Bridgley Moore

When John Baker and Jason Van Jura first heard and saw Becki Gallagher, it was onstage at Millvale's Mr. Smalls. She was singing back up for another band and playing the keyboard furiously and passionately. Leaning towards each other to yell over the sound, they agreed that while the guy singing had a good voice, it was Becki who should be leading the band. Recalling that night, on the fourth of July 2006, as their own band had just dissolved, they made a call to Becki who agreed to play some music with them. This would be the starting point of Bridgley Moore.

The following few months were spent writing. At the time, there was no definite basis for a sound or a direction. Two preliminary shows were played in late October 2006, and though the name "Bridgley Moore" had been chosen, the sound was still very much unclear.

The turning point came in December of 2006 with the recording of the band's first EP by Pittsburgh's own Mike Didiano. The process of recording made it very clear what direction the band needed to go in.

It was at this point that the band's first drummer, Tyler Jessup left, which created a void in the lineup that would remain empty for nearly five months. The process of finding a new drummer became almost comical, and was more often than not filled by none other than Mike Didiano, because he knew the music so well from recording.

Momentum was beginning to increase, and still without a full-time drummer, Bridgley Moore was beginning to accumulate more and more shows in venues in and around Pittsburgh. The band played its first show with a national act at Mr. Smalls in February of 2007. The band was Ireland's Stand, and they were in the middle of touring the U.S. and Europe in support of their latest album. Mike filled in for the night and helped to keep the band's hopes high for future show opportunities.

After numerous auditions with different drummers and the loss of a shaker, Bridgley Moore finally found (or rather, was found by) Justin who fit so well, it was almost scary. Justin's first show with Bridgley Moore was at The Brillobox in Pittsburgh with Chicago's Unique Chique.

It was now possible for momentum to really pick up. Becki was solidifying her place as leader and front woman, and Bridgley Moore was finding friends in many excellent Pittsburgh bands. The band was beginning to play more and more shows around the Pittsburgh area and even managed to play their first out of state show at New Jersey's Blue Room.

In the summer of 2007, Bridgley Moore embarked on their first east coast tour with Watson Park from Lexington, Kentucky, after befriending them at the Shadow Lounge in Pittsburgh. The tour experience spanned two unforgettable weeks and left the band with many new friends, awesome memories, and a burning desire to do it again. Tighter as a band and as friends, Bridgley Moore gained a lot of invaluable knowledge for the next tour and can't wait to use what they have learned.

Already, many new projects are in the works for Pittsburgh's own Bridgley Moore. They are very excited, and feel that in such a short amount of time, they have made very positive progress. Indeed, it's an exciting time for the Pittsburgh music scene in general with an emergence of many excellent bands and the continuation of so many bands that have played and inspired for years.



Bridgley Moore is unfortunately done playing shows and creating music.

The members have moved on to new projects. Becki is playing in The Lost Seaand, Jason is playing in On Vinyl. Check out these bands!! Good Stuff!!! :)