Keyboards, Vocals, Production
About Greg
Greg is a largely self-taught keyboardist and synthesist, who continued his studies at Berklee College of Music, William Paterson, and Montclair State University. Greg worked for many years as a recording engineer, collaborating with hundreds of acts and garnering a Billboard #1 Dance track, Everybody Be Somebody, among his many accomplishments.
He has also served as keyboardist and vocalist with dozens of NY/NJ bands on stage and in studio. He and his wife Connie are veteran band leaders having managed their own party rock band for over a decade. He has danced across many a bar top and swung from a rafter or two. Greg enjoys being able to apply his wide array of technical skills and musical abilities in Heroes for Ghosts. Outside of the band, education and environmental sustainability are passions as well.
On Pink Floyd
It’s hard to find the words to express just how significant Pink Floyd is to me. My first exposure was to The Wall in middle school. I recall it being the first album in which I really lost myself for months on end. I later dove into their catalog with Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here (the first and second albums I ever bought on CD). The accessible melodies were quick to learn, and the lyrics resonated unlike anything else I’d heard. Richard Wright’s masterful creations and arrangements fueled my interest in synthesis and songwriting. I spent countless hours inside those records, as a young keyboardist experimenting with Moog, Korg and ARP synthesizers.
Pink Floyd was truly my inspiration to pursue keyboarding. That pursuit has brought me such joy, from my wife (who I met in a band), to our family, and my professional career. Heroes for Ghosts is the first tribute act I’ve played with, and it seems only fitting that it be the music of Pink Floyd.
Favorite Lyric
“Long you live and high you fly, smiles you’ll give and tears you’ll cry, and all you touch and all you see, it’s all your life will ever be.”
For totally different reasons, a close second is: “Wave upon wave of demented avengers march cheerfully out of obscurity into the dream.”
Drums, Vocals
About Miguel
Always a fan of many music styles, including film scores, Miguel started out on the trumpet before moving onto the drums and some bass guitar in high school. Known to have perfect pitch, he loves getting into vocals while drumming. He counts Phil Collins and Levon Helm as his influences. Miguel is also a sound engineer, mixing sound for local bands. For Heroes for Ghosts, he applies his technical and artistic expertise to craft the complex mix for the audience.
Miguel is also the drummer/vocalist for the Grateful Dead cover band “Watchung Mountain Riders” and has sat in on the drums with countless bands over the years.
On Pink Floyd
Wish You Were Here was the first album I fell in love with, which had me moving back throughout the earlier albums. I still feel that Atom Heart Mother is an underrated album.
Favorite Lyric
“Too much, I won’t touch you but then I might.”
Guitar, Vocals
About Geo
George “Geo” Orlando is a professional musician and voice-over actor from Nutley, NJ. After studying classical guitar performance at Montclair State University, Orlando applied his skills to multiple gospel performances and recordings, served as musical director of various gospel bands, and toured and recorded with David Foster-produced Neo-jazz artist Peter Cincotti. He could occasionally be seen performing at an open mic in New York’s east village, or singing in the Tower of Power tribute band, Bump City.
After almost completely forgetting everything he learned in college, Geo’s love for Spanish guitar was revived as he began studies with prominent flamenco guitarists. His live solo performances now incorporate this fiery gypsy method of guitar in a fusion of rhumba, bossa nova, calypso, and reggae into modern pop and rock music.
On Pink Floyd
“In my teens, I was listening mostly to 80’s speed-metal, then a friend introduced me to The Wall.. and I’ve never looked at music the same. The relentless mechanical pulse in “Empty Spaces” was astounding, and made me realize that these 4 musicians were capable of creating some of the most unique and iconic sounds of my generation.
After 35 years, Floyd’s music is still a religious experience for me. They were absolute masters of musical innovation, creative arrangements and evocative soundscapes, and David Gilmour’s style influenced my playing more than any other guitarist. It’s a tremendous honor to perform the artwork of Pink Floyd”
Favorite Lyric
“Ashes and diamonds, foe and friend; we were all equal in the end” – R.W. “Two Suns in the Sunset” from The Final Cut, 1983
Bass, Vocals
About Matt
Matt is a bass player who also dabbles in guitar, drums and piano. His mother was a music teacher, so piano lessons were on the weekly schedule in the 1970’s. He started as a drummer in his high school marching band and jazz band, where he fine-tuned his craft and learned how to vibe with other musicians. He soon formed his first rock band in 1982 where he held down the beat while helping his band lose many regional Battle of the Bands competitions.
He has since taught himself guitar (because no one pays attention to the drummer), then discovered bass guitar, where he found his calling. He has played with many bands throughout the years and often fills in for gigs on short notice. Matt’s acute ear for melody and harmony allow him to learn songs on the fly, while subtly layering in a third part harmony vocal.
Matt is a “Gear Head” with an eclectic collection of high-end guitar tube amps and stomp boxes. He builds extravagant pedal boards as a hobby, including the boards for his two bandmates in Heroes for Ghosts. Matt’s main bass rig includes an Ashdown bass amp, a Fender V string bass guitar and a Line 6 Bass Pod for quick effect changes on stage.
On Pink Floyd
Matt discovered the power of Pink Floyd in 1980, where he and his fellow 8th grade classmates recreated the chanting children of the song Another Brick in The Wall during gatherings in the boy’s locker room and cafeteria. “We don’t need no education” and “Hey, teacher, leave us kids alone!” The defiance in the minds of youths, struggling to find their voice as they entered their teen years, were thunderous and cathartic.
Favorite Lyric
“Mother, do you think they’ll try to break my balls?”
Guitar
About Dave
Dave (aka “DJ”) has played guitar since he was 11 years old and has consistently performed in bands since age 15. His style has formed from a wide variety of influences including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jerry Garcia, Alex Lifeson, Trey Anastasio and, of course, David Gilmour. He has shared the stage with notable musicians including Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Dave Dreiwitz of Ween, Jimmy Vivino of The Fab Faux, and others. Dave has written and recorded albums with The Howlin’ Thurstons and The Hey Honeys.
On Pink Floyd
Dave became obsessed with Pink Floyd at 10 years old with the release of The Wall. He was captivated by everything from the vivid imagery of the songs’ lyrics to the melodies to the sound effects. From there he dove into the catalogue and fell in love with Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here and Animals. In time Dave discovered Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd as well. The melodic guitar solos of David Gilmour made the biggest impression on Dave. Unlike most flashy guitar solos of the 1980’s, you could sing along with Gilmour’s memorable solos. He first saw them perform live during the Momentary Lapse of Reason tour and has seen Roger Waters’ solo performances as well.
Favorite Lyric
“Some hand in hand, and some gathered together in bands. The bleeding hearts and artists make their stand.”
Vocals
About Connie
Adding a powerful layer to the vocal section, Connie has always loved to sing. Her main instrument is her voice, but she also dabbles in keyboard, guitar and songwriting.
She has performed her original music at legendary NYC clubs such as the Bitter End, Downtime and Acme Underground. A review from one of her original shows read :
“A stunning performance tonight from a singer who raised the roof with her powerful voice and presence”
She has also been the lead singer in several tri-state area cover bands such as Voodoo Merchants and NFT (lots of funny Alanis look-a-like stories from those bands!) And today she continues to collaborate with her talented family doing original tunes with their band, The Inlaws.
She enjoys performing all styles of music, from rock/pop to country and blues, but her newest project with Heroes for Ghosts is perhaps one of the most unique. “I’m so used to singing lead and find these backup vocals to be surprisingly technical at times. I’m loving the music, the growth, and getting to share the stage with my talented husband, and the rest of these amazingly talented musicians”.
On Pink Floyd
I was always a fan of Pink Floyd but I never realized the full power of their music until I joined this tribute band. From the first note, at the first rehearsal (some of us just meeting for the first time), you could feel the power and the energy in the room. You can feel it at the shows too. The audience has that same palpable energy! I would still be a fan of Pink Floyd today but now I’m an even bigger fan because I realize firsthand the timeless power in their music.
Favorite Lyric
“Wish You Were Here”
For all of those who are no longer with us, I dedicate this line every time…
Saxophone
About Howard
Howard started playing clarinet at 7 years old and moved over to the saxophone shortly thereafter. He has been at it ever since. He plays in a number of bands of varying styles and has had the opportunity to play alongside a number of his musical heroes. He grew up dreaming of a lifetime of touring the world playing in bands, but has since changed his goal to be the musician who has played with the greatest number of bands at the famous Tierney’s Tavern (in his hometown of Montclair, NJ). Although saxophone is his main and favorite instrument, he dabbles in many others. His daughter once commented that he has more instruments than shirts… which is true.
On Pink Floyd
Howard’s first exposure to Pink Floyd was at age 13 when he watched The Wall with some of the older kids in the neighborhood. Eventually the nightmares went away and a few year later he jumped back into Pink Floyd, wearing out his Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall albums. He is thrilled to have the opportunity with Heroes for Ghosts to recreate the classic Dick Parry saxophone solos that he grew up listening to over and over again. He is still trying to achieve the perfect alignment of Dark Side of the Moon and Wizard of Oz.
Favorite Lyric
“I can’t explain, you would not understand. This is not how I am. I have become comfortably numb.”