band
Bio (Continued)
In 2001, Chris, taking the role of keyboardist, formed a side project called The Bog Mummies with Big Fantastic band mate Ryan Peiffer playing saxophones, and the drummer of the defunct hardcore band Try, David Ruscitti. The music was a departure from Chris' regionally known rock band, and explored a progressive instrumental, jazz infused compositional style which boasted complex chordal structures and rhythms, but retained a simple and very accessible melodic core.
Chris went away to college in the fall of ' 02 to study sound engineering at Lebanon Valley in Pennsylvania. Within a year, yearning to play music with his peers once again, Chris decided to come back home and study jazz performance at Rowan University where Ryan was currently attending. Reunited with his band mates and studying under musical masters, Chris began to hone his songwriting talents and his instrumental prowess.
At a party in mid-summer 2004, Chris showed David the song "Love." Immediately, the two made plans to start a new band. They knew the line up instantly. Ryan would be the multi-instrumentalist, playing saxophones, flute, guitar, and whatever else Chris could throw at him; Chris' brother Rich, also a very talented musician, for bass and backup vocals; and Lidia Ramirez, classmate of David's and close friend to Chris, for backup vocals and percussion. All that was missing was a keyboardist. Chris then thought of another classmate of David's, Steve Marcucci. Steve was on a cross country trip at the time of the call and about to sell all of his instruments. Excited at the news that there is still meaning in music, he turned around and came home. The band was now complete, and within a week started to rehearse Chris' songs.
Playing shows within two months, the band was on a rampage, hitting all the top clubs in Philadelphia. But, short into the trip, Rich decided to leave the band to pursue his own interests. Chris then turned to John Delventhal, a Rowan classmate and upright bassist playing in a jazz quartet led by Ryan (also consisting of Chris and Dave). Not knowing John's electric bass chops, he wowed the rest of the band with his fluidity and funkiness and fit right in to the eclectic personalities of the other musicians.
Now, two years later, the band has made a name for itself in the Philadelphia area, playing some of the most prominent venues in the city. Currently, the band is learning new material and recording their debut album. The album will be an EP entitled "Epitone Home," and is due to be released in March of 2007.