The GemsTones are a youthful 4-piece Retro-Rock & ‘Nostalgabilly’ band of brothers performing a mix of originals and retro classics. Specializing in hits from America’s decade the 1950s, and beyond.
What is Nostalgabilly?
A musical genre – much like rockabilly, that combines elements of (but is not limited to) early rock n’ roll, country, swing, rhythm and blues, and jazz music – that taps into that retro sound from decades past to evoke a feeling of nostalgia for days long gone, even if you weren’t there to specifically live them yourself.
They bring new energy to unforgettable songs by legendary artists like Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, BareNaked Ladies, Paul Simon, Bobby Darin, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and many more!
They call themselves The GemsTones because each member is a gem; Rockin’ Ruby plays electric guitar, Swingin’ Sapphire plays drums, Angsty Amethyst grooves on bass and Electric Emerald tickling those ivories.
All of The GemsTones are singers! Their performances are unique because they share the spotlight; each one getting a chance to sing lead on a variety of songs.
The GemsTones are especially known for their stunning vocal harmonies.
The music of The GemsTones keeps you young at heart! It’s fun for all ages, gets you movin’ and groovin’ and evokes a feeling of nostalgia from days gone by; even if you weren’t there to experience them yourself.
Check out the ‘contact’ page if you’re interested in booking The GemsTones, stay tuned for their upcoming original music releases, and be sure to follow them on your favorite social media & streaming platforms to find out what they’re up to!
Lead singer and lead guitarist; Rockin’ Ruby aka Josef Nocera has performed for thousands of audiences across New England over the course of his 20+ year career as a solo performer and songwriter. He’s the first of The GemsTones brothers, performed as Carl Perkins in The Million Dollar Quartet at The Newburyport Firehouse, and his influences include Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, and AC/DC.
Being a part of The GemsTones is his life-long dream, and he’s beyond excited to collaborate with these musicians to write original songs and bring new life to these nostalgic tunes; invigorating audiences who also love retro music!
Angsty Amethyst aka Hunter Germaine: Bassist, Vocals, and Graphic Artist. Younger brother to Josef, Hunter has been playing guitar and writing music for over a decade. His love for songwriting started not long after he began guitar lessons in 8th grade, and he has been writing ever since. He has even self produced two solo albums: “Another Whiskey Song” and “Bourbon & Bullets”. Hunter loves the sounds of classic rock and country music, but also loves the raw emotion and angst of the lyrics in alternative and post grunge.
Some of his major influences include: Johnny Cash, Bob Seger, Roger Miller, John Lennon, Cat Stevens, Seether, and Social Distortion. While Hunter may have a thing for the angst aesthetic, don’t let that tough exterior fool you. There is a warm heart under all them cool threads.
On drums is someone who’s been at it his whole life! Swingin’ Sapphire aka Ed Fragale is a father, a husband, and a mason by trade, as well as a business owner. He brings that same work ethic and focus into his music. When he’s not playing, he’s usually outside and MX riding or spending time with family. He also appreciates good food! Ed is always thinking about rhythm, working on new ideas and building grooves that drive the band forward.
Electric Emerald aka Joe Bradley is the newest member of The GemsTones — bringing the keys and vocals, and operating as the de facto sound guy. He’s from Old Saybrook CT, and studied astrophysics and music at Harvard University. Now based in Cambridge Massachusetts, he is a production assistant and composer for the music-for-advertising company HiFi Project. When he’s not practicing his Jerry Lee Lewis solos, he enjoys reading, walking, composing, and mixing. He is heavily influenced by classic and progressive rock — Zeppelin, Chicago, Journey, Alan Parsons, Genesis and Peter Gabriel — and can’t help but love newer groups like Coldplay, Radiohead, Arcade Fire, and Daft Punk. He may be the youngest GemsTone, but he can still rock the classics with the greatest.
Pianist; Stephen Caliskan, aka Dynamic Diamond, has been singing and playing piano for 13 years. He is a recent graduate from Salem State University with a BFA in Theatre Performance, and has been acting in theatre for 17 years. He recently played Jerry Lee Lewis in the show Million Dollar Quartet, for which his ivory-tickling came in handy!
His musical influences include Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, and Billy Joel. He is thrilled to be the newest member of The GemsTones!