Biography
Dave Mell has been playing music since 1972 in every type of band common to the Eastern Pa Area. After years of exposure to many styles of music, he has applied a wealth of musical influences to his own guitar and vocal approach to playing blues-based music.
This musician and his band entertain visually and aurally with a depth of passion and intensity common to only the most experienced performers.
In addition to performing locally and regionally. Dave has played often at BB Kings Club in NYC, and has recently toured mutiple cities in the Ukraine.
Writing songs in all styles, arranging music, recording music (both his own music and guest appearances on others recordings), and teaching guitar, are among Dave's interests ouside the band. -
Ellen Mell originally from Liverpool, NY has been inspired by music since the 5th grade. At a young age,she was involved in County, District and State choirs. During her adolescence she was involved not only in singing, but also acting in numerous high school plays and musicals. When she was eighteen years old she was asked to be part of a worldwide group called “Up With People”. At age nineteen she embarked on a modeling career, which ultimately lead her back to her heart’s passion…. singing. Inspired by such greats as Ann Wilson, Annie Lennox, and Janis Joplin, she delivers impassioned performances that leave audiences screaming for more. She commands the stage with her presence and vocal style that can range from the sweet subtlety of Patsy Cline to the raw power of Janis Joplin. The intensity of her vocal style has given her the reputation of being one of the most compelling female vocalists on the music scene. Her talents are not confined to the stage alone; she is equally adept in writing quality lyrics and melodies in collaboration with the band’s leader Dave Mell, for the band’s original material. With over 20 years experience she has performed with a variety of bands including the Dan Yody Band, Colonel Thatcher, Down Under, and now the Dave Mell Blues Band. Not one to give half- hearted performances, she is dynamic vocally and visually and audiences seek her out. Check out what everyone is talking about. You will not be disappointed.
Matt DelCollo - Drums
Matt is from Reading, PA where he started to play the drums in the 5th grade. Matt’s passion and abilities developed quickly and he was performing professionally by the age of 14. By age 16, he was the drummer for an orginal rock band performing throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York City. In his 20's, Matt took up the blues as the drummer for guitarist Bob Noble . Since then he has played in various Reading and Philadelphia blues bands, including Steve Hayes, Robert Riley and now, the Dave Mell Blues Band. Matt is well known for his great timing and incredible feel for whatever music is being played. He is an incredible listener who fluidly reacts to whatever is being played by the soloists, which is so important in an improvisational genre such as the blues.
Jeff Solomon - Bass guitar
One of the premier bassist in eastern Pennsylvania for many years. Starting in the late sixties, Jeff toured with the legendary rock band, Faith. After Faith, he toured New England as well as Chicago area with the jazz/fusion band, Helix. Wanting to stay closer to his home base he played with Auburn and highly respected local band Hurricane. He was also a first call session musician at a number of recording studios. Now he has found his true home playing blues with his favorite guitar master, Dave Mell
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Tom Montgomery - keyboardist
Tom started lessons at age 8, studied theory and composition in college, and over the years has played with a variety of bands and different styles of music including classic rock, Blues, country, bluegrass, and jazz. Tom was a member of the Country Freedom Band, performed with the Steve Hayes Howling Blues Band, and was the keyboard player for the local blues band ‘Woodshed’ for many years. He also is part of singer/songwriter Eileen Tipping’s band and has appeared on her CD, “Summer Kitchen”.
Tom also appears with the New Orleans influenced ‘Rockman Blues Band’. His major influences were The Beatles, Allman Brothers, Yes, and Billy Joel, along with jazz greats Jimmy Smith and Oscar Peterson
Charlie Paplosky - harmonica
Charlie is a highly respected talent on the harmonica with a sizzling stage presence and an impressive list of crowd-pleasing appearances at such venues as Berks Jazz Fest, Bethlehem Musikfest, Reading Riverfest, Acoustic Roadshow, Soberstock, Fleetwood Blues Festival, BCTV Telethon, and many, many more. His influences include James Cotton, Harmonica Shaw, and Billy Branch. Charlie is constantly studying the music of artists old and new to broaden both his musical and performing talents. On or off stage, Charlie Paplosky is a true gentleman who conveys his love of music, and of life.
