Brothers Joe and Tony LaPaglia from Waterford, PA, formed the Bluescasters in the mid 90’s. After taking some well-deserved time off, the brothers reformed with drummer Chris Loringer in August of 2005. The trio specializes in blues, rock-a-billy, and classic rock music. However, this isn’t your typical modern blues band.

The LaPaglia brothers were influenced early on by the music their parents loved. “Mom loved Motown, R&B, and early rock and roll,” says Joe LaPaglia, guitar player and lead vocalist. “Ray Charles, Little Stevie Wonder, Dinah Washington, James Brown, Elvis Presley, Hank Ballard, and countless other legendary performers echoed throughout our home during the sixties and seventies.”

“Our father loved artists such as Louie Prima, Glen Miller, Frankie Laine, and the gunfighter and western ballads of Marty Robbins and Vaughn Monroe,” adds Tony LaPaglia, bass guitarist and backup vocalist. “This made for a rather diverse palette of musical tastes from which we molded our own personal styles.”

In the eighties, the brothers were swept up in the rock-a-billy revival. Bands like Brian Setzer and the Stray Cats, Dave and Phil Alvin with the The Blasters were big influences. With his rise to popularity in ‘83 until his untimely death in ‘90, Stevie Ray Vaughan ushered in the resurgence of the blues—and serves as yet another inspiration for the Bluescasters.

Drummer and backup vocalist Chris Loringer adds even more diversity to the group. His roots are similar to the LaPaglia’s, with his mother providing a huge positive influence on his music. With a background in marching percussion, Loringer is a self-taught trap set drummer. “I would rather play a good groove right in the pocket as opposed to playing a drum solo any day of the week” smiles Loringer.

When asked about influences, Loringer answers, “Just about anything I have ever heard influences me. My Mom always encouraged me—and still does to this day. I started banging on things like suitcases when I was about seven or eight years-old. Every time I heard the radio or a recording, I learned something. I taught myself how to play by mimicking licks I heard from other drummers.” He is influenced by artists such as Paul Leim, Steve Gadd, Steve Smith, Lonnie Wilson, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Jordan, and many others.

Loringer credits his diverse style to the variety of artists he listens to. “A quick tour of my MP3 player will yield artists from jazz guitarist Marc Antoine, to rockers Nickelback - to Country artists such as Travis Tritt and Toby Keith. “I could never make up my mind just what I liked,” jokes Loringer. “I think the wide array of music I enjoy helps me to better understand different styles and convey them more musically.”

Playing vintage guitars, Joe LaPaglia’s style is a mixture of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Brian Setzer, Jimmie Vaughan, Eric Clapton, and Buck Owens. Joe's guitar style is unique, but it's his voice that really sets him apart.

Tony LaPaglia’s bass style is strictly his own, and he occasionally plays an upright bass to prove it. He is influenced by greats like Motown legend James Jamerson, Donald “Duck” Dunn, and Jack Bruce of Cream. Tony has some rare vintage clothing he sports on stage.

Chris Loringer’s drumming style is understated, yet dynamic. He believes that a good drummer knows that “less is more” when it comes to being part of a group. His musical style and equipment reflect that philosophy.

If you’re looking for a flashy group, the Bluescasters are not for you. “We are captivated by the simplicity and understated 'cool' of artists like The Fabulous Thunderbirds, the Paladins, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, and others,” explains Joe. “Their simple lineup of drums, bass, and guitar is our inspiration. No light show, no smoke machine, no spandex. Just vintage gear, cool clothes, and a great groove—soulful renditions of the kind of music that can make you dance just as easily as it can make you cry.”