“Indiana Firefly,” written by John Reischman, adapted by Thomas Marinello (played on a 2023 Jean-Marc Perrin F5 mandolin, #42) and Patrick Peillon (played on a 2025 Massimo Gatti “Cremona Model 5” mandolin, #59).

ICI VIDEO

The band “Tone Drifters” is a duo formed by Patrick Peillon and Thomas Marinello in 2025, which explores acoustic music centered around the mandolin.

“Indiana Firefly” is a composition by John Reischman. This piece, with its steady, measured tempo, evokes a very distinct atmosphere—driven by an ‘A’ section with a blues-tinged melody and a more melodic ‘B’ section—creating two separate expressive worlds that serve as a springboard for an instrumental exchange.
We chose to completely rearrange the piece by structuring the improvisations around an inverted ‘B-A’ cycle (rather than the original ‘A-B’). The entire performance is spontaneously improvised (captured in a single take). The final statement of the theme is presented with added harmonies, enriching the melody and imbuing it with a fresh, new color.

Patrick Peillon has been a guitarist since 1994; he discovered bluegrass in 1996, during a year of study in the United States. He also explores other styles, including jazz, swing, bossa nova, choro, and, to some extent, classical music. He has performed with several acoustic music groups (Rosine County, Acoustic River, Choukar Swing, After Grantt Project, Roots and Drive, and Oakwood Bridge). He began learning the mandolin about 15 years ago and, in 2025, formed the duo Tone Drifters with Thomas.

Roots & Drive
https://open.spotify.com/album/7BDlUhQNascxp4xRFRYYoa

The After Grantt Project

Choukar Swing

Thomas Marinello was introduced to bluegrass music at the 2017 La Roche Bluegrass Festival. Three years later, at the age of 15, he discovered the mandolin, honing his skills through jam sessions, workshops, and his involvement with various bands. Now having completed his studies in sound engineering, he performs with several groups—either as a permanent member or a substitute (including Oakwood Bridge, That’s All Folk, Cow Comino Train, and Bluestar)—and helps facilitate the “Kids on Bluegrass Europe” workshops, which take place annually at the Bluegrass in La Roche festival.

Crying Uncle BG Band with Thomas Marinello Bluegrass In La Roche 2025

Tone Drifters