What’s the Lowdown on the Lowdowns?
Joanna Anderson
Vocalist
A vocalist from the Hudson Valley, Joanna, has a passion for music. Raised taking piano lessons and singing oldies music, she’s happiest making and singing music. Joanna is a reading teacher, has 2 daughters (a 3rd one on the way!) and lives with her husband in Walden.
Alan Macaluso
Guitar
I’m a guitar player with over 30 years of experience chasing good tone, deep grooves, and songs that make people move. My musical home is somewhere between soul, rock and roll, and funk. I love locking into a groove, laying down a tight rhythm part, and jumping out for a melodic lead when the moment calls for it.
My influences run from the big riffs and swagger of Led Zeppelin to the smooth, clever grooves of Steely Dan, along with the modern funk pocket of Scary Pockets and the soulful vibe of Lake Street Dive. If it’s got a groove and a little attitude, I’m probably into it.
Over the years I’ve played in numerous original and cover bands throughout New York City and the Hudson Valley, performing everything from classic rock and soul to funk-heavy grooves. In addition to guitar, I also play pedal steel and spend time writing my own material as a singer/songwriter.
I’m based in Ulster County and still love getting together with great musicians, jamming, and playing live whenever possible. For me it’s always about keeping it fun, keeping it groovy, and making music that feels good to play and hear. 🎸🎶😎
Harrison Barritt
Bass
Raised in the Swiss Alps by cattle herders, Harrison’s first true love was yodeling across the open meadows and deep valleys of the old country. But it was during the summer of ’69 when, Zona, an exchange student from Detroit Michigan, staying with his family played for Harrison on a cassette tape, a scratchy version of Pinball Wizard by The Who. Mesmerized by this new sound, Harrison could only hear the four strings of John Entwistle’s thunderous bass notes. Instantly, hooked, he kissed his parents and sister goodbye and headed off to New York City, where he purchased his first Fender Bass. After a few private lessons with Ray Brown, Stanley Clark, Charles Mingus and Larry Graham, almost magically, he found himself getting calls to sub for Jefferson Airplane, Frank Zappa, and Creedence. Over the next 10 years Harrison played with Sly and Family Stone, The Meters, Jethro Tull and The Doobie Brothers. His signature sound can be heard on many Chaka Khan and Janis Joplin recordings. Today he describes that as “another life, far far away,” and prefers the smaller more manageable crowds of New York’s Hudson Valley’s bars and pubs, where Harrison lays down the bottom end of his favorite funk band yet, still promising to make you feel something low.
Jonathan Perl
Keyboards
Jon is a keyboard player, songwriter (Jon Perl’s Dark Light), music producer, and full time educator at the Sonic Arts Center @ CCNY. Loves the Shawangunk Ridge, meditation, and living in New Paltz with his wife, daughter, dog, and occasionally college age son.
PATRICK KELLY
Drums
My drumming life changed when at the age of 16 as I was play gigs with local players l was introduced to Norman Grossman at the Professional Percussion Center in NYC “ The In Place for Drummers”. Norman opened up the world of all styles of drumming and led me on a path to study percussion at the Mannes College of Music in NYC. I played and performed symphonic, chamber and percussion ensemble music. After a few years I went back to focus on the drum set and performed with countless bands in the tri state area. I found a home for a few years at Legal Tender Rehearsal Studio in the music building on west 30 th Street which was a very cool scene. I continue to hone my skills and am delighted to be the newest addition to The Dirty Lowdowns! ✌️❤️