The Tonewheels featuring Matt Weidinger, Chris
Latta and Mike Rajna are an organ trio based out of Kitchener, Ontario. Blending the styles of the classic Jimmy Smith/Jack McDuff blues/ jazz trios, with beloved power trios such as Cream/Traffic, they have stumbled upon a unique sound that allows them to carry on the classic traditions of improvised music.
MATT WEIDINGER: HAMMOND ORGAN
Matt Weidinger (organ/vocals) has been working as a full time musician since the age of 16. Starting off playing locally around his hometown of Kitchener, Matt has worked his way up to being one of the most sought after and well known entertainers in Ontario. He has three original albums under his belt and although considers the Hammond Organ, his instrument of choice, is equally comfortable on piano, guitar, bass and mandolin. He joined forces with Lance Anderson in 12-piece band called “Matchedash Parish” whose debut album Saturday Night earned them a 2020 Maple Blues Awards nomination for New Artist of the Year.
CHRIS LATTA: GUITAR
Referred to in print as an “unsung local guitar hero”, Chris Latta has quietly built a career as an “in demand sideman” supporting many of Southern Ontario’s premiere blues and rock bands over the past 2 decades. Latta has been seen performing on stages across Canada, the US and Europe as a member of Soulstack, The Douglas Watson R&B Revue, The Dylan Wickens Band and many others. With a style suited to many different musical situations, Latta continues to ply his trade with Soulstack, The Tonewheels with Matt Weidinger and answering the call of those in need for a seasoned, versatile and reliable guitarist.
MIKE RAJNA: DRUMS
Mike Rajna (drums/vocals) has been playing for over 20 years. After completing a diploma from Mohawk’s Music program, and a degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto, he moved back to Kitchener-Waterloo. Mike continues to play in a wide variety of musical projects, in a multitude of genres, across Ontario.