November 3, 2007 ( oh what a night ) Part I

As I try to gather my thoughts, a tough thing to do in my advanced years, let me give a history lesson to FNST listeners and blog readers.

I have had the pleasure of knowing eight ( yes, eight, more on that later ) talented musicians for more than 40 years. Beyond knowing them, I have been lucky enough to call them friends. By working for this group, I was able to meet most of the great R&B acts of the 1960's. It was an experience I enjoyed and have treasured my entire life.

Saturday night, November 3, there was a concert at The Whittaker Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Class Act featuring Rita with special guests Dave Bupp and Buddy King former lead singers with The Magnificent Men. Folks, it doesn't get much better than this.............well, maybe it does.

We play Class Act on FNST Radio. Rita Angelucci is one of the greatest voices to ever sing soul music. Bob Angelucci, (leader of the group and drummer) and bass player Jim Seville have comprised 2/3rds of driving rhythm section for more than 40 years. They work so well together there are times it's almost scary. The rest of the band, Dan Wolfe/ guitar, Chuck Ronemus/keyboards, Les Markel/trumpet. Jerry Swalla/sax and Rick Shouck/trumpet, congas, and lead vocals, are equally as talented. Unto themselves, Class Act is amazing and RJ and I are huge fans along with being grateful for having them as friends.

Now, let's talk about Dave Bupp, Buddy King and a few surprises. Bob Angelucci had told me that the rest of The Magnificent Men were going to be there. Sure enough, Tom Paine/sax & second tenor, Bill Richter/organ and Terry Crousore/guitar showed up. Since this night was to be filmed for the documentary, http://www.magnificentmen.org/ , it was more or less expected. The curtain rises, Class Act is in position, Dave and Buddy are on stage and I notice something is out of place. There's an extra microphone on stage. Being the bright fellow I am, it's an instant jump to conclusions..........Tom Paine is going to sing!

The show continues and then the band begins "Philly Dog". Those of you who are familiar with the Mag Men's live album know what's coming....band introductions. As Dave Bupp begins introducing the group I see Chuck Ronemus take the synthesiser off the top of the Hammond organ and another light clicks on. (see how bright I am?) Bill Richter sits down at the organ, on stage, for the first time since 1973. Next, Terry Crousure takes Dan Wolfe's place on guitar and Tom Paine joins Dave and Buddy at the mics. "Ladies and gentlemen, THE MAGNIFICENT MEN!!!!!!!"