Conrad holds down the bottom in WHEELS OF FIRE’S rhythm section. He hails from central Massachusetts where he played in his first band at age 13, after years of lessons from top musicians in the area. Conrad has played electric and upright bass in local bands whose styles include blues, rock, folk, jazz, zydeco, and funk.
WHEELS OF FIRE drummer and vocalist Peter Ferraguto met Conrad in the mid 90’s at Worcester’s now defunct “Above Club” and they had jammed together at various Above club open mics backing up various other artists.
WHEELS OF FIRE - About the Band
Michael Paolucci (Guitar)
Project originator, Michael has been attempting to play the guitar since the age of 13... The inspiration for this project came from the dawn of time when Michael was fortunate enough to see Cream live in Boston. And the impression has yet to fade. Finally, the time was right to attempt to do justice to this music in a live setting.
Michael had played previously with Peter, and was thrilled when Peter not only expressed great interest in this project but brought with him, friend and bassist Conrad Mlynarski. Conrad absolutely captures the fire and spirit of Jack Bruce’s unique approach to the bass. Likewise, Peter’s soaring vocals embody the essence of Bruce’s tenor while in perpetual motion recreating the drive for which Ginger Baker is famous. (How he does this simultaneously is still a mystery).
As the guitarist, Michael’s fervent hope is to do justice to the music and express his most sincere respect for the brilliance and innovation of a young Eric Clapton. “We are simply attempting to recreate that which they originated” Blending the emotion of the Blues, the emerging power of Rock and Roll and the improvisational spirit of Jazz, the music of Cream is as vital and relevant as when it was originally conceived..
For this project, Michael is playing Gibson guitars; sunburst Les Paul prehistoric, SG / Les Paul custom and a customized, hand painted replica of Clapton’s psychedelic SG standard.
(Thanks to Blackman Designs for the fantastic paint work).
Amplification by Aiken and Germino. Celestion loaded speaker cabinets by Aiken, Bogner and Rivera.
Conrad Mlynarski (Bass Guitar)
Conrad’s unique blend of blues and rock make him an exciting and passionate bass player for WHEELS OF FIRE.
Equipment: Gibson bass, Ashdown amplification.
Peter Ferraguto (Vocals, Drums, Percussion)
Peter always dreamed of a life in music since 5 years old when receiving his first “Black Jack” drum set under the Christmas tree and hearing the Beatles. His grandfather, John “Jack” Sahagian, played a myriad of wind instruments in jazz big bands, most notably with his cousin, the world famous jazz trumpet player extraordinaire, Leon Merian. Peter saw Leon and his “Grampy Jack” perform numerous times in jazz clubs and was mesmerized at the power and expression of a full band.
Peter began singing in choir, musicals, and taking drum lessons in junior high, and began a serious and appreciative study of percussion under drum educator, Don Kirby, while attending Fitchburg State College, and later on refreshing his skills by studying with noted Boston area jazz session great and drum academician, Bob Gulati.
From 1983 to present, Peter has performed in the Central Massachusetts music scene with a variety of Blues, Rock, and Jam Band projects. A couple of notable original recording projects were during the early 1990’s with his band, “The Links” and later with jazz-fusion group “Odibil libidO” at the turn of the millennium.
Other notable musical experiences were his drumming/lead vocal (Phil Collin’s style) stints with such acts as Big city, The Lineup, Ravin’ Blue, jazz group The 4 Door Quartet, Mocha Java, Whiskey River, Loose Cannons, Occipital Porpoise, jazz fusion group Odibil libidO. Peter is currently providing drums and vocals for the Anita Jones Band, and also enjoys fronting the band on lead vocals and percussion with his groove-oriented rock band, NEXT MOVE and NEXT MOVE Aqustix.
Now with Wheels of Fire, Peter is behind the drums again as well as vocalizing in the style of Cream’s Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton. “Drumming in the style of the great Ginger Baker is refreshing and fun as I get to improvise freely and get back to my jazz and blues roots while playing the music of CREAM, one of my all time favorite bands. Also, being a part of such a talented power trio with Conrad Mlynarski on bass guitar and Michael Paolucci on lead guitar is an honor. In my opinion, Wheels of Fire really captures the sound, spirit, and intensity of mega group CREAM in their heyday. In addition, we add our own improvisational flair and intensity that makes our audience stand up and take notice.”
When performing, Peter prefers PREMIER drums and percussion.
For additional information and booking, please call 508-353-8422
Later they came together again in the hopes of creating a JAM band
dubbed “Occipital Porpoise” with a couple of other notable Worcester
area musicians. That project never came to fruition but Peter
remembered the thunder and passion of Conrad’s playing and superior
bass tone. Ten years later Peter knew that Conrad would be the only choice to fill in for the signature sound of Jack Bruce in authentic CREAM style.
Bios
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