Multi-instrumentalist Jacob Callis first picked up the electric bass at age 12. The NJ musician made it his mission to perform with as many acts as possible, in the process becoming proficient in jazz, funk, rock and blues. At 18, Jacob turned his talents to songwriting. His walking acoustic guitar lines, inspired by years of bass playing, have become the centerpiece of his unique style. Jacob stumbled upon Jana on MySpace.com after playing on the bill with her pal Patti Rothberg at a show in NJ. The two musicians quickly bonded over their mutual passion for The Beatles, descending bass lines and David Mamet quotes, among other things. With Jana Peri, Jacob has rediscovered his inner rocker (forced into submission by years of playing at coffee houses and yacht clubs) and his first love – the bass guitar. While rehearsing with Jana for her 2005 UK tour, he and she forged a strong musical partnership that endures. Jacob played and sang on "I Hate The Holidays (But I Love Spending Them With You)." www.jacobcallis.com
ROB HOLM (Drums, Percussion, Background Vocals)
Aside from his dead-on drumming and gorgeous voice, multi-talented Long Islander Rob has been reading and writing music since age eight. In addition to playing and recording with Jana Peri, he has worked with power poppers Early Edison and Bill Popp & the Tapes, among others. Rob's drumming can be heard on two major motion picture soundtracks. Rob played and sang on the Catching Flies With Vinegar CD.
NED STROH (Drums, Percussion, Background Vocals)
NJ Drummer/Percussionist, Ned Stroh, was recommended to Jana by mutual friend, musician Paul Sachs.Ned has performed, recorded and toured with many artists over the years, including 22 Brides and guitar legend, Dick Dale.His superb drumming even landed him an appearance in the first season of HBO’s The Sopranos. Additionally, Ned has been a member of The New Jersey Percussion Ensemble since 1990 and is currently on faculty at The Jersey City Arts High School as Percussion Specialist/Co-Conductor of the concert band, jazz band and pop ensemble.Jersey City banker types on their lunch breaks can occasionally be spotted grooving to Ned’s students’ renditions of Aretha Franklin and Joe Cocker songs while Ned mans the soundboard, drinking coffee. Ned played and sang on "I Hate The Holidays (But I Love Spending Them With You)."
JOHN D. SOOS (Drums, Percussion, Background Vocals)
Powerhouse drummer/percussionist, John D. Soos, is a veteran of several NJ rock bands, including party band The Crank and KISS tribute band Double Platinum. “Soos” and Jana met several years ago when he was playing at infamous Bleecker St. club Kenny’s Castaways with NJ singer/songwriter Vic Della Pello. She was very impressed and promptly recruited him to play drums on her debut EP. Reunited and it feels so good…Soos rejoins Jana for her 2005 UK tour. She’s bringing plenty of makeup along, just in case he feels naked without the cat whiskers.
JIM STELLATO (Bass Guitar, Background Vocals)
Berklee College of Music grad Jim must have slept with all Paul McCartney's albums under his pillow because his style, while all his own, is heavily influenced by the ex-Beatle. In addition to playing locally, the Long Island, NY native has spent a great deal of time living and playing in Tokyo. Jim played and sang on the Catching Flies With Vinegar CD.
DANIEL REY (Producer, Guitar)
Ramones producer and co-conspirator Daniel Rey produced, mixed and mastered Jana Peri's Catching Flies With Vinegar CD. The NJ native also lends his superb guitar talents to the recording. Jana would like to thank her East Village neighbor for his patience amid her constant requests for louder background vocals. She assures him that he will not lose his punk street cred over this.
