About Me
Bruce Wacker - Guitar/Vocals
Bruce's love of guitar started at a very early age. After seeing the Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show", he knew what he wanted to do with his life.....make music. He got his first guitar at age 7 years old as a xmas present in 1964 and with pure determination taught himself how to play it. By 1974 he was already performing professionally with a band called "White Cracker" and was playing at such places as the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ, home of such greats as Bruce Springsteen and South Side Johnny & the Asbury Jukes.
In 1978 Bruce decided he wanted to broaden his style of playing and took lessons from legendary Jazz guitarist Tal Farlow. This led to him joining Jazz Company featuring Tommy Labella.
1982 brought in another new era for Bruce when he joined a 7 piece original band called The Stylers which played regularly at The Sands Casino in Atlantic City and the Lone Star Café in NYC and released a self financed album. This was an invaluable experience for Bruce for during this time he learned about the music industry and performing in front of large audiences.
In 1990, Bruce decided to start his own band so that he could write and record his own music. He released his self titled CD "The Bruce Wacker Band" in 1994 which got hm attention from music industry professionals.. In 1998 He released "Accidents Can Happen" which was a DCC national release and sent him on tour opening for acts such as The Spin Doctors, Robin Trower and Warren Haynes & Govt Mule.
Bruce is now working on his latest CD, "Orginal Sin" and expecting it to be released in spring of 2008.
Joe D'Angelo - Drums
Joe DAngelo is a popular drummer and vocalist in the tri-state (New York City, Philadelphia, New Jersey) area. Essentially known as a blues-rock drummer, Joe is one of the few singing drummers that can sing both lead and/or harmony parts and play the drums at the same time. A groove drummer by nature, his style is best described as funky and driving with a deep pocket. His playing has been said to resemble an emotionally charged mix of John Bonham and Bernard Purdie. On the Trenton-Princeton music scene, he is sometimes referred to as the Ghost for his extensive use of playing ghost notes on the snare drum. On the Asbury Park music scene he is known as the Fist for his hard-hitting and aggressive playing style. An extremely emotional artist, Joe is also known as an intense and charismatic front-man, with a powerful stage presence when performing as a lead vocalist.
Joe currently plays with legendary Trenton bluesman Paul Plumeri (a.k.a. The Bishop), and has recently joined forces with longtime Asbury Park rock guitarist Bruce Wacker. He frequently plays with regional artists such as Matt ORee, Sonny Kenn, Jody Joseph, Lucy Bonilla, and Magic Red & the Voodoo Tribe. He can also be found on the local Trenton-Princeton music scene playing with artists such as Tom Reock, Joe Vadala, Jeff Palmer, Sandy Zio, Ernie White, John Bushnell, Sandy Zio, and Triple Trouble. Joe continues to freelance as a drummer and vocalist throughout the tri-state area, and has had the privilege to share the stage with members of: Canned Heat, Gary U.S. Bonds, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Kingfish, The Hooters, The Fabulous Grease Band, Sheryl Crows Band, The Ace Frehley Band, La Bamba, Johnny Winter, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, Ween, Billy Joels Band, Styx, Buddy Guys Band, The Southern Rock All-Stars, and Buddy Richs Big Band. He has opened up for national acts such as Robert Randolph, Dickey Betts & Great Southern, Southside Johnny, LaBamba, and John Eddie. He frequently plays famed and popular New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania nite-clubs such as The Stone Pony, B.B.Kings, The Bitter End, The Cutting Room, The Starland Ballroom, Warmdaddys, and The Chicago Blues Club.
Harry Scanlon - Bass
Bassist Harry Scanlon is a newcomer to the New Jersey music scene. Raised in the Red Bank area, Harry had a natural interest in all things artistic. Flirting with music on occasion picking up the guitar and eventually the Bass. He formed a band with his brothers and a couple of friends..."THE ELASTIC WAIST BAND" recording a few songs before deciding to change directions and embark on a career as a signpainter/commercial artist. He quickly gained a noted reputation in the art world doing commission work for many high-profile clients. 20 years passed and a conversation with his brothers led to a musical re-uniting. Upon the suggestion of a friend he decided to take a more serious approach contacting well-respected bassist Buddy Savino as a teacher. After 2 years of tutelage by Mr. Savino and many Sunday night open jams, he was embraced by several musicians that would be instrumental to his musical growth. Most notably...guitarists Matt O'Ree, Rob Dye and George Ott. Drummers Bob Boyd, Mike Heady and Bob Pantella. Harry also notes another strong influence in his development, Bassist Gene Boccia whose support and friendship has been invaluable. So with the continued support of those fine musicians and Harry's desire to play, guitarist Bruce Wacker took interest in the possibilities of joining forces. Harry knew of Bruce's reputation and didn't think twice about joining Bruce's band. Today Harry knows he is the new kid on the block but thats ok...he loves the challenge.
