'Nothing Like Playing In Branford:' Proud To Have Played Hometown Gig

BRANFORD, CT — It all began at open mic night almost a decade ago. Branford-born and raised, musician guitarist John Spignesi played a number of open mic nights at the former Donovan's Reef and in 2015, founded his band, JSB. Today, in addition to Spignesi, the band includes Joe Jeffery on bass and Matt Alling on drums.

Since the band was founded, it's played at music festivals "all over" and its current album is being produced by Scott Murawski, the guitar player for Mike Gordon of the band Phish.

At last Friday's concert on the Branford Green, JSB did what it hadn't yet done in a show on the Green: they played electric.

He posted to Facebook: "There’s a level of pride I have when it comes to playing in my hometown. I mean, this is where it all began after all. So much has changed over the years and we’ve been so fortunate to travel all around New England playing and meeting so many great people, but there really is nothing like playing in Branford. Call it cheesy, but it’s home and always will be."

The band performs a wide variety of music, with the focus being on original rock tunes, written by Spignesi. "Seventy-plus originals and counting," he said. JSB also mixes in covers of the Allman Brothers, Neil Young, Bob Dylan and similar artists. The band is currently finishing up its seventh studio album at Ace Tone Productions in Bethany. It's being produced by Murawski.

JSB has had a number of "notable gigs." Those include opening for Max Creek at Toad’s Place, Strange Creek Campout, Wormtown Music Festival, and at Yasgur’s Farm, the original site of the Woodstock Festival.

"We played to celebrate 50 years of the iconic event," Spignesi said.

The band has late spring and summer dates across Connecticut and New England including Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island and in Bethel, New York.

A son of Branford, Spignesi is also committed to his town and its children. He's currently a grade 5-8 English as a Second Language teacher at Walsh Intermediate School.

"It’s the same school I attended as a middle schooler way back," he noted. His mother, Laura Spignesi, also works at WIS, and he said she's "finishing up her last year as the Principal’s secretary. A 26-year career!"

Follow Spignesi and his band JSB on Facebook here.