Heart Beat

 

 

Barbara LaValle

Co-owner of LaVal Music Service and "Heartbeat Dance Band". Barbara is the lead female vocalist and business manager for the band.

Education: B.S. in Music.

Professional Experience: For over 10 years, Barbara has been the manager and lead vocalist for the band "Heartbeat". She has also had extensive recording experience as a jingle singer. As a singer/songwriter she, along with her husband Bob, have written original scores for a Radio City Music Hall, as well as soundtracks for documentaries.  They also have written, performed and produced jingles for various American corporations. 

Bob LaValle

Co-owner and founder LaVal Music Service and the band "Heartbeat". Bob is the drummer/percussionist and lead vocalist for the band.

Education: B.S. in Music Education , Masters. in Education 

Professional Experience: Along with performing in the band "Heartbeat", Bob is Director of Instrumental Music for a CT public school system. His work as a drummer/singer/songwriter has also been featured on many jingles and original projects produced by LaVal Music Service (see above).  

 

 

Ryan Jones

Ryan  is our "up front" male lead vocalist who also doubles on percussion.

Professional Experience: Ryan  has recorded and/or performed with the following :

Opened for the R&B/Pop band "112"

Recorded and performed with Gospel artist
Vernon Jones.

 

 

 

 

Chris Toelken

Chris is the keyboardist and lead vocalist for the band. He owns and operates Toelken Music Productions in Fairfield, CT. Chris has produced, engineered and performed on projects ranging from singer/ songwriter and band demos to full productions for release, as well as scoring industrial films for international corporations.

Education: 4 years private jazz piano studies: John Mehegan ( Juilliard Jazz Educator ), 2 years private vocal training, 5 years private classical piano study

Professional Experience: Chris has recorded and/or performed with the following:

Vicki Sue Robinson ( RCA Records)

Stanley Jordan (Bolero  - Arista)

Kenny Kirkland  (Sting, Branford Marsalis, Dizzy Gillespie)

Kenny Aronoff (Bob Dylan, Smashing Pumpkins, John Mellencamp)

Brian Keane ( Grammy-winning Producer / Composer )

Jeff Bova  (Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Herbie Hancock)

Bernard Purdie (Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan)

Jeff Berlin (Bill Bruford, the Brecker Brothers )

 

 

Tony DePaolo

Tony is the lead and rhythm guitarist for the band.

Professional Experience:  Tony has recorded and/or performed with the following :

Steve Morse (opened for)

Stanley Jordan (opened for)

Southside Johnny (opened for)

NRBQ (opened for)

Meatloaf (opened for)

Rob Sabino (Madonna)

Jorge Dalton (George Benson)

Jamie Oldaker (Eric Clapton)

Kevin Totoian

Kevin is the bass guitarist and lead vocalist for the band.

Professional Experience: Kevin has recorded and/or performed with the following :

Opened for "Mr. Big" (U.S. Tour)

Edgar Winter (European tour)

Joe Cocker

Leslie West (Mountain)

 

 

 

Jim LaPine

Jim  is the saxophonist for the band. He performs on tenor, alto, soprano sax and clarinet.

Education: Attended Berklee College of Music and is a graduate of the Hartford Conservatory.  Post college studies include jazz legends Dave Liebman and Jerry Bergonzi.

Professional Experience: Jimmy has recorded and/or performed with the following :

Gerry Mulligan

Woody Herman

The Coasters

Gunther Schueller

Mel Lewis Orchestra

John daSilva

John is the trumpet player in the band. He also performs on flugelhorn.

Education: Berkeley School of Music and Western Connecticut State University.

Professional Experience: Composed, arranged and recorded music for Danbury Community Theater. He performed in the "pit" for the Candlewood Playhouse and Downtown Cabaret Theater. 

John performed with the following:

Ray Charles

Little Anthony

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Chubby Checker

Jason Ebert

Can't decide between a band or a DJ?  Have the best of both worlds!  Jason is Heartbeat's DJ.  He can be added to our band as an emcee, party motivator and DJ during the band's breaks!