I recently received some email from my bud, Adrian Freyre, who used to play with the band Trimm. Adrian wanted to inform me that he’s now playing guitar for the band Jersey Gypsy. I know that I’ve heard of these guys before, but never really had the chance to check them out. Apparently, Jersey Gypsy’s been on the scene for a while and has recently opened for Great White at Dexter’s in Riverdale, NJ, and for White Lion at Dingbatz in Clifton, NJ. Now, that Adrian is playing with them, I had to give them a listen. If you’re a fan of the ‘80s rock scene, these guys are for you! I am a fan of that genre, and thought these guys pulled it off on songs like “Push And Shove” and “Gypsy Woman.” You have to love those titles too!
Jersey Gypsy was formed by high school buds, singer Ronnie Caporelli and drummer Bobby Lambert. The year is not really important, meaning it was some time ago. Sorry guys! I had to go there! Anyway, Ronnie and Bobby started creating riffs and melodies together. A few years later, they decided to invest their time, money, and energy into the music that they truly believed in and had the passion for. They soon added bassist and West Orange native, Fred Perrotti, to the band for creative input and bottom end, of course. Jersey Gypsy remained a three-piece for a few years but recently realized they needed that extra “crunch” to their music and live show, so they called guitarist Adrian Freyre to join the band.
Adrian will make his Jersey Gypsy debut at The Cup in Linden, NJ, on Saturday, Dec. 6, but more importantly, Jersey Gypsy will be opening for Kix at Dexter’s in Riverdale, NJ, on Friday, Dec.12 for the much anticipated Merry Kix-Mas show. Adrian also told me in the emails that Jersey Gypsy is currently in the studio recording all new material for a 2009 release. For more info on Jersey Gypsy, log onto myspace.com/jerse ygypsy.
CLAIRE’S WELL—Rahway, NJ
Yeah, yeah, I know! This is usually where I write my updates part of North Jersey Notes, but it’s a light news week, so I figured that I’d go old school and feature two bands this week! So, band number two is a band from Rahway, NJ, called Claire’s Well. I recently was contacted by the band’s guitarist, Joey Rapps, via email asking me to check the band out. I did give them a listen and really liked what I heard. Singer Dave Art is pretty powerful and he’s surrounded by some pretty colorful guitar riffs. I really liked songs like “Fly,” “Time Is Due,” and “Good Morning Sunny Day.” Claire’s Well really rocks!
A hard rock band that formed in the Rahway area a few years back. they band define their sound as distinguishable with stunning lead vocals and well-crafted vocal harmonies over a guitar-driven growl and searing guitar leads. I have to admit that they’re description is not too far off. The band is comprised of singer Dave Art, guitarist Joey Rapps, bassist Chris F., and drummer Kevin Kosmo. Since it’s inception, Claire’s Well was featured on Steve Hook’s Jersey Rock Show on The WRAT and Homegrown Spotlight on WDHA with my bud, Lindsay Klein.
The boys from Claire’s Well recently put the finishing touches on their new CD, Expose The Fear. They haven’t announced an official release date yet, but stay posted to their MySpace page, myspace.com/claires well, for all of the details and to find out where they’re playing next!
That’s all for now! If your band is from North Jersey and you want some exposure, send your demos and press kits to Arts Weekly, c/o Tim Louie P.O. Box 1140 Little Falls, NJ 07424. No cover bands, please!
Just remember… We’re all in the same boat, so every little bit of exposure counts!
