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A Brief History Of Orleans 1972 - 2008

From their earliest days as a favorite at colleges and clubs in the Northeast US … to studio and live collaborations with industry greats Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Little Feat and others … to Top 10 success with bona-fide classics … now celebrating their 35th year of creating musical history together, Orleans has continually demonstrated “depth”.

"Depth": A word used to describe sports teams who are multi-dimensional, movies that must be seen many times, art that continues to reveal hidden meaning. In the throwaway world of Rock & Roll bands, how often do you see real depth? For the past 35 years, Orleans has defied industry pundits and career counselors by doing many different things well.

Formed in Woodstock, NY in 1972 by John Hall, brothers Lance and Larry Hoppen and the late Wells Kelly, the band's name was inspired by the legendary city of New Orleans. As Orleans went about perfecting its recipe of eclectic material, including R&B seasoned with Cajun and second-line roots, Alan Toussaint, Neville Brothers and Meters tunes were among the mix. The quartet's music evolved and refined in a more mainstream direction as they developed their unique pop/rock sound, which led Rolling Stone magazine to christen them "the best unrecorded band in the country."

A round of showcase performances in NYC gave rise to a recording contract with ABC Dunhill Records and the release of the eponymously titled first album in 1973. Later signing with Asylum Records, they produced chart-topping hits including Dance With Me, Let There Be Music, Love Takes Time, Reach and, of course, their American standard, Still The One. Adding to each other’s strengths, John was the most prolific songwriter while Larry supplied the lead voice for the radio hits. Just three of Orleans’ classics have a certified combined airplay total of over seven million.

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Barnaby Bye / Alessi Brothers Bio

Having just returned from their successful European tour and standing room only shows in NYC and Long Island. Barnaby Bye is happy to announce t the release of their new CD " Thrice Upon a Time". These four successful musician, singer songwriters have credits of working with some of the who's who in the music business for decades. Their songs and talents have found there way from the likes of Quincy Jones, Sir Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Cher, Michael Bolton, Diana Ross, Kiss, Alice cooper, Frankie Valli, Christopher Cross Barbara Streisand, Peter Frampton, Sting, The Four Tops, Art Garfunkle etc, in addition to a Grammy nomination for musical score for Ghostbusters. The list goes on and on. Barnabye Bye is comprised of the Internationally known Alessi brothers, Billy and Bobby Alessi with hit records around the globe.  www.alessibros.com and  Peppy Castro www.peppycastro.com who scored his first hit record at the age of 17 as one of the founding fathers of the legendary Blues Magoos. Rounding and pounding out the groves is Mike Ricciardella (drums) http://www.mikericciardella.com/  who also scored his first hit record as a teen for the infamous band “ The Illusion”. Barnaby Bye was spawned when the boys met while all performing in the original Broadway production of “HAIR”. They we’re signed to Atlantic records from just one live performance. After 2 albums on Atlantic the boys all went on to enjoy amazing careers writing and singing some of the most well known jingles that America has been weaned on for decades. After many years of remaining close friends Barnaby Bye decided to finish what they started so long ago for the sheer enjoyment and love of the magic they make when they become Barnaby Bye. www.barnabybye.com

 

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Frank Carillo and the Bandoleros

Frank Carillo is the epitome of the "musician's musician." Throughout his career, his craftsmanship as a gifted world-class guitar player, electrifying stage performances, memorable prolific songwriting and his warm and affable persona have allowed him to make an indelible mark on the international music scene.

BACKGROUND:

In 1972 and 1973 respectively, Frank traveled to England to add his distinctive guitar sound and style to Peter Frampton's Wind of Change and Frampton's Camel albums for A&M Records.

In 1973, he formed Doc Holiday which recorded its first album at Olympic Studios in England for Metromedia Records. The album was produced by Chris Kimsey, who had just finished recording the Rolling Stones' Sticky Fingers album at Olympic. Kimsey obtained permission for the band to use the Stones' equipment to record their album. As if using the Stones' equipment wasn't enough, the members of Led Zeppelin, who were mixing their Houses of the Holy album in the adjoining studio, became fast friends, which culminated one night in an unforgettable Led Zeppelin - Doc Holiday jam session at Olympic.

In 1978, Carillo released his first album for Atlantic Records, Rings Around the Moon, which included backing vocals by Yvonne Elliman, who had a tremendous hit with her performance on the Jesus Christ Superstar album singing "I Don't Know How To Love Him" and as a member of Eric Clapton's band singing backing vocals on the hit, "I Shot the Sheriff." Just prior to the release of Rings Around the Moon, Led Zeppelin had requested that Carillo be their opening act for a forthcoming North American tour, the first time Led Zeppelin used an opening act for a North American stadium-size tour. The tour was cancelled when, tragically, Robert Plant's son died.

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Stanton Anderson Band

Once called Long Island’s greatest live act ever, the Stanton Anderson Band is back, claiming their reign on the rock’n roll throne. SAB helped create the Long Island music scene, paving the way for bands like Twisted Sister & Zebra. Their powerful live shows & popularity took Long Island by the ears & created a following of life-long fans that came out of the woodwork upon SAB’s reunion in 2000. It all started in the early 70's. Mark Fowler, a vocalist & harmonica player, moved up to Long Island & hooked up with bassist Larry Luby & guitarist Rick Silecchio. By 1972, the band’s line-up was in place & they began to storm Long Island with soulful sounds & blues-inspired rhythms. The 70’s became the high point of the band’s success with highlights such as a legendary live concert at Rumbottom’s broadcasted on WLIR, a Nassau Coliseum gig opening up for the Marshall Tucker Band, and a slot on bills with huge stars including Southside Johnny & the Allman Brothers. Some often made the mistake of identifying SAB’s genre as “southern rock” based on the bands they were often opening up for, but the truth is – the band’s unique sound is sparked by a blend of soulful guitar riffs, bluesy lyrics & bass lines that gravitate down one’s spin creating the groove that is the Stanton Anderson Band. Supported by power-packed percussion & horns, rhythmic keyboards, and the raspy, cabaret voice of Mark Fowler, the band is a rock ‘n roll life-force destined for legendary greatness in the 1970’s. However, with the 80’s hairband movement & new wave sound moving into mainstream music, SAB realized the 70’s rock phenomenon was coming to a halt & the band called it quits in 1982. Each band member found success over the next 20 years, building families & careers. Once in a while, a fan would recognize a band member in the street or in the supermarket & ask about Stanton. The band surely was gone, but clearly not forgotten. Then, nearly two decades later, the band reunited & Long Island came alive again! The feedback from the fans was astonishing. Today the band line-up consists of the original members Mark Fowler, Larry Luby & Rick Silecchio with Bobby Simons on keyboard, Linda Mackle on drums, and Tom Pecororo on guitar. The band is also joined by the Skid Row Horns, led by Pete Tursi on trumpet, Ian Platt on sax & Mike Guido on sax and clarinet. They picked up right where they left off, booking gigs like opening up for Eddie Money at the Westbury Music Fair & headlining a performance at the Patchogue Theater to induct the band into the Long Island Hall of Fame. But, you can often find them lighting up the stage at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh, back & doing what they do best – feeding the Long Island buzz with great live music.

 

Wes Houston

Wes Houston has been creating vintage American music for more than four decades. His style has been described as a combination of blues and folk, and you don't have to listen too closely to hear the influences of rock, country, jazz and even gospel stirring in his songs. These are all uniquely American musics and that's no surprise to the many long-time Houston listeners, because Wes' songs have always reflected the heart and soul of American real-life. Wes doesn't concern himself with fads or fleeting trends, but finds his inspirations in the day-to-day striving of real people making their way, hands-on, through life. The circumstances of that struggle are enduring and timeless.

Starting out in the turbulent 1960's, Wes played Resurrection City with the Rev. F.D. Kirkpatrick. Into tradition roots music, the soundtrack for the changing social consciousness of America in the '60's, he injected his unique view of things contained in his own songs. Along the way, Wes' recordings were included in the legendary "Broadside" anthology albums; the same records that included Pete Seeger and introduced Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Eric Andersen, and other seminal denizens of Greenwich Village. (A Grammy Award nominated, 5-CD boxed set entitled, "The Best of Broadside" was released in 2001 by the Smithsonian Institute, which includes Wes' songs, guitar playing and reminiscences.)

But it wasn't long before Wes landed back in his native Queens Village, New York, neighborhood and took up residence in the local joints, with plenty of friends and gypsies to spice up a troubadour's life. His preference for surrounding himself with great musicians led to a succession of notable bands, and Wes' All-Star Space Band was Long Island's premier home-grown musical circus during the '70's Golden Era of Long Island music (over 300 clubs with live music at one time!). That band racked up a slew of notable milestones including being the very first band ever to play at NY's legendary "CBGB's" and the very last band to play at NY's also-legendary "Max's Kansas City." Their single "Wandering" became a turntable hit in college towns all over the Northeast.

Today the Wes Houston Band is as rock solid as ever. Playing engagements from Performing Arts Series to local pubs, traveling with five musicians, Wes with his guitar, three-decade sidekick George Christ with his bandolero of harmonicas, long-time rhythm section Ray Forgione on drums and Demos Manolis on bass, and keyboard wiz Fred Piscop. Of this combination The Musician's Exchange said, "The Wes Houston Band is a genuine piece of Americana right in our own backyard."

Wes is also the host of his own television show, Wes Houston Presents..., that is shown monthly in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens Counties on Public Access networks.

Wes Houston, his music and his fans will be there to enjoy as long as there are folks who are working for a living and care about music that makes them feel like someone's with them in their struggle for a place in life.

 

Jim Small Band

The Jim Small Band has been a fixture in the Long Island club scene for over 25 years. They bring a reputation of playing tightly crafted arrangements, honed during more than 5,000 live performances. The versatility of the musicians gives the music a wide variety of styles, some songs being guitar driven, others feature a full horn section or delicate 4 part vocal harmony.

Playing a mix of rock, blues, soul, swing and funk, this eight-piece ensemble has developed and maintained a strong core of fans. Ed Lowe, venerated Long Island newspaper columnist, describes the band as playing with a “relaxed precision and easy excellence” that makes him “smile through the whole song.” It is the camaraderie of the band members, friends these many years, that percolates through the audience and makes the music a joy to experience.

The band has just emerged from the studio after recording a long overdue CD of original music.

The Jim Small Band is: Jim Small – guitars, harmonica, bass, vocals; Phil Reilly – guitars, vocals; John Boyle – sax, flute, harmonica, vocals; Rick Silecchio – lead & slide guitars; Mike Guido – bass, sax, clarinet, vocals; Vin Cimino – drum set; Bobby Simons – keyboards, vocals; Jimmy the Greek Varelas – percussion

 

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The Kerry Kearney Band

The Kerry Kearney Band is a Long Island based band that plays an exciting and unique style of Blues-Roots-Delta music, a completely original sound with a tag name for the music being called "Psychedelta". They have toured both nationally and internationally, sharing the stage with notables such as; The Allman Brothers, Dickey Betts, Sonny Landreth, Marcia Ball, Leon Russell, John Lee Hooker Jr and Mountain. The band has played a multitude of music festivals. They have headlined six of the nine annual Riverhead Blues Festivals in Riverhead, NY. They have also played the 2006 June Jam in Houston, Delaware, the 2005 and 2006 Mayfair Arts and Music Festivals in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the Blues-2000 Festivals for 2002, 2003, and 2005. The Kerry Kearney Band has also performed at the Guinness 2006 Blues Festival in Castlebar, Ireland. The Kerry Kearney Band has played many well known venues from B.B. Kings, The House of Blues and The Bottom Line. They perform regularly at The Dinosaur BBQ, and Terra of Blues in New York City as well as the Stephan Talkhouse in Amagansett, Long Island. The Band has a tremendous following in the Northeast and has sold thousands of CDs from their catalogue of work. Kerry is a favorite guest frequently featured on many radio stations; his songs are receiving heavy rotation airplay on blues stations nationally. Kerry's music is currently receiving airplay on more than 300 radio stations across the country.