Boss Diablo is a four-piece musical concoction drawing on elements of 60s roots rock, big city blues, garage rock mayhem and badass country strut to forge their classic sound. The Pittsburgh-based band dishes out an impressive collection of originals along with an eclectic repertoire of stylized roots music covers. Chuck Beatty, bassist/vocalist of the band, hits you in the gut with his deep basso profundo voice and his melodic driving bass grooves. The rock-steady backbeat is bashed out on drums by Tom Hohn who also belts out his own raucous garage-tinged vocals. Guitarist John “JFK” Kerr smokes up a smorgasbord of smoldering leads and soulful vocals while interacting with the audience. Adding the final ingredient to this musical concoction is harmonica player Stanley J Mikolajek who blows classic Chicago-style harp through a bullet microphone. The result is a unique ensemble that serves up a rootsy dish of sonic euphoria for the soul.
Boss Diablo was formed in late 2004 when Hohn (The Cynics, The Frampton Brothers, Tangerine) and Beatty (James King and the Usual Suspects, Bob Beach Blues Band, Gary Belloma and the Blue Bombers) discovered they had a mutual appreciation for roots music. They soon added Washington to strengthen the rhythm section, and recruited Stanley J as a harp blowin' sideman in 2005. The band further broke into the music scene in 2006 with their aptly named debut album “Don't Act Right” on Moondog Records. The full-length CD showcased several new tantalizing originals, accented by a handful of stylized roots covers. In late 2006 Washington left the band and Boss Diablo recruited veteran vocals beltin' guitar slingin' John F. Kerr. Currently Boss Diablo is breaking ground on their second album in as many years.
Since their formation, Boss Diablo has been playing all the local watering holes in the tri-state region, bringing their version of roots music to the people. Boss Diablo is emerging as a captivatingly authentic and intriguingly fresh force in the music scene, so check them out next time they're in your town. Get back in touch with your roots. You won't be disappointed.
You're gonna dig it -- we guarantee it.