Progressive Roots & Blues Band

Mike Fugazzi - vocals, harmonica
Korey Hicks - guitar
Konr Ness - bass, vocals, keyboards
James Schneeberg - drums

NiteRail is a progressive roots band that blends rock, funk, blues, jazz and other improvisation based music into a sound that can be described as totally organic and stemming from the very foundation of American music. The band performs with a balance of virtuosity and soul that is unmatched by peers.

The focus of NiteRail is to bring a musical experience to the masses unlike any other. They focus on the art of music, and reestablishing substance over hype. In that spirit, they always play for the moment, so you'll never hear the same song played the exact same way twice. You will never see them get bored because they are always seeking to push their limits. Their performances are full of energy and extremely engaging to the audience. NiteRail's set list is always evolving with the constant addition of originals and well selected covers.

Mike Fugazzi has studied diatonic harmonica from two of the world's top harmonica players, Chris Michalek and Clint Hoover, over the last four years. Career highlights include opening for Indigenous, playing with Michalek-Strone at the 2005 Mid Summer Jazz Festival, and sharing the stage with harmonica giant Jason Ricci in 2005 and 2006. Fugazzi has developed the unique ability to play chromatically by using the "overblow" technique. His approach to the diatonic harmonica, although much more difficult to achieve, is in many ways more expressive and communicative than traditional harmonica playing. The sophisticated sound produced by Fugazzi is lyrical, soulful, and aggressive, while constantly paying tribute to the greats of the instrument.

Korey Hicks attended Berklee School of Music, and has more than ten years of experience performing. He has played with some of the top guitarists in the region and is a highly-sought-after guitar instructor outside the band. His history spans rock, jazz and blues, and his blended style has become a major signature of the band. His trademark is his crisp, clean speed and tone, a pairing that has been well-admired across the nation.

Konr Ness is a classically-trained bassist, organist, and saxophone player. He has been gigging for the last 15 years—over half his life! His solid, dependable groove is the backbone of the music, keeping the other players in check. He comes from a large family of musicians and his experiences and inspirations are diverse. Also, have you seen this guy dance?
 

James Schneeberg brings diverse inspiration to the pulse of the music, studying for years under local jazz great Phil Hey, and previously contributing to a variety of several small local groups. His style is more often well-defined and driving than subdued, but flavors his playing with a wide spectrum of inspiration, including rock, hard-bop, hip-hop, funk, and swing.