The BarrelHouse Blues Band

John Jongebloed: John plays lead and rhythm guitar and covers vocals as well. He is a self-taught musician who has been playing guitar for over 30 years. After John heard the Layla album he fell in love with the guitar playing of Eric Clapton and Duane Allman, went down to Manny’s in NYC and bought a Stratocaster just like the one in the inside cover of the album. Other influences include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Leslie West, Gary Moore, Robert Cray and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. After playing in a local band, John spent several years playing with Eran Troy Danner which really helped him fine tune his blues chops. John, Marty and Steve had been playing in another band together when they decided they wanted to play more blues orientated music and The Barrelhouse Blues Band was formed.

Steve Barney: Plays keyboards, vocals, backing vocals, harp, trombone and baritone. He started to feel the love of music as a young child when asked to sing solo in the church choir. Steve took up the baritone and trombone and spent three years competing in world competition marching with the Hawthorne Cabelleros. After taking a few years off from music, Steve hooked up with John Jongebloed and got the blood flowing again. He started playing keyboards and harmonica when as a small band we needed some diversity. His influences were pretty spread out musically loving Alice Cooper, Santana, Southside Johnny, Deep Purple, and anything with a with a horn line or blues lick.

Wayne Curtis Charleston: Wayne has been into the bass and guitar for almost 30 years. As an Orange County, NY native he has been performing and recording with several groups such as The Diltz Brothers Band, Karmablind, One Trip Garden and Half Jester. He love all types of music but he is mainly into rock, blues, jam and soul.

Marty Ratajczak: Marty has been playing drums for 36 years and handles vocals. He started at the age of ten years old with a focus on technique and big band music. Drummers like Buddy Rich, Joe Morello, Gene Krupa, Steve Gadd and Louis Bellson. Then in 1984, his stepbrother took him to see Rush and nothing was ever the same. Marty became interested in the progressive scene, with bands like Rush, Yes, Dream Theater and Queensryche. Over the years, Marty’s love of music and performing live continues to grow. He met John and Steve in another cover band which lead to The Barrelhouse Blues Band forming