The GemsTones are a youthful 4-piece retro-rock band of brothers specializing in a mix of nostalgic originals and hits from America’s decade; rockabilly, blues, country & rock‘n’roll of the 1950s!
They bring new energy to unforgettable songs by legendary artists like Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash & many more!
They call themselves The GemsTones because each member is a gem; Rockin’ Ruby plays electric guitar, Swingin’ Sapphire plays acoustic/electric guitar, Angsty Amethyst grooves on bass and Electric Emerald beats those drums.
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 the 1950s.
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 18-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 bring new life to the songs of the 1950s and invigorate audiences who also love nostalgic music!
Acoustic/electric guitar and backing vocals; Swingin’ Sapphire aka Matt Robidoux has been playing music for over 20 years. Originally inspired by Green Day to pick up the guitar, he now finds influence from modern folk bands such as Lord Huron and The Lumineers. Matt is excited to be the newest member of The GemsTones!
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 that cool leather.
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!
Drums & Backing Vocals; Electric Emerald aka Mark Scott is a longtime gospel drummer and multi-instrumentalist specializing in sizzling high harmonies. Mark served 6 honorable years in the U. S. Navy, where he picked up traditional military and maritime influences, providing that true American spirit to the heart of The GemsTones.
Inspired by classics like Crosby Stills & Nash, Earth Wind & Fire, and Paul Simon, Electric Emerald is here to drop the beat and keep you on your feet!