Band Bio
The Token Gamblers roots run deep and in many different directions. Brothers Henry and Ricky Melendy author the majority of the songs, pick Banjo and Guitar, and together with the band, create a sound that is unmistakably honest. It can be called bluegrass. It’s without a doubt folk. It’s spontaneous and improvisational. It’s constantly evolving. It’s good times & great sounds.
The brothers Melendy are country boys from Wauchula, FL. There they grew up by the old, slow Peace River. Both always having an ear for music ,they found old string band music through a non-traditional channel. Even still, the ways of the river and slow living in the rural areas of Florida are heavy influences into the songwriting and musicianship that these two brothers posses. Andrew Haller grooves on the Jews harp and Harmonica and is greatly influenced by World Music and Trance. He discovered bluegrass and found that the Jews harp has a tight fit. It’s pure rhythm. Joseph Canitia picks the Mandolin with a tremendous sense of style and feel. His influences are by far too many to name. David Grisman is high on the list. Joe found his way to the Token Gambler lineup by chance. He overheard a conversation Henry was having with another individual at a gig in a pub called “Redlight Redlight”. The topic was John Hartford. Joe introduced himself. Folks who speak John Hartford don’t come around often. Tony Macaluso is the backbone. Laying down solid bottom end on the Old Bass Fiddle and also contributing a slew of original tunes. Tony hails from the Big Apple but has a love for roots music that is unmatched.
Together these pieces make up The Token Gamblers. It’s original folk and roots music with a distinctive bluegrass drive.