With a style unlike any other, the Electro Kings have broken the mold with their energy and emotional intensity to captivate audiences in clubs across Western New York. The group focuses on the danceable roots of American music, such as blues, swing, and good old rock and roll. The band's performance includes familiar tunes from the 1950's to the present, such as those of Robert Johnson and Elmore James, and the current West Coast sounds of James Harman and Little Charlie and the Nightcats. They highlight the evening with blistering new tunes from their all-original CD.
Luca Foresta [harmonica, vocals, leader]
Luca Foresta fronted the band when it was known as Redline. The band was started in 1992 and they quickly landed a weekly gig at a club called “The Rabbit Hole”. During this time Luca honed his harmonica style with influences from such greats as “Big Walter Horton, Sonny Boy Williamson 1&2, Junior Wells, George Smith, Charlie Musselwhite, William Clarke, Rick Estrin, Rod Piazza and many others. Luca was asked to play a part on “Best of the Central NY Harmonica Blow-off 1996-1998”. His humor and musical talent never stops short of entertaining audiences. He really knows how to work the crowds with his smooth vocals and traditional harmonica sounds.
Mike Chudnick [guitar, slide guitar]
Mike has been listening to and playing the blues since he was first introduced to them in high school. His early exposure to guitar/harmonica combos such as The Nighthawks and The Fabulous Thunderbirds led to an exploration of those band's roots. That path led back through the early Chicago electric artists and from there down to the acoustic blues of the South. Shortly after moving to Rochester in the late 80's he hooked up with Luca Foresta to form Redline, which entertained blues fans across Western New York for many years. After a 10 year absence from the music scene, he recently rejoined Foresta as a member of The Electrokings.
John Lachimia [bass guitar]
John has been playing around Rochester for more than 25 years. He has played with Texas Son, The Flu, Liquid Wrench and sat in with countless others. John has opened up for Joan Osborne, Savoy Brown and Tino Gonzales. Although he has explored several different types of music, blues is where his heart is. His influences are Berry Oakley, Tommy Shannon, John Paul Jones, Donald “Duck” Dunn, John McVie and the bass styles of jazz organists Brother Jack McDuff and Jimmy McGriff. John takes pride in locking in with the drummer and laying down a solid groove.
Jamie King [drums]
Jamie has been playing in bands in the Finger Lakes area for over 20 years. He first became interested in the blues in the early 80’s. The emergence of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Robert Cray, the Fabulous Thunderbirds and the Blues Brothers really took him by storm. Searching out the influences of these bands led him to Albert & Freddie King, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells. Jamie likes all types of music, but feels most alive with the blues. “To me the blues is like life, it covers the full range of human emotion.”
