The man is only half himself,
the other half is in his expression.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson		 Brian LaPann is a songwriter/vocalist/guitarist from Woodstown, NJ. Brian has a natural affinity for song-writing as well as a distinctive vocal and guitar style that forges a completely original and infectious sound. Brian began his musical interests with the saxophone and voice in elementary school. He purchased his first acoustic guitar at age 13. Brian was self-taught up until college where he chose to pursue and was accepted in the music program at the University of Delaware. His heart lies in rock and blues although classical and jazz training at the university have brought his music to a new level. With a degree in Music with a concentration in Music Management at The University of Delaware, Brian has studied classical guitar with Christiaan Taggart as well as jazz with guitarist Shawn Quaissannee. His passion for music has been fueled by influences such as Trey Anastasio, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Led Zeppelin. The amalgamation of his rock and blues influence and classical and jazz sensibilities provide a complete package; one of thought behind the feeling he pours into music.

After reuniting with longtime friend, Ryan “Gooch” Nelson in the spring of 2006, Brian and Gooch co-founded 61 North. Brian is dedicated to writing songs. He is a firm believer in creating a complete statement in music through the song as a vehicle to connect with people. These beliefs characterize the songs of 61 North, which portray a powerful message of love, faith and change.

  
 

When the power of love
overcomes the love of power
the world will know peace.
-Jimi Hendrix

Ryan "Gooch" Nelson:
After a devastating car accident in 2004, which left him a C7 quadriplegic, Ryan “Gooch” Nelson thought he’d never play guitar again.  However, despite his hands and most of his body being paralyzed, he taught himself how to play slide guitar with his thumbs by laying his Gibson Les Paul across his lap and playing the strings with a custom blown glass slide and thumb pic. With the help of his childhood friend Brian LaPann, music major at the University of Delaware, Nelson began to learn everything he could about slide guitar and guitar theory in general. His main influences include Derek Trucks, Luther Dickinson, Duane Allman, Jeff Beck, Robert Randolph, and Warren Haynes. As a songwriter, Gooch admires greats such as Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, and Ray Charles. Despite all his adversity, Nelson tries to stay positive to be an example of what you can accomplish if you work hard and focus on your goals. As a Political Science major at Salem Community College, Ryan cares deeply about the issues that face his generation. Together, Gooch and Brian have played local coffee shops and bars as the duo 61 North. Learning blues and rock covers as well as intensive focus on writing original songs based in these genres, Gooch and Brian developed as musicians and composers.  With the addition of an unstoppable rhythm section in Joe Bross and Bob Comfort, 61 North has become an unparalleled force in music today.
  
 

Well, the future for me is
already a thing of the past.
-Bob Dylan 		Bob Comfort’s study of music began as a young boy. Growing up in Haddonfield, NJ he studied both piano and the clarinet. At age 13 Bob Comfort purchased his first bass guitar at a flea market in Berlin, NJ. Bob had always been a fan of rock n’ roll music, so it came as no surprise that he quickly became fascinated with the instrument, and began transferring his musical knowledge to the bass guitar. The combination of Bob’s solid musical background with the study of his musical idols forged Bob’s unique and eclectic style. Bob’s sound mixes ideas from legendary classic rock bassists such as Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, and John Entwistle with those of modern day bass guitar innovators such as Flea and Les Claypool. The resulting sound has proven to be funky, experimental, and authentic; characteristics that go hand-in-hand with the versatility and creativity of 61 North.  
 

Don't burn the day away.
-Dave Matthews		 Joe Bross:
Born native of Dunedin Florida, Joe Bross is the youngest member of the band. Joe grew up in the beach town of Clearwater Florida and started taking drum lessons under Mike Chilton when he was in the first grade. Joe continued drumming through middle school in the intermediate and advanced concert and jazz bands. While attending Countryside high school, Joe would become drum line captain and go on to become a drum line state champion and be inducted into the Kiwanis Kavaliers Drum and Bugle Corp.  In 2005 Joe moved with his mom to Woodstown, New Jersey where he would grow in his musical talents. In late 2007 he graduated from Woodstown high school and has become the newest member of 61 North. Joe currently attends the University of North Florida and serves as the tenor section leader on the drum line there. Joe plans on transferring to Rowan University allowing him to incorporate his intensive drum training and disciplined, powerful rhythmic foundation to the band.
    
Joe's biggest inspirations include John Henry Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Chad Smith (R.H.C.P), Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band), Ginger Baker (Cream), and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Mike Chilton (Four Star Riot), Nick Angelis (DCI), Bill Bachman (DCI). These influences formulate the concrete mixing, powerhouse sound behind 61 North.