The TRIPLE THREAT Blues Band

Band History

The TRIPLE THREAT Blues Band evolved from the jam sessions of budding musicians beginning in 1982. Original vocalist Rico Cass solidified early lineups with co-founders Mike Michaels on drums, Chris Cass on guitar, and a revolving door of bassists and other contributing musicians. Early gigs began circa 1983, with the usual assortment of private parties, talent shows, high school events, etc.

 Triple Threat began working the Southern CT bar scene in 1987. By that time, the band had grown to include a horn section featuring Joe Graziano, and a second guitarist, Charles Bittman. Joe would remain in the band for a decade, stabilizing the line-up, and establishing the sax as a crucial element. Charles matured into a ferocious soloist and became a major contributor to the band’s sound and direction.

 While Mike gave way to a series of drummers  (notably Chris “Sweet Jam” Morrissey and Spencer “Spoonful” Raymond), his father, "Mike Senior" became a steady contributor. The elder Mike Michaels honed his harmonica skills beside members of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band (and other notables) in early 1960’s Chicago. He still sits in with Triple Threat from time to time.

 Bassist Mark Donnelly and sax-man Paul Simonetta solidified the next incarnation of the band. Along with Chris & Rico Cass, Joe Graziano, Charles Bittman, and a drummer (usually Morrissey or Raymond), they comprised a seven-piece ensemble that worked steadily and built a loyal following from 1989 thru 1993. Triple Threat sometimes featured de-facto member Jen Durkin on vocals, who has since gained national recognition with Deep Banana Blackout and The Bomb Squad. By 1990, Triple Threat was playing more prestigious venues, and opening for national acts. In 1993 Triple Threat members helped comprise the back-up band to blues music’s greatest star, B.B. King, on his children’s project Rainy Day Blues. Around that time, keyboardist Jerry Capuano joined for a full year ('93), bringing the band to its largest size, eight pieces. (Jerry would return to the band in January 2006.)

 1994 brought numerous line-up changes. Original member Rico Cass departed, along with Bittman, Capuano, Simonetta, and Donnelly. By 1995, the new-look Triple Threat Blues Band included Morrissey, Graziano, and Chris Cass, plus newcomers: blues shouter Sketch Ilsley, bassist Pat Satta and sax-man Darren McGuire. Sketch added deep blues vocals and harmonica in the style of Howlin’ Wolf and Sonny Boy Williamson. Pat and Darren have remained in the band, providing an unparalleled combination of stability and musicianship.  Along with authentic renditions of traditional Chicago blues tunes, this 6-piece line-up was the first to present original material. They recorded the band’s first studio album, Walk Light On This Earth in 1996. Soon after completing that project, long-time member Joe Graziano left the band, setting up the current 5-piece format.

In 1997, Christopher Grennan claimed the drum chair, and remained well into 2004. Christopher contributed greatly to the highly-polished sound the band was developing.  Beginning in the spring of 1998, bassist Pat Satta took a one-year leave of absence, and Billy Bileca capably filled in. Billy is widely known in the northeast as a fine electric and upright bassist. Around the time Pat returned (spring '99), Sketch departed and Danny Labich took over on vocals. Danny brought a rough blues/rock delivery, strong original songs, and extreme versatility. This line-up (Cass, Labich, McGuire, Satta, Grennan) worked steadily for about five years ('99-'03), and is featured on Triple Threat's 2000 CD Jump & Shout.

In July of 2004, Steve Radziewicz took over on drums when Christopher Grennan relocated. Steve capably filled this crucial role, quickly learning lots of material, and reinvigorating the band with a hard-working, hard-hitting approach to both gigs and rehearsals.

By the end of 2005, Dan Labich was focusing on his original material full-time, and the band agreed to seek another singer (more info here). In January 2006 Jerry Capuano returned to Triple Threat, providing both vocals and keyboards. Jerry sings a variety of styles extremely well and plays fine blues piano, but is perhaps best known for his stellar organ work, always cranked through a vintage Leslie speaker cabinet.

Triple Threat is currently focused on learning new material, while sharpening its emphasis on improvisation and versatility.

Witness the current line-up of The TRIPLE THREAT Blues Band (Jerry Capuano, Darren McGuire, Pat Satta, Steve Radziewicz, Chris Cass*) at an upcoming performance. Please come out and support live music. You'll be glad you did!