“Just Some Guys from Jersey” is a north Jersey-based cover band known for their diverse selection of well loved songs, soulful performances, and outstanding harmonies. The name was coined from a line in the movie “Eddie and the Cruisers”….where bassist Sal Amato proudly states: “We ain’t great…we’re just some guys from Jersey…” But no matter what they say in the movies, there are no doubts regarding the talent assembled in this current lineup of veteran NJ/NY area musicians.
Who’s who in the Band
The band is fronted by vocalist, guitarist and pianist Jim Schmitt, also the composer of the band’s original songs. Jim has released two CDs under his own name, Neverland (1998), and more recently The Road To Avalon. (2003). Both were received with critical acclaim within the local music scene and trade magazines. As a front man, Jim is equally at home wielding an electric guitar, whipping the crowd into a dancing frenzy as he is sitting alone at the piano, singing a soulful ballad. Sensitive to the mood of the room, he seems to always lead the band into that perfect next song.
Holding it all together behind Jim are some of the area’s best musicians: Steve Giordano on bass guitar, who often seems to be channeling the late John Entwistle from the Who. An amazing musician, Steve has played on many professional recordings, as well as in several of the areas hottest bands.
Keeping the beat in the back is veteran NJ drummer Butch Steif. Solid and tasteful, Butch can rock the house with the best of them, but also often plays a smaller percussion kit for the band’s ‘unplugged’ shows. Butch also sings a mean harmony vocal.
On keyboards, harmony vocals and percussion, is the lovely Donna Smithson. As the band’s vocal coach, Donna sees to it that the harmonies are as strong as the rest of the awesome musical talent the band brings to the stage. Occasionally, Donna can be coaxed out from behind her keyboards to sing lead on a couple numbers.
Last but by no means least, the newest member of the band: Dan Garson on lead guitar. Dan brings many years of stage experience and stellar talent to the band. When you hear those licks sounding exactly like the record…look to stage right…it’s Dan.
“Just Some Guys from Jersey” has performed at venues from small intimate coffee houses and restaurants to large outdoor festivals and dances. We’re sensitive to the needs of each venue and adjust our performance accordingly. A sample song list is attached. For bookings please contact Donna at (973) 208–2925 or e-mail us at tinfoilrose@optonline.net
