the concoction that makes the unique sound that is "S.C.&.T.G... It's been said that " 0ur sound seems to fall somewhere between "The Black Keys", "J. Geils" and "War". Our sound is as diversified in the blues realm as Joe Bonnamassa, Bonnie Raitt, or Delbert Mc Clinton.
The line up includes: Mario Casella, lead vocals, guitar, Sandy Storm, background and lead vocals, Sandy Mack, harmonica, vocals, Rockin' Randy Ladet, keyboards, vocals, Eric G. Greene, Guitar, Jimmy Grant, 7 string bass, vocals, Steve (Night Train) Murphy, drums, and Johnny G. Reo, percussion and drums. Together we create a diverse sound that all audiences can enjoy, and our fans love to dance to our music.
We think of our sound as being a kind of “Bluesrockafunkadelica, which is Blues, Rock, Funk and Psychedelic music combined, "Together we take the gamble at laying our time and our love for music on the table. Serendipity has brought me a wonderful band, wonderful friends and now I am blessed with the gift of song".
----------
Mario Casella - Guitarist/Vocalist/Songwriter
Mario Casella is a guitar playing singer song writer who's blues roots show in most everything he writes. He incorporates elements of Blues, Rock ,Soul, and country into his writing. Richard Skelly of The Asbury Pk. Press and Dom Gregoria of The Rag Magazine have praised his song writing and performance abilities and Rag magazine called his debut cd with Slim Chance & The Gamblers "A Masterpiece" ( Nov. edition.)
His musical career began in the hills of New Hampshire in 1970 jamming and playing with the likes of Aerosmith. Later his band "Troublemaker" was produced by Mick Ronson of David Bowie fame. During the same period he found himself playing with C.B.S.recording artist Charlie (Midnight) Kaufman of James Browns Living In America LP fame. Marios studio and live music career has spanned over 40 years.
He is now establishing himself in New Jerseys Asbury Pk. area as one of its premiere singer songwriter artist. Slim Chance & The Gamblers is his Dream come true band made up of 8 of the most talented players in the Asbury area. In their recent show at the Iridium in Manhattan they received rave reviews from the clubs staff and management as well as from the crowd.
Sandy Storm - Vocals
Born and Raised in Paterson N.J. At age 11 I joined the Choir. At 15 I joined a Group Called "Up Up With PEOPLE . Which was a National singing Group. Married in my Twenty's and two children So i had to take some time off.I was a Lead singer for approximately 6 Bands through my 30's and 40's. All Local bands of Monmouth County. 2006-2008 I became a Member of a Band "Yasgurs Farm".It was a Great Experience!! Then I met Mario Casella in May of 2011 at the Asbury Blues Club.I was very Impressed and Loved the Sound of his Band.Not like any other Music I had heard. I followed Them for the next 6 Mos. In Nov 2011 Mario asked me to Join the Band up to N.H. for a Show @ The Keane Country Club. The Rest is History ! That point on I became an Official Member for SC & TG.
Sandy Mack - Harmonica & Vocals
. Sandy cut his musical teeth in the early 1970s jamming in Asbury Park, NJ clubs with renowned NJ artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt & Southside Johnny. He has spent many years studying all the post war Chicago blues greats & is now generally considered to be one of NJ's premiere blues harmonica players. Recent highlights include: 2012 winner of Asbury Music Awards Best Blues Band, 2010 induction into The Blues Hall of Fame as a Great Blues Artist from New Jersey, 2009 recording of "Still Going Strong" CD with legendary guitarist Kid Ramos. Live performance credits include appearances at Chicago Blues Festival & Montreal Festiblues. Sandy also organizes the popular annual musical charity event-Harpin' Help.
Rockin' Randy Ledet - Keyboards/Vocals/Arranger
Bio To Come . . . .
Eric (E.G.) Greene - Guitar/Producer/Arranger
It was seeing the old clip of The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show from 1964 when Eric first knew what he wanted to do with his life. From that point on, he got his first guitar, took lessons at a local studio near his home town of Madison, NJ, and listened intently to records from BB King, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, David Gilmore, Joe Walsh and Dwayne Allman, learning by ear how to stylize his own sound.
He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he majored in Production and Arrangement. E.G. soon found a group of like-minded musicians at Berklee, some from his home state of NJ, and they decided to head back to the Jersey shore and get established in the Asbury Park music scene.
E.G. joined Kristian Rex and Bully, who played regularly at the iconic Stone Pony, The Fast Lane and NYC hotspots like The Ritz, TRAX and CBGB…..opening for artists such as Joe Jackson, Meatloaf, Ian Hunter, Steve Forbert, and others.
E.G. became a regular session player, writer and producer in NYC full time. That’s when his band mate Mario , (singer/songwriter/bassist and guitarist) and Eric produced some recordings of Mario’s music, which met local critical acclaim as a WDHA-FM 2nd place contest winner and gained airplay at the station. After years of being out of touch, Mario Casella reached out to Eric and formed an 8 piece band known as Slim Chance & The Gamblers, again producing together and releasing a critically acclaimed self-titled record in 2012. The band plays in the Northeast, where they continue to develop a grass roots following in the NYC/Asbury Park/Atlantic City/Philadelphia area
Jim Grant - 7 String Bass & Vocals
Upon graduating high school Jim invested in his first bass, self-taught and in less than a year he landed a full time gig with the cover band Touch. Jim gained experience quickly, playing 5 shows a day at Great Adventure and 5 shows a night in the hotel circuit weekly. In sharing the stage with Gary Bruno Jim was introduced to Gerry Carboy with whom he had the privilege to study under, which aided to build the foundation for Jim’s technique and chops. In addition to the impact Graham Maby had on Jim some other influences are Jaco Pastorious, Tony Levin, Jack Bruce and Victor Wooten and among many other greats.
After 3 years of cover bands and a diversified range of music from classical, jazz, rock, heavy metal, and of course the blues, Jim set forth and pursued original projects. Included in these projects were Youth in Asia, Point of View and Now Voyager where Jim met Yuri Turchyn with whom he is still a band mate of in Grupo Yuri an original Latin funk fusion band.
In the year 2000, Jim purchased his first 7 string bass and has been playing one ever since. While playing a blues jam session in 2011 at Asbury Blues Jim met Mario Casella and soon after was asked to join Slim Chance and the Gamblers.
Steve (Night Train) Murphy - Drums
In 1978 Steve joined Kristian Rex and Bully, an Original Pop Rock band. It was here that Steve first met SC&TG band mates Eric Greene and Mario Casella. KR&B was a great learning experience for Steve on how to craft a song, focusing on dynamics and simplicity.
Following CR&B in the early 80s Steve joined Nursery Cryme, a Genesis tribute band, while also working on original projects with fellow ex band mates Nejat Bakin and Gary Shapiro (Stone Feather) and Stanley Jankowski (Days) on projects that continue to this day. Following Nursery Cryme, Steve and friends Mark Ribler and Gary Shapiro formed the cover/original band Contact playing the tri-state area. Steve went on to join Yasgur’s Farm in 1988 for two years, a legendary Woodstock era tribute band.
For the next two decades Steve kept busy primarily on recording projects with old band mates and friends.In May 2011 Steve was reunited with Kristian Rex and Bully band mates Mario Casella and Eric Greene for the first time in over 30 years and asked to join Slim Chance and the Gamblers, an original Blues, R&B contemporary Rock band led by Mario (Slim) and Eric on guitar.
Johnny G. Reo - Percusion
Bio To Come . . . .
