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The Token Gamblers roots run deep and in many different directions. Brothers, Henry and Ricky Melendy author the majority of the songs, pick Banjo and Guitar and together with the band, create a sound that is unmistakably honest. It can be called bluegrass. It’s without a doubt folk. It's spontaneous and improvisational. It’s constantly evolving. It’s good times & great sounds. Andrew Haller grooves on the Jews harp and Harmonica and is greatly influenced by World Music and Trance. He found bluegrass and discovered that the Jews harp fits right in there. It’s pure Rhythm. The band has dubbed him the best mouth harpist this side of the Mississippi. He may be reluctant to claim that title, but don’t let him fool you. Joseph Canitia picks the Mandolin with a tremendous sense of style and feel. His influences are by far too many to name. David Grisman is high on the list. Joe found his way to the Token Gambler lineup by over hearing a conversation Henry had with another individual at a local gig in a pub called “Redlight”. The topic was John Hartford. Joe introduced himself. Folks who speak “John Hartford” don’t come around often. It’s funny how things line up sometimes. Tony Macalouso is the backbone. Laying down the bottom end solid, on the Old Bass Fiddle. He’s been a mainstay of the Central Florida music scene for years. A multi-instrumentalist and a seasoned and accomplished singer, songwriter in his own right. Tony is vital to the distinct, down home vocal harmonies of the band, to go along with the mean bass fiddle for The Gamblers. Together these pieces make up The Token Gamblers. Original folk and roots music with a bluegrass slant, from an honest place. Not unlike what you’d hear in some back yard somewhere around a fire, as that’s where this whole journey began.