About Us

Veteran "Grateful" guitarist and vocalist, Michael Sanfosso, started playing music in his hometown of Ocean City, NJ where he studied singing, piano, and guitar. Michael relocated to Philadelphia in 1986, performing with Scarlet Fire, Modern Beatnik, Brother Thump, Splintered Sunlight, Steal Your Face, and also appeared with Grateful Dead vocalist, Bob Weir, on WHYY Radio program hosted by Philadelphia Folk fest MC, Gene Shay, in 1994.  

Michael spent 1997-2000 playing with a revamped Living Earth, perfecting his guitar and vocal chops, and setting the stage for the next two decades. Michael has been on the GD radar for awhile now,  after appearances with both Dark Star Orchestra, Melvin Seals and JGB. Fans from coast to coast began hearing about his uncanny channeling of Garcia music. Over the past decade, he has played with Michael Falzarano, Ronnie Penque, Sandy Mack, Keller Williams, David Gans, David Nelson Band, and Donna Jean Godschaux.  In 2017, he did a tour with popular Midwest tribute The Schwag, bringing his undeniable talent to theaters across the United States. 

He also produced two solo CDs in 2002 and 2006, featuring his original music, and live Funk trio. After being voted Relix Magazine's 2009 Jam Off Contest winner, Michael toured with West Coast Funk singer, Pamela Parker, appearing at Nelson Ledges, OH for Gratefulfest 10, Yoshi's SF, and the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock at Golden Gate Park.  Michael lives in Philadelphia, PA with his wife and manager, Melanie, and is a devoted father of three sons, Phoenix, Elijah, Raiden, and 3 cats, Max, Geronimo, and Ché (RIP Pirate). Michael is endorsed by PHRED Instruments.

Tom Deininger has been playing bass since forever.  Michael and Tom met in the Ocean City High School Jazz band in 1982. They continued to make music together for the next 15 years.  Tom was heavily influenced by all the classic players, including John Paul Jones, Roger Waters, Phil Lesh, John Entwistle, and John Taylor. He played in many local bands around his hometown, including shore local heroes, Person-L, before hitting the road in 1986. Michael and Tom formed The Mustangs in 1988, a power trio that focused on hard driving Blues, Rock, and Rockabilly. They made one record in 1989, disbanding shortly after. In 1990, Tom rejoined his old pal in a funky new band project, Slide, that helped establish the Manayunk scene in Philadelphia. Slide, with their groovy vocals and deep funk jams, not only dominated the local draw, but would make two recordings on the IKON label and tour the Northeast extensively. They released "Focus" in 1994, produced by Grammy winner David Ivory, and recorded another unreleased effort in 1995. Slide trucked on, disbanding in 1996, but not before appearing at Wilmington's Blue Rock Stadium with Goldfinger, Toadies, Foreigner, Jimmy Buffet, Dave Matthews Band, Derek Trucks Band, Gov't Mule, Ben Harper, and Spyro Gyra. Slide reunited in 2015 and 2016.  Tom continued playing with local Philadelphia jambands, including Off Duty Superheroes, until 2017. Tom lives in Glenside, PA with his wife Emily and two dogs, George and Honeybone. 

NJ native, Bob Albasi, joined Pure Jerry at the end of Summer, 2021. He is an incredible keyboardist, vocalist, and an original member of the legendary Living Earth. Bob toured the East Coast from 1985 to 1999, making one record for the RELIX label.  Bob and Michael first played together in a recharged lineup, featuring original Living Earth members Bob Stirner (Box of Rain) and Jerry Marx (Box of Rain).  Perfectly complementing the huge songlist, Albasi is also a lead vocalist, providing the voices of both Bob Dylan and Levon Helm. As a musician and member, Bob brings experience and steady grooviness with a rootsy, Hammond-organ style that is perfectly suited for the band. Albasi's song knowledge and relaxed mastery of melodies is endlessly inspiring. Bob lives in Cinnaminson, NJ with his wife Beth.

Front of House Engineer and Archivist, Tom has been with PURE JERRY since Day 1.  Tom brings his wisdom and experience to the Soundboard with an undeniable ear for mixing. An original Deadhead taper and recording engineer, The Hoff is old school to the core. He is kind, helpful and has a wealth of skillset in technical issues. Tom lives in Philadelphia, Pa with his rescue greyhound, Mick!