In an industry where being a successful original band has almost become as realistic as the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus, Tom Vella and the Wayside is bringing a fresh new sound to the party. Originally formed by singer-songwriter Tom Vella as the Buster Cox Band in 2005, the group has seen its share of personnel changes through the past few years, but remains a strong force in the Northern New Jersey independent music scene under its new moniker. While the sound is most readily classified as acoustic rock, the newest TVW offerings include the flavors of funk, soul, folk, jazz, and the jam band scene.
Since its inception, the band has been fortunate to grace some of the Northeast’s high profile stages including The Bitter End (NYC), The Lion’s Den (NYC), Kenny’s Castaways (NYC), Sin-E (NYC), CBGB’s 313 Gallery (NYC), Mexicali Blues (NJ), The Stone Pony (NJ), and the Crossroads (NJ), and to share them with many national acts like Tim Reynolds, Richie Havens, The Verve Pipe, Rusted Root, Bob Marley's Legendary Wailers, Jeffrey Gaines, The Lost Trailers, Amfibian, Black Sheep, The Low Life, Evan Bliss & The Welchers, The Alternate Routes, The Smithereens and Kaki King. Even though they planted his roots in the soil of the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area TVW has performed as far south as Charlotte, NC and as far north as Boston, MA.
In their most recent push towards the top, the Wayside consists of Tom Vella, the principle writer of the TVW catalogue, on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Rick Krueger on lead guitar, lap steel, Weissenborn, and background vocals, Dave DeRiso on drums and percussion, Erik Brescher on bass guitar, and Billy Carrion, Jr. on baritone saxophone, flute, and congas.
For 2008, the Wayside is preparing to make their move on the industry. "Halos & Pitchforks", 2008's long-awaited follow-up to the 2005 Buster Cox Band EP and first full-length offering, is built on songs that TVW fans, affectionately known as the “Campers” of “Camp Wayside,” have been singing along to for the past three years, and speaks of real life in the most honest way possible.
Keep your eye on Tom Vella and the Wayside, they’re ready for bigger things, and will do whatever it takes to make them happen.
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