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About Us
Michael Morrow
Veteran "Grateful" guitarist and vocalist, Michael Morrow, has been playing music professionally since 1988, beginning his career in his native New Jersey home of Ocean City. Michael later relocated to Philadelphia, performing with local bands: Scarlet Fire, Modern Beatnik, Brother Thump, Living Earth, Splintered Sunlight, and Steal Your Face. Morrow also appeared with Grateful Dead vocalist Bob Weir on WHYY Radio program hosted by Philadelphia Folk fest MC Gene Shay in 1994.
Michael spent '97-2000 playing with a revamped Living Earth, perfecting his guitar and vocal chops alongside monster players. 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 also the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Back on the East Coast, he headlined both Strawberry Jam and Musefest in Ithaca, NY, Wormtown in Massachusetts, Bethlehem Musikfest twice, and Jam at the Cam in Pennsylvania and also performed at Mountain Sky and SKOJ 10.
A dynamic performer and vocalist, MM has been on the radar, with shortlist auditions and onstage appearances with both Dark Star Orchestra and the Jerry Garcia Band. Fans from coast to coast began to hear about his uncanny channeling of Garcia music. Over the past decade, he has also played with Michael Falzarano, Ronnie Penque, Sandy Mack, Keller Williams, David Gans, David Nelson Band, Donna Jean Godschaux. In 2017, he also did a tour with popular Midwest tribute The Schwag, bringing his undeniable talent to theaters across the United States.
Michael lives in Philadelphia PA with his wife and manager, Melanie Morrow, and is a devoted father of three sons, Phoenix, Elijah, Raiden and 2 cats, Max and Pirate. Michael is also endorsed by PHRED Instruments.
Chris Mufalli
Chris has been playing drums for over twenty years. He enjoys the collaborative aspect of playing. He strives to get the sound that will best serve the music. His musical taste is broad, and his style is not only influenced by Jam bands, but also psychedelic rock, funk, folk, and blues. Chris joined Pure Jerry after a glorious sit in with the band at the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, PA, and was immediately hired. His responsiveness and tasty grooves caught MM's ear, and soon they were pushing limits onstage with ease. Simply put... he's the guy. He doesn't even know he's the guy. Chris also builds his own drums (and much more)! He is a skilled Designer/Craftsman. Buy him a beer and talk to him about your next project idea! See some of his work here: https://www.instagram.com/madebymufalli/?hl=en
Chris lives in NJ with his wife Jen and their dogs, Clyde and Louie.
Tom Deininger
Tom Deininger has been playing bass since forever. Legend has it that Michael and Tom met after both failing the auditions for 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. The band trucked on until 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, Govt 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.
Cynthia Bagola
An open mic was all it took to set things in motion for Cynthia. Shortly after, she formed Another Rainy Friday Acoustic Trio which focused on the softer side of rock. She has that bluesy, soul sound that brings to mind the gospel vibe of JGB. She currently sings background and harmony with Remedy, A Tribute to the Black Crowes. She also makes music under her own moniker, Green Eyed Soul. One more amazing fact! Cynthia lost her hearing and relies on two Cochlear Baha Implant Systems to hear and sing. OK, we lied. ONE more fact!!! Cynthia and Michael are cousins!
Cynthia lives in West Chester, PA with her daughter, Giana and 3 cats, Cookie, Izzy, and Shadow.
BOB ALBASI
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), Matt Ginsburg (Steal Your Face), and Jerry Marx (Box Of Rain). Bob brings experience and steady grooviness with a rootsy Hammond organ style that is perfectly suited for the song list. Albasi's song knowledge and relaxed mastery of melodies is endlessly inspiring.
Bob lives in Cinnaminson, NJ with his wife Beth.
MEGHAN RYAN
Meghan is the newest addition to Pure Jerry. One of her first loves in life is music. She started singing in grade school - at talent shows and concert choir. Just a few short years ago, at the urging of a good friend, she decided to battle serious stage fright. She feels blessed to have performed with several groups in the Philly area, including Zendog and Organic Jam Band. In her own words, "It has been an immense pleasure and honor to continue pushing my limits... to diversify... and beyond a dream to perform with Michael Morrow and the great members of Pure Jerry!"
Meghan lives in Narbeth, PA with her dog, Gracie and her cat, Joy.
Crew
FOH: Tom "The Hoff" Hoffman
Photographer: Michael Naber
Crew:
Raiden James
Elijah Kai
Phoenix Logan