History
JGP, The Jim Gregory Project, was formed in February of 1997 on Long Island, New York with Jim Gregory on guitar, Ray Ellers on bass and vocals, and Billy Fernandez on drums. Later that year, Jim asked long-time friend and musical partner Steve Culotta of Talkbox to join the band. The two had previously worked together in the now legendary band 'Snakebite'. After about six months of intense rehearsals, JGP felt it was time to add a full-time vocalist to the band. After over two months of auditions, Dan Corozza was asked to join JGP. It was at around this same time that drummer Billy "The Kid" Fernandez amicably left the band and was soon replaced by Jim's brother Brad Gregory, formerly of the heavy metal band 'Bad Omen'. With a solid lineup now in place, JGP was ready for their first official gig at The Outer Limits in Hauppauge on August 8th, 1998. The gig was a success both critically and commercially, breaking the house attendance record. The band followed this up with a Halloween night gig that was even bigger and better. After this gig, JGP was asked to start recording tracks at the American Recording Technology Institute in Islandia. Prior to the sessions, JGP had been primarily a cover band playing tunes from bands like Deep Purple, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, Ted Nugent, and the Black Crowes. JGP started recording in December of 1998 and have, to date, compiled over 15 original songs that are on their debut album released on July 14th of 2000. Unfortunately, after a triumphant gig at Wolfgang's in April of 1999, Brad Gregory and Ray Ellers both had to leave the band for unrelated reasons. The recording sessions continued with a variety of rhythm sections including such rock luminaries as John Valente and Kato from Talkbox, B. Arvacus, Mike Pravetz, and a special return appearance by Billy Fernandez. JGP then entered yet another phase in December of '99 with the addition of Joey Levine on drums and Tom Dolan on bass. This line up produced both excellent studio tracks as well as powerful live performances. In April of 2000 Joey and Tommy left the band and JGP took a much needed break for a couple of months. The JGP CD contains all 15 of the songs recorded at ARTI over a little more than a years time. The songs on the CD appear in the same order as they were recorded. This, in a way, captures a year in the life of JGP. To anyone who has a copy, I hope you enjoy it. We had a great time making it!
tHE jIM gREGORY pROJECT
About
Dan Corozza
DOB-11/12/69 Zodiac Sign: Scorpio Influences: Robert Plant/Ann Wilson/Maxwell/Steve Perry Interests: Shakespeare/Movies/Science Fiction/Hockey & Football/Singing& Performing Previous Bands: Lovehunter/Bad Dog/Father Joe/Last Laugh Why?: "I truly love performing, there is no greater feeling or rush than being center stage singing in front of a live audience. It is where your wildest fantasies can begin and your true soul can emerge." Special Thanks: I wish to thank all the people who have always believed in me and loved me unconditionally in my lifetime, including my family and friends, I am truly blessed to have each and every one of you, words can not express how you have helped me truly live.
Steve Culotta
Zodiac Sign - Cancer Bands - Cheap & Nasty, Snakebite, Tombstone Shadow, JGP, Talkbox Influences - Ritchie Blackmore, John Sykes, Glen Buxton, Teddy Rondinelli, Slash. Gear - Main Guitars - Custom Flame Top Gibson Les Paul, Black Les Paul Custom, assorted Fender Strats, Fender Thinline Telecaster Amps - Marshall JCM 2000 DSL 100w Head, Marshall Major 200w Head, assorted Marshall cabinets Thanks - The Culotta Family, Jimmy G, Talkbox, Teddy Rondinelli, The boys at the Smithtown Highway Dept. and Kotobuki for the best sushi anywhere.
Jim Gregory
Zodiac Sign - Leo Started playing guitar - 1979 Previous Bands - Heaven, Warped Youth, Power-Money-Sex, Feast, Dealer, Disorderly Conduct, Cheap & Nasty, Snakebite, Tombstone Shadow. Influences - Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore, Rich Robinson, George Lynch, Glen Buxton. All Time favorite Albums - Led Zeppelin 'Physical Graffiti',Black Sabbath 'Heaven and Hell', Uriah Heep 'Demons & Wizards', Rolling Stones 'Exile on Main St.' See all Jim's Gear - Click here! Gear - Main Guitars - BC Rich-Mockingbird, lbanez-Iceman & ST-50, Gibson- J50 (acoustic), Fender - 1972 Telecaster Deluxe. Amps - Marshall JCM2OOO TSL 100w Combo, Marshall JCM8OO White Anniversary 100w Half Stack. Special Thanks - Pam (for everything), Doug Gregory, Brad Gregory, Dad, Mom, Ray ElIers, Mike Pravetz, Billy Fernandez , Johnny V. and Kato, Jay Muller, Matt and Christian and Rob from Tri-Star Studios, Larry at Murphy's Music, Mike, John, D-Rod and Andy from Sam Ash, Jeff & Katie, everyone at ARTI, Roy at Sound Move Studios, and everyone who I didn't get to thank and all the fans who continue to make JGP possible!
Current Members
Billy Perovich
Zodiac Sign - Cancer Previous Bands - Safire, Freeway (with Dave Spitz, formerly of Black Sabbath), CYB, Clock Influences - Buddy Rich, Neal Peart, Ginger Baker, John Bonham All Time Favorite Albums - All The Worlds a Stage (Rush), Demons and Wizards (Uriah Heep), Montrose (1st Album) Gear - 7 pc. Tama Rockstar Kit, Zildjian Cymbals - A Customs,/ K Series Thanks - To Justine (for all her understanding), Ryan and Nick (my main men), and Bert Berner (for the big push)
Bert Berner
Zodiac Sign - Aries Previous Bands - Noise Boys, Clock, Bluezin' Influences - Black Sabbath, Joe Walsh, Billy Gibbons, Deep Purple All Time Favorite Albums - Are You Experienced (Jimi Hendrix), Sgt. Pepper's (Beatles), Willy and the Poor Boys (CCR) Gear - Marshall 50W (early '70s), 1968 Gibson SG, Early '70s Univox 60W (2x12"), Carlo Robelli Precision bass copy (early '70s), Fender Strat Thanks - To my bother Craig for starting me in music.
Brad Gregory
Brad's powerful drumming can be heard on the following tracks; S.S. 2015 Rescue Peep Show Run Along
Ray Ellers
The original JGP bass player (1997 to 1999) and co-founder of the band.
Mike ‘Nocturnus’ Pravetz
Instrument: Drums Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius Previous Bands/Projects: Genocide, Dealer, Tripp Fink, Nocturnus, Porch, JGP Influences: Bill Ward, Vinny Appice, Cozy Powell All Time Favorite Albums: Black Sabbath-'Black Sabbath', Led Zeppelin-'Physical Graffiti', Candlemass-'Tales of Creation', Blackmore's Rainbow-'Rising', Black Sabbath-'Heaven & Hell.' Who is Nocturnus? Mike has always had a dark and extreme side to him. Black Sabbath has always been his biggest influence, but he started getting into even heavier music in the early eighties, such as Venom, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Mercyful Fate, etc. In 1992, when the bands from Norway started getting into an even more extreme sound and way of life, Mike decided to reveal his dark side by transforming himself into Nocturnus, an evil entity full of a passion for vampirism and all things evil. He can usually be found in graveyards and in his dungeon burning candles and putting on his war paint and battle gear. In his earlier days, he was known to other band members as "the sledgehammer" do to his style of drumming. In recent years, Noct has been playing session drums for many local bands and has filled in for drummer of the Jim Gregory Project many times when he was needed. JGP has summoned Nocturnus once again to join the band for a new and improved line-up in the year 2000. Special Thanks: To Jim Gregory for being a great friend and for believing in Nocturnus. Also, thanks to SRC, Dan, B. Arvacus, Frank Braider (where ever you are), Greg Pravetz, Chepe, K.1437, and Euronymous, A king for 25 years…a legend forever.
Joey Levine
Joey was the drummer of JGP from Nov. 1999 to April 2000. With the help of Joey's rock solid drumming JGP was able to write and record a large amount of material in a relatively short amount of time.
Tommy Dolan
Home Base - Medford, LI Influences - Terry "Geezer" Butler, John Paul Jones, Flea Gear - Bass Guitars- Spector, Musicman, Ibanez 6 string Amp - Gallien Krueger GK8OO head, SWR cabinet Strings - D'Addario, LaBella Thanks - Family, Friends, and everyone else
Billy Fernandez
Billy originally played with Snakebite, Jim's band prior to JGP. After a chance encounter Jim asked Billy to be the drummer for the new band he was forming.
John Valente
Zodiac Sign: Pisces Previous bands: Destiny, Downtown Clown, Tombstone Shadow,and sometime session player for JGP. Influences: Mostly alcohol (only kidding), everything from to R&B, blues, and everything in between. As far as bass players, John Paul Jones, Flea, Michael Anthony, Billy Sheehan, James Jameson, Tommy Shannon and Geddy Lee. All Time Favorite Albums: Has to be 'Van Halen 1', I remember exactly where and when I first heard, and anything Ozzy with Randy. Gear: My main live bass is a music man Stingray (pictured above), you can drop it bang it and it stays in tune. It sounds great and it has a Hipshot D-Tuner on it for that Drop-D shit. My back up live bass is a Gibson Thunderbird. It looks kick ass and it's the only thing I'll use in the studio. I use a G.K. head and a Mesa-Boogie 2x15 cabinet Thanks: To mom and Dad for putting up with years of loud music in their basement and five hungry guys eating them out of house and home. And to my old lady Sharon for putting up with all the shit, late nights, no money, long trips and moods, love you!
Drew Kaelin
Instrument: Bass Guitar Zodiac sign: Cancer Previous Bands: Tripp Fink Influences: John Paul Johns, John Entwistle, Bill Wyman, Geddy Lee All Time Favorite Albums: Led Zeppelin 2, Dark Side of the Moon, Master of Puppets Special Thanks: Laurie Catania Abanese, Frank Braider, Doug Gregory, Lois & Ron, Pete & Kim Drew started playing with JGP during the summer of 2000. JGP wrote and recorded one of thier best songs, "Lovesick" during this period.
Kato Peragine
Kato played drums on the studio version of Whiskey Woman with fellow Talkbox member Jon Valente on bass. Kato has some of the best stick-work in the business and it can be heard on the recording.
Past Members
History
JGP, The Jim Gregory Project, was formed in February of 1997 on Long Island, New York with Jim Gregory on guitar, Ray Ellers on bass and vocals, and Billy Fernandez on drums. Later that year, Jim asked long-time friend and musical partner Steve Culotta of Talkbox to join the band. The two had previously worked together in the now legendary band 'Snakebite'. After about six months of intense rehearsals, JGP felt it was time to add a full-time vocalist to the band. After over two months of auditions, Dan Corozza was asked to join JGP. It was at around this same time that drummer Billy "The Kid" Fernandez amicably left the band and was soon replaced by Jim's brother Brad Gregory, formerly of the heavy metal band 'Bad Omen'. With a solid lineup now in place, JGP was ready for their first official gig at The Outer Limits in Hauppauge on August 8th, 1998. The gig was a success both critically and commercially, breaking the house attendance record. The band followed this up with a Halloween night gig that was even bigger and better. After this gig, JGP was asked to start recording tracks at the American Recording Technology Institute in Islandia. Prior to the sessions, JGP had been primarily a cover band playing tunes from bands like Deep Purple, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, Ted Nugent, and the Black Crowes. JGP started recording in December of 1998 and have, to date, compiled over 15 original songs that are on their debut album released on July 14th of 2000. Unfortunately, after a triumphant gig at Wolfgang's in April of 1999, Brad Gregory and Ray Ellers both had to leave the band for unrelated reasons. The recording sessions continued with a variety of rhythm sections including such rock luminaries as John Valente and Kato from Talkbox, B. Arvacus, Mike Pravetz, and a special return appearance by Billy Fernandez. JGP then entered yet another phase in December of '99 with the addition of Joey Levine on drums and Tom Dolan on bass. This line up produced both excellent studio tracks as well as powerful live performances. In April of 2000 Joey and Tommy left the band and JGP took a much needed break for a couple of months. The JGP CD contains all 15 of the songs recorded at ARTI over a little more than a years time. The songs on the CD appear in the same order as they were recorded. This, in a way, captures a year in the life of JGP. To anyone who has a copy, I hope you enjoy it. We had a great time making it!
About
Dan Corozza
DOB-11/12/69 Zodiac Sign: Scorpio Influences: Robert Plant/Ann Wilson/Maxwell/Steve Perry Interests: Shakespeare/Movies/Science Fiction/Hockey & Football/Singing& Performing Previous Bands: Lovehunter/Bad Dog/Father Joe/Last Laugh Why?: "I truly love performing, there is no greater feeling or rush than being center stage singing in front of a live audience. It is where your wildest fantasies can begin and your true soul can emerge." Special Thanks: I wish to thank all the people who have always believed in me and loved me unconditionally in my lifetime, including my family and friends, I am truly blessed to have each and every one of you, words can not express how you have helped me truly live.
Steve Culotta
Zodiac Sign - Cancer Bands - Cheap & Nasty, Snakebite, Tombstone Shadow, JGP, Talkbox Influences - Ritchie Blackmore, John Sykes, Glen Buxton, Teddy Rondinelli, Slash. Gear - Main Guitars - Custom Flame Top Gibson Les Paul, Black Les Paul Custom, assorted Fender Strats, Fender Thinline Telecaster Amps - Marshall JCM 2000 DSL 100w Head, Marshall Major 200w Head, assorted Marshall cabinets Thanks - The Culotta Family, Jimmy G, Talkbox, Teddy Rondinelli, The boys at the Smithtown Highway Dept. and Kotobuki for the best sushi anywhere.
Jim Gregory
Zodiac Sign - Leo Started playing guitar - 1979 Previous Bands - Heaven, Warped Youth, Power-Money-Sex, Feast, Dealer, Disorderly Conduct, Cheap & Nasty, Snakebite, Tombstone Shadow. Influences - Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore, Rich Robinson, George Lynch, Glen Buxton. All Time favorite Albums - Led Zeppelin 'Physical Graffiti',Black Sabbath 'Heaven and Hell', Uriah Heep 'Demons & Wizards', Rolling Stones 'Exile on Main St.' See all Jim's Gear - Click here! Gear - Main Guitars - BC Rich-Mockingbird, lbanez-Iceman & ST-50, Gibson- J50 (acoustic), Fender - 1972 Telecaster Deluxe. Amps - Marshall JCM2OOO TSL 100w Combo, Marshall JCM8OO White Anniversary 100w Half Stack. Special Thanks - Pam (for everything), Doug Gregory, Brad Gregory, Dad, Mom, Ray ElIers, Mike Pravetz, Billy Fernandez , Johnny V. and Kato, Jay Muller, Matt and Christian and Rob from Tri-Star Studios, Larry at Murphy's Music, Mike, John, D- Rod and Andy from Sam Ash, Jeff & Katie, everyone at ARTI, Roy at Sound Move Studios, and everyone who I didn't get to thank and all the fans who continue to make JGP possible!
Current Members
Billy Perovich
Zodiac Sign - Cancer Previous Bands - Safire, Freeway (with Dave Spitz, formerly of Black Sabbath), CYB, Clock Influences - Buddy Rich, Neal Peart, Ginger Baker, John Bonham All Time Favorite Albums - All The Worlds a Stage (Rush), Demons and Wizards (Uriah Heep), Montrose (1st Album) Gear - 7 pc. Tama Rockstar Kit, Zildjian Cymbals - A Customs,/ K Series Thanks - To Justine (for all her understanding), Ryan and Nick (my main men), and Bert Berner (for the big push)
Bert Berner
Zodiac Sign - Aries Previous Bands - Noise Boys, Clock, Bluezin' Influences - Black Sabbath, Joe Walsh, Billy Gibbons, Deep Purple All Time Favorite Albums - Are You Experienced (Jimi Hendrix), Sgt. Pepper's (Beatles), Willy and the Poor Boys (CCR) Gear - Marshall 50W (early '70s), 1968 Gibson SG, Early '70s Univox 60W (2x12"), Carlo Robelli Precision bass copy (early '70s), Fender Strat Thanks - To my bother Craig for starting me in music.
Brad Gregory
Brad's powerful drumming can be heard on the following tracks; S.S. 2015 Rescue Peep Show Run Along
Ray Ellers
The original JGP bass player (1997 to 1999) and co-founder of the band.
Mike ‘Nocturnus’
Pravetz
Instrument: Drums Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius Previous Bands/Projects: Genocide, Dealer, Tripp Fink, Nocturnus, Porch, JGP Influences: Bill Ward, Vinny Appice, Cozy Powell All Time Favorite Albums: Black Sabbath-'Black Sabbath', Led Zeppelin-'Physical Graffiti', Candlemass-'Tales of Creation', Blackmore's Rainbow-'Rising', Black Sabbath-'Heaven & Hell.' Who is Nocturnus? Mike has always had a dark and extreme side to him. Black Sabbath has always been his biggest influence, but he started getting into even heavier music in the early eighties, such as Venom, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Mercyful Fate, etc. In 1992, when the bands from Norway started getting into an even more extreme sound and way of life, Mike decided to reveal his dark side by transforming himself into Nocturnus, an evil entity full of a passion for vampirism and all things evil. He can usually be found in graveyards and in his dungeon burning candles and putting on his war paint and battle gear. In his earlier days, he was known to other band members as "the sledgehammer" do to his style of drumming. In recent years, Noct has been playing session drums for many local bands and has filled in for drummer of the Jim Gregory Project many times when he was needed. JGP has summoned Nocturnus once again to join the band for a new and improved line-up in the year 2000. Special Thanks: To Jim Gregory for being a great friend and for believing in Nocturnus. Also, thanks to SRC, Dan, B. Arvacus, Frank Braider (where ever you are), Greg Pravetz, Chepe, K.1437, and Euronymous, A king for 25 years…a legend forever.
Joey Levine
Joey was the drummer of JGP from Nov. 1999 to April 2000. With the help of Joey's rock solid drumming JGP was able to write and record a large amount of material in a relatively short amount of time.
Tommy Dolan
Home Base - Medford, LI Influences - Terry "Geezer" Butler, John Paul Jones, Flea Gear - Bass Guitars- Spector, Musicman, Ibanez 6 string Amp - Gallien Krueger GK8OO head, SWR cabinet Strings - D'Addario, LaBella Thanks - Family, Friends, and everyone else
Billy Fernandez
Billy originally played with Snakebite, Jim's band prior to JGP. After a chance encounter Jim asked Billy to be the drummer for the new band he was forming.
John Valente
Zodiac Sign: Pisces Previous bands: Destiny, Downtown Clown, Tombstone Shadow,and sometime session player for JGP. Influences: Mostly alcohol (only kidding), everything from to R&B, blues, and everything in between. As far as bass players, John Paul Jones, Flea, Michael Anthony, Billy Sheehan, James Jameson, Tommy Shannon and Geddy Lee. All Time Favorite Albums: Has to be 'Van Halen 1', I remember exactly where and when I first heard, and anything Ozzy with Randy. Gear: My main live bass is a music man Stingray (pictured above), you can drop it bang it and it stays in tune. It sounds great and it has a Hipshot D-Tuner on it for that Drop-D shit. My back up live bass is a Gibson Thunderbird. It looks kick ass and it's the only thing I'll use in the studio. I use a G.K. head and a Mesa-Boogie 2x15 cabinet Thanks: To mom and Dad for putting up with years of loud music in their basement and five hungry guys eating them out of house and home. And to my old lady Sharon for putting up with all the shit, late nights, no money, long trips and moods, love you!
Drew Kaelin
Instrument: Bass Guitar Zodiac sign: Cancer Previous Bands: Tripp Fink Influences: John Paul Johns, John Entwistle, Bill Wyman, Geddy Lee All Time Favorite Albums: Led Zeppelin 2, Dark Side of the Moon, Master of Puppets Special Thanks: Laurie Catania Abanese, Frank Braider, Doug Gregory, Lois & Ron, Pete & Kim Drew started playing with JGP during the summer of 2000. JGP wrote and recorded one of thier best songs, "Lovesick" during this period.
Kato Peragine
Kato played drums on the studio version of Whiskey Woman with fellow Talkbox member Jon Valente on bass. Kato has some of the best stick-work in the business and it can be heard on the recording.
Past Members
tHE jIM gREGORY pROJECT
