Loose Change of Boston's unique sound is inspired by the rich vein of American roots music. Their covers range from the rock & roll of John Hiatt, Neil Young and the Rolling Stones to the country twang of Hank Williams and Eliza Gilkyson to the blues of Leadbelly. Their original compositions, written by lead vocalists Sam Bergquist and Mike Costello, meld these diverse influences into a varied menu of soulful wit and humor. Their live performances have electrified crowds, pulling them out to the dance floor, and built a solid base of fans.
Sam Bergquist (lead vocals and acoustic guitar) comes to Loose Change of Boston with experience as a solo performer in the singer-songwriter tradition. He performed in Boston area clubs in the late 80’s until the mid 90’s, as well as underground in Red Line and Green Line subway stations. He has independently released two solo recordings: “Songs from the Red Lineâ€, 1988, and “The Hum Drumâ€, 1996. Loose Change of Boston performs many of Sam's original compositions, songs whose lyrics are intelligent and infused with a wry sensibility.
Mike Costello (lead vocals, harmonica, acoustic and electric guitar) is a veteran musician from the Boston music scene. He was the founder of The Big City Twisters and Rocket 88, two rock, blues and soul bands that performed throughout New England in the 80s and 90s. He has performed with countless bands, including Los Lobos, Barrence Whitfield and the Savages, The Bruce Katz Band, The Bosstones, Memphis Rockabilly, Peter Wolf, Brownie McGee, Mickey Bones and the Hubcaps, and Frankie Blandino, and Mike was the sound man and road manager for a year with the Boston band Treat Her Right. Mike's electrifying harmonica playing and gutsy vocals bring a real honky-tonk sound to the band.
Tom Daniels (keyboards, vocals), who studied jazz at Berklee College of Music, and Mickey Zibello (bass, vocals) comprised two thirds of the trio “Sacramento Street†in the early and mid 90’s, performing in coffee houses and clubs in Cambridge and Boston’s western suburbs. Tom injects Loose Change of Boston with his rich vocal harmonies, while Mickey's bass licks keep the band grounded. Josh Berlin (fiddle, vocals), adds a bluegrass and country flavor to the band, and Matt Johnson (percussion, vocals), who received a performance degree from Berklee and has been playing drums for over twenty years, brings everyone out to the dance floor with his rockin’ rhythms.
Loose Change of Boston plays in clubs in the Boston area and is also available for private functions.
