Original acoustic-driven rock band, drumfish was formed in 1992 by Alex Petty (guitars, lead vocals), Larry France (keyboards), Neil Richardson (bass), and Aaron Bertoglio (drums) while studying at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. They each shared a mutual passion for making music and melding a wide variety of musical sounds, cultures and genres including the elements of jazz, rock, classical, pop, funk, folk, rap, and choral music.
The band began writing original music that often featured elaborate harmonies, introspective lyrics and cleverly crafted musical arrangements. Many of their early songs were written during their college days living in a leaky mobile home they shared (affectionately called, “The Chicken Shack”).
The band developed a significant following and began to attract the attention of various record labels as they began performing throughout the United States and Canada (occasionally with bassist, Ken Kauffman). The band released three full length original CD’s.
Following the recording of a third album, “Under Underhill” in 2000, the band parted ways due to uncontrollable circumstances and the album was shelved. However, interest in the band continued through the years. In 2009, the band reunited to finally release “Underhill” and prepare for a reunion concert at Jammin’ Java (in Virginia). During this time, they also began writing new music. The material the band wrote during this period was fresh and invigorating. The band realized that after their long hiatus, they were now writing at a new level and doing their best work yet. More than that, there was an underlying message emerging from this new music, a message carrying a call to action for needed change in the world. The new work was filled with images of light and life.
In early 2010, the band recorded this exciting new music at Assembly Line Studios near Washington, DC with double-platinum award winning and Grammy winning engineer, Kevin ‘131’ Gutierrez. During this time, founding member Neil Richardson left the band and was replaced by James Hanford (bass). The resulting album was entitled, “Memoirs” which earned the band several song-writing awards and industry recognition. During 2011-2012, the band expanded their sound with the addition of violin player, Margie Lang-Garnhart, and welcomed a new bass player, Graham Drew. In May 2012, the band filmed and recorded their first ever live album, “FIVE LIVE” at the State Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia. The band continues to record and perform in the area with recent notable appearances at the 2012 Baltimore Sail-a-bration event and Artscape festival.
Locally they could be seen at The Horse You Came in On, Nottingham’s, DuClaw Brewing Co., T. Appleschmidt’s, Cross Street Fest, and many clubs throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
Bertoglio also with Suzie 35…
Band biography and photos thanks to drumfish promotional manager Dan Myers
1997(CD) (indie) drumfish
1998(CD) DFC02 Ra’s Zoo
2010(CD) DFC04 Memoirs
