Tyrone Shoelace’s music has been described as “A wild and sexy eclectic mix of reggae, funk and groovin rhythms that surge one's soul". The band is a talented mesh and cross-section of musicians from various decades that communicate well together and learn from each other to add to this band's success.
There’s a positive interplay among the artists. "The music has at first an almost funk reggae feel and then suddenly looms into an explosion of energy with an experimental, trendy, edgy flare with its jam band techno/synthesizer sound that surges excitement and spirit to the listener!” -Annette Fairfield County Music Reporter
Since the band's inception, Tyrone’s sound has continued to evolve into a wild mix of genres:
- Rock
- Reggae
- Swing
- Funk
- Bluegrass
- Disco
- Dub
The band recently had their 10 Year anniversary pass during Covid, released its fourth record in 2022 and is getting ready to release five new singles and an EP in March of 2025!
TSL’s latest release, Pachamama is a collection of 5 songs , all with different genres and all with a theme of gratitude and World Mother throughout.
Chuck Chesler, the source and writer of TSL has been playing in multiple bands in the Grateful Dead world over for most of his life since beginning his career with The Lost Boys, who left their mark on the early jam band era from 1985-1995.
Chuck then began a stint with Levon Helm from 2000-2002 working alongside long time friend and musical homie, Jimmy Bennett. These sessions, helped Levon begin his journey back from cancer. They also became the prelude to the legendary Midnight Rambles.
Tyrone’s core have been playing together over 10 years, come from different decades, musical backgrounds and genres. World & reggae music, rock, modern country, 90's rock and the Jam Band scene all combine to form the sound that is all Tyrone Shoelaces.
Tyrone Shoelaces is:
Chuck Chesler
Writer, Musical Director, Piano, Organ, Electric Pianos, Synths, Vocals
The Musical Director and writer of TSL, Chuck has been playing in multiple bands in the Grateful Dead world over for most of his life since beginning his career with The Lost Boys, who left their mark on the early jam band era.
Chuck then began a stint with Levon Helm from 2000-2002 working with Jimmy Bennett and the Bennett Mclaughlin Band. Those sessions across 18 months, helped Levon begin his journey back from cancer and other woes. Those sessions were also the nucleus to the legendary Midnight Rambles.
In addition to his work in Tyrone Shoelaces. Chuck is a wanted man these days playing shows with his acid jazz band, Ghost Train, Shakedown, and may others in the North East. This is only adding to the cache of Tyrone Shoelaces as organic likes, views, and interest continues to rise.
Chuck was recently sponsored by Vintage Vibe Pianos. The same Pianos that Stevie Wonder amongst others use. This is a great honor.
Sammy Wags
Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Steadily making his mark as a leader, and a unique voice in modern World/Jazz/Groove based music, Sammy has been playing drums in Tyrone Shoelaces since Chuck and Sam met in 2011. He is the Composer/Producer/Drummer of the critically acclaimed Afrobeat/Jazz group; The Brighton Beat, the Composer/Producer/Keyboardist for the modern Soul/Funk quartet; Mr. Clifford and leads an ever-evolving group under his own name in which he performs on a hybrid Guitar/Bass instrument of his own creation.
Captain Phillip “P” Smith
Bass, Vocals
Capn' Philip P Smith has been holding down the low end since 2013. Phil hails from Attleboro, MA and is fondly referred to as the Capn' because of his ability to drive the band. Phil is a wanted man these days and can be found holding down the low end in many a bands in the Providence area.
Jimmy Bennett
Electric and Acoustic Guitars, many other stringed instruments
Jimmy and Chuck met in 1994 when Jimmy was auditioning for Joe D'urso & Stone Caravan and began a life long musical relationship. It was Jimmy who once told Chuck almost 12 years ago as Chuck was lamenting an early breakup of Tyrone Shoelaces. "Just get the gig, I'll play guitar and we'll find bass and drums." Those words have continue to drive TSL today. Jimmy is constantly in demand having played with Levon Helm, Marshall Tucker Band and of course his long time project with his brother, The Bennett Brothers Band as well as musical Director for The Alexis P. Sutter Band.
Miss Milo
Vocals
Milo has been singing since she was able to speak. As she’s grown up, she’s studied a range of powerhouse vocalists from Aretha Franklin to Adele, and a range of different genres like funk, R&B, and classic rock. She began her professional music career sitting in at local funk nights and performing with Grateful Dead cover bands in Black Rock, CT. She’s shared the stage with gifted musicians of Deep Banana Blackout, West End Blend, and many more. She has been a vocalist with Red Matter since 2019.
Elana Zaberi
Vocals
Chuck first met Elana around 2013 when she walked into the Open Jam he was hosting and asked to sing Rock And Roll by Led Zeppelin at 11:55 PM! Five minutes later, after Elana Literally blew the windows off the place, Chuck and Elana have been singing together ever since. Elana can be found around the Connecticut area singing her songs and playing the guitar. You can follow her at ElanaZabari.com
Simon Pajaro
Saxophone, Flute
Simon has been holding down the Saxophone in TSL for 5 plus years. Simon is a Berkeley School Graduate and is the Musical Director of The School of Rock in Rye, NY. Simon makes is home in Harlem NY and can be seen at many of the local jazz clubs in the tristate area.
