Artist description What Rock 'n' Roll is waiting for... TONOHONEY is an original rock n' roll band consisting of two guitars, bass, drums, and lead vocals. Their sound ranges from high energy rock n' roll and funk, to sweet jazzy grooves and blues. Their songs are extremely diverse, with tendencies to experiment with odd time signatures and surprising chord changes, all while maintaining a solid verse/chorus structure. Solo sections within the songs vary in length and are based on improvisation. The integration of strong lead vocals and harmonies with blues motivated guitars, enveloped in jazz and Latin oriented rhythms, attributes to the unique sound that is TONOHONEY. TONOHONEY's live performances are high energy and very tight, but also explore the realms of improvisation, making no two shows alike. They have more than enough original material to span a full evening: however, they have a large arsenal of cover songs ranging from straight up Chicago blues by the likes of Albert King, Otis Rush, and Howlin' Wolf, to classic rock and new rock tunes from personal favorites like Van Halen, Jane's Addiction, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. Some of these songs are done meticulously true to the album, while some are revamped in TONOHONEY style. All in all, TONOHONEY has a knack for keeping audiences up and at the band's attention. Audiences sense that the band is having a good time playing and are always waiting to see what TONOHONEY will do next

Music Style Rock/Blues/Jazz/Rock

Musical Influences Guitar

Artist History Guitarist Bryan McClenning moved to Atlanta from New Haven, Connecticut in September of 1995. He is an extremely seasoned and mature songwriter and guitarist with a diverse background in classic and new rock n' roll. His natural feel for jazz and blues in his playing sets his music apart from traditional rock within his song writing. By the time he reached Atlanta to look for other musicians to form a band, he already had a vast songbook of original material to work from. Within the same month that Bryan moved, lead vocalist Ira Malkin and lead guitarist Mark D'Alessio also relocated to Atlanta to take advantage of the growing music scene. Both originally from New Jersey, the two met while attending college in Baltimore. Their primary musical interest was in blues, and by the time they left for Atlanta, they were highly recognized among the Baltimore blues society and had also written some original music together. Bryan met Mark and Ira at an open blues jam in Atlanta in late 1995 and found they shared similar musical interests. They immediately became good friends and began writing together. While they searched for a rhythm section, they would showcase their music acoustically in bars and clubs around town. In March of 1998, Bryan, Mark, and Ira now known as Ton O Honey, self produced a full length CD of original music using the bassist and drummer from the local Atlanta band, Mudcat. The CD was released in July of 1998. After several auditions and false starts with musicians, the band discovered bassist Patrick Furtek who had recently relocated to Atlanta from Los Angeles. With the addition of Patrick, TONOHONEY now decided to start booking shows regularly around metro Atlanta, even with the lack of a steady drummer. the band used a small arsenal of various pick-up drummers for these earlier gigs, until Ira's longtime friend, Michael "Slick" Leibowitz, moved from New Jersey to play with them. Slick arrived in Atlanta in June of 1999, and the band was finally complete. Since this point, TONOHONEY has been rigorously rehearsing and writing new material. The band is currently attracting label attention and continuously performing in Atlanta and the Southeast including, Nashville, TN, Asheville, SC, Valdosta, GA, and Gainesville, FL. They now have over 400 people on their mailing list [sign up] and their fan base is steadily growing.

Group Members Bryan McClenning, Ira Malkin, Mark D'Alessio

Instruments Strong vocals, fuzzy guitars, danceable drums, hypnotizing harmonica

Albums Ton O Honey

Press Reviews The Atlanta Press Magazine "Smooth blues? This five piece is led by the engaging vocals and easy going song writing of Ira Malkin and Bryan McClenning, and even though there are blues strains throughout their music, it's the calm but forceful groove of the tunes that kicks in on first listening. Bluesey is what it is, as the eight originals mix in strains of jazz and uncluttered swamp to create a winning debut that's gentle on the ears, but far from schmaltzy. Parts of this debut remind me of early Doobie Brothers mixed woth the Butterfield Blues band, both at their least macho. There's a laid back West Coast rhythm the band mines, but never forces, which gives TONOHONEY its charm. Guitars and harps stretch out in solos that don't overstay their welcome, even on the six-plus minute "Two Headed Monster". On the face of it, there's nothing special about these guys' musical talents, but I find their smooth soulful, blues based rock goes down well. . .like a spoonful of honey. Similar to Chris Isaac, TONOHONEY never elbows themselves into the songs, but lets the melodies dictate the approach. This isn't a blues band, but TONOHONEY isn't trying to be one. Their bluesey shuffles, savvy arrangements and pop sense gently nudge this album into one of my favorite local releases of the past year. -Hal Horowitz. A refreshing kick in the balls - Chris "Spanky" Dellamarggio

Additional Info What Rock 'n' Roll is Waiting For

Location Atlanta, GA - USA

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