Special Blend Variety Band from Rochester, NY

Formed in 1980 by Tom Passamonte, Special Blend has been performing throughout Western New York, featuring their hybrid formula of Standards, Blues, Classic Rock, Country and Latin influences. For more than 40 years their music has become a favorite at some of the most respected venues throughout the area. His father Tom Monte was a jazz accordionist, with a fantastic singing voice. He performed for 70 years, starting professionally at 12 years old! Tom’s grandfather Austin taught him his first basic chords on the guitar at the age of 10. Tom’s early influences were The Four Freshmen, Charlie Byrd, Freddie Green, Frank Sinatra, Ricky Nelson, Elvis, and the Everly Brothers. Then the Beatles arrived, which greatly influenced his guitar and singing styles. The Beatles also gave him the initiative to write his own songs, learning about Buddy Holly from the Beatles. Then came Eric Clapton and B.B. King and the Blues! Tom learned the Blues from them and loved it. From there he discovered Wes Montgomery and Herb Ellis and learned some great Jazz. From there Tom became a fan of Chet Atkins and learned “a little bit of Country” to round out his musical talent. Keeping music in the family, his daughter Sara also performs as a lead vocalist and his son Justin performs on piano, guitar, percussion, singer, and production engineer. The rest is history! Performing professionally since 1968, Tom has been the lead singer and guitarist and driving force for Special Blend since its inception.