Keg Belly
Kegbelly is the evolution of Brooklyn meets Long Island with fresh writing, sensibilities to rhythm and melodic jamming. Steve Calto is the Oz behind the curtain with his throaty bluesy vocals and songwriting that reflects a longing for connection ….. it resonates within (listen to Gold and you’ll see). Gerry lays down a solid beat with feeling (a drummer rarity), while Marlon is the new found energy on bass. On top of it all Luke lays leads that reflect an individual and melodic style that is unique and instantly recognizable. . . With new music and new recordings the band is a solid unit. Search our music on most streaming sites.
Kegbelly was born in 2000 in Manhattan’s famed Music Building on 8th Ave when coworkers Gerald Curreri (drums) and Joseph Torres (bass) invited longtime friend Steven Calto (guitar) to jam in their company sponsored studio, if nothing else, “to blow off steam”, but things just clicked. Months of casual sessions a few nights a week led to an accumulation of original music and self-styled covers that deserved to be heard. What started as a power trio with a many sides has evolved into contemporary indie sound when hand percussionist Leigh Lanzet joined the band. In 2010 they finally stepped into the studio to record some of the songs they feared would be lost forever if they didn’t, and recorded their first full length CD. After suffering the city’s original music mill for a few years, and with the passing of Leigh to pancreatic cancer the band moved rehearsals to Long Island to regroup. In 2012 Berklee trained bass player Barry Reiter joined bringing an artistic edge and discipline and a new version of the band was formed. In 2015 Barry was also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer so the band rushed into the studio to record their new batch of songs. They released “K2”, their second full length CD in 2016.
The band remained a full sounding three piece until they added lead guitarist Stevie Luke in 2018. Luke had been developing his own band in Brooklyn, Tortoise Soul, playing lead guitar and vocals. Coincidentally, Kegbelly and Luke’s former band had gigged together in the 2000s and shared a practice room at the Music Building. Then in 2018 Luke started playing together as Kegbelly in preparation for the 2018 Montauk Music Festival. This new lineup gelled and the band had a great show playing to a packed house and leaving the audience with goose bumps. Feeling the wind at their backs, the band returned to the recording studio to get down some new tunes.
However, tragedy struck again when Barry’s cancer returned. Once again with a new batch of great original music, the band went into the studio to record the soon to be released “Till we meet again: The Purple Album”, (Q2 2019) a tribute to Leigh and Barry, who did not survive long enough to witness the completion. As the band turns the next page, they‘re touring with new songs, old songs and unique versions of other artists songs.
Barry left giant steps to fill on bass. Luke convinced the bass player from Tortoise Soul, Niall Ledwidge, to check out the band, who immediately was inspired by the music. From Ireland, Niall played with many touring acts in the local Irish scene before crossing the pond.
Niall has since moved on and we are touring the Island and city with Marlon Portella. Marlon is a seasoned player who has been playing around the city for decades, and brings a new vitality to the band.
Each of the band’s albums are unique and a reflection of the style diversity and song writing growth of Steven Calto. They currently have over 50 original songs and can play a wide range of covers if requested. Their sound isn’t constrained by genre definitions. It’s simply their own style and their music deserves to be heard. We are about to enter the studio to record #4 which will showcase new music by both Steve’s.
