Breakwater.rocks presents BREAKWATER

Mike Bisceglia -  Electric & acoustic guitars, vocals:  Jonny's cousin, Lisa's husband, Mike is best knows for being the long standing leader of Band of Brothers, and delivering benefit performances year-over-year in support of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.  Mike and Jonny co-formed Acoustic Clambake as a duo (sometimes trio) that then merged with Mike's high school buddy's listed below to form Breakwater.  Mike's physical likeness to Eric Clapton is coincidental to his being inspired by the seminal rocker.  Mike's influences also include Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, The Allman Brothers, Carlos Santana, David Gilmour, the Eagles and Grand Funk, to name a few.  

Felix Guiffra- Drums & Percussion: Felix started playing drums at a young age under the instruction of his father.  He continued to develop his skills through his education in the Greenwich Public School’s music program.  He then went on to pursue a minor in music at the University of Rhode Island. Felix has performed  a wide variety of music in and outside of school.  He also spent a few years pursuing a career as a Soldier/Musician in the US Army Band/Music program.  Felix is still a full time active duty Soldier and Recruiter in the CT Army National Guard and continues to play drums/percussion as often as he can.  

Tony Roffi - Bass and Vocals: Born in the Bronx, NY, Tony became enamored with music at a young age.  His two older Sisters played their Beatles records loudly which became the soundtrack of Tony’s early life.   At the age of 9, Tony got his first guitar and a Beatles Chord Book.   Within a few months, Tony taught himself basic chords and strummed along to his favorite songs.   In high school, Tony met fellow musicians and put together his first rock and roll band.   Tony’s 15 minutes of fame came when his group, SYNEMA, signed a management deal with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Lloyd Price.   With Lloyd’s guidance, SYNEMA was in negotiations to join ABKCO records.  But as goes the music industry, the deal with ABKCO never did materialize.  SYNEMA regrouped as LEOPOLD and recorded a self-titled album which can be streamed on Spotify.    Tony still performs today in his Beatles Tribute band, OB-LA-DI.   Tony has a Son, Marc and a Daughter, Rebecca who are the apples of his eye.   Tony lives in Tarrytown, NY with his fiancée’ Katie who both share a love of good music and great food.

Chris Mannel - Drums & Percussion: Chris started playing drums after switching from cello in the 6th grade.  He has played with many bands through the years, all over the New York Metro area including Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Recently Chris co-formed and toured with a rock-a-billy power trio called Fat City Rockers.  At the turn of the millennium, Chris built a hybrid audio and video recording studio with a mix of vintage and up to date features. This has become Breakwater’s home field advantage. Chris names Phil Collins, Carl Palmer from ELP, the late greats - Niel Peart from Rush, Keith Moon from The Who and John Bonham from Led Zeppelin  as influences. 

Jimmy Maguire -  Bass:  After a year of twangin around on a Balalaika as a kid, Jimmy started playing bass at 11 years old.  In college, Jimmy joined forces with fellow Breakwater member, Erik Zen to form Net Wt.  They continued far beyond college performing in Westchester, NYC and Albany. Later, Jimmy was invited by producer and lifelong friend, Joe Gauci, to record on M Renee Suaste’s debut album.  In addition to jamming in private with The Schlubs, and now being a founding member of Breakwater, Jimmy plays with Hot Pizza, another rock cover band.  Jimmy pays a classic 1977 Rickenbacker 4003, made popular by virtuoso bassists including Geddy Lee of Rush and the late Chris Squire of Yes.  

Erik Zen - Rhythm Guitar and Vocals: Erik has a lifelong love of music inspired by his grandfather’s skill on piano and guitar. At 12 he began music lessons for piano, guitar and vocals and joined several local bands as a teenager. He eventually went on to form and lead an original songwriting band, Net Wt., popular in the New York Capitol District and Westchester County. After 10 years with the band, Erik took a pause from music to raise a family. He’s back on the scene with Breakwater as rhythm guitarist and vocalist. Erik is also an active member of the Stamford Musicians’ Group and performs with the girl-pop band Snap Crackle Pop in the Fairfield CT area.