About the Band
Mary Ann Palermo And First Take is a thrilling and versatile ensemble, with lead guitar, bass, and drums joined by various horn instruments and cello, all backing vocalist and songwriter Mary Ann Palermo, a long-time singer versed in many genres, but with an underlying love of Jazz.
Mary Ann Palermo & First Take now has six regular members, including lead vocalist Mary Ann Palermo. Rich Hommel is lead guitar, Stephen Dietemann plays stand-up and electric bass, and Peter Peirce is on drums. Eric Loffswold brings his horn versatility to First Take, and his saxophone, clarinet, and flute expand the tenor of the band’s tunes, while Gene Carr adds the rare but hauntingly beautiful element of cello to this ensemble. Mary Ann Palermo and First Take presents a lively mix of Jazz, blues, R&B, rock, funk, and original work by Palermo, Hommel, and Deitemann.
Berkshires and the Tri-State area offer a wealth of talented musicians, and First Take has many who play with the band. Both Jereme Vinette and Sam Earnshaw are frequent drummers with the band, and David Bartley at times plays with First Take, bringing his well-known piano and keyboard skills to the music. There’s an embarrassment of riches when it comes horn players in the hills of Western Massachusetts, and Aaron Dean, Kyle Murray, Ryan Emken, and Chris Ferrone are often invited to the stage when First Take performs.
Mary Ann Palermo & First Take have the flexibility to cover different venues and events, in different configurations, and always with stunning performance.
Stephen Dietemann
Stephen Dietemann I was born in France and spent parts of my youth in Germany and Brazil, but I’ve lived most of my life…
Rich Hommel
Rich Hommel My favorite guitar is my Telecaster CV50, at least until my new Fender Ultra Telecaster arrives, although I have a soft spot…
Eric Loffswold
Eric Loffswold I started playing clarinet at 10 years of age, guitar at 12, and saxophone at 17. I performed regularly in Top 40…
Eugene Carr
Eugene Carr I trained on cello at the Juilliard School, and then earned undergraduate degrees at both the Oberlin Conservatory and Oberlin College. Over…
Peter Peirce
Peter Peirce Little is known about the origins of drummer Peter Peirce. His main influences appear to be television advertisements, draznilkas, and noise.That’s more…
Mary Ann Palermo
Mary Ann Palermo Singing and performing brings me joy. There’s an element of escape and liberation, too, but also a connecting with the audience,…
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