Joel got his start in music as a kid in suburban New Jersey in the 1970s, listening extensively to Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Peter Frampton, Boston, Santana, and Van Halen. Big loud guitars were the name of the game, but eventually he expanded his palette of influences to include inspirational artists like Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin, and Jeff Beck. Shred chops gave way to the realization that playing great songs in a tight, cohesive band to get the crowd moving was its own reward.

Joel’s roster of appearances includes NYC institutions like The Cutting Room, The Bitter End, the Wetlands, and CBGBs, as well as Jersey Shore summer nights spent onstage at the Stone Pony with members of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.

Matt left a long science career behind and gave himself to music. Music gave him amazing teachers and mentors: rhythm master Thomas Perry, and San Rafael bass legend Angeline Saris. Originally from Cincinnati, currently living in the Easy Bay, Matty holds down the low-end every day, playing blues, R&B, rock, and jazz … but enjoys the funk most of all.