Time
Won’t Let Me (2:58)
Kelly/King:
BMI
Bobby and the band started playing this Outsiders song in
1966 and it quickly became their theme song. this was recorded
live on September 4, 2000 at Green Beans Cafe, Sparta, NJ.
(www.greenesbeans.com)
Image of a Girl (2:44)
Clasky/Rosenberg: BMI
One of the rare occasions where back-up vocals were omitted
from a doo-wop hit while still producing a fabulous recording.
Zydeco Ray added his wonderful accordion lending an
incredible richness to this Safaris’ hit.
This
Magic Moment
(2:45) Pomus/Shurman: BMI
Originally made famous by the Drifters,
this song became a major hiy when Jay & The Americans
recorded it years later. Bobby brought in his good friend
from San Antonio, Chucho Perlaes (one of the founders
of Mando & the Chilli Peppers; 1957 On the road
with rock & roll – Golden Crest Records; now Ace
re-release) to play bajo. Chucho and his big Mexican guitar
add a real Spanish flavor to the recording. Thank you Chucho
for all you have contributed to Rock & Roll.
Please
Believe Me
(2:28) V. Picone: BMI
The Elegants‘ hit after Little Star produced
regional success. Growing up in Staten Island, Bobby was a
long time fan of the Elegants and good friend of one of their
founders, Carmen Romano. Bobby asked his friend to
recreate his original part and Carmen quickly accepted.
Since
I fell for You (4:47) B. Johnson: ASCAP
This Lenny Welch hit is one of Bobby’s favorites to
sing. On this cut, Bobby brings in paisano Jerry Friedman,
the great guitarist (whose credits are too numerous to list)
to add his inimitable riffs to the song. A New Orleans jazz
waltz played on a Heritage guitar through the entire song
by Zydeco Ray takes us back to the roots of this time.
Sleepwalk
(4:01) Santo & Johnny Farina: BMI
This Santo & Johnny instrumental is given new life with
the playing of Mike Esposito’s national lap steel guitar.
This song was done live in a studio and as Mike says, every
time he begins to play this hit, "this is the first song
I ever danced to with a girl." How many of you had the
same experience?
Cara
Mia (2:28) Trapani/Lang: BMI
made famous by Jay Black, this song has not been covered
very often – for obvious reasons. Bobby T. took the
challenge and shows off his operatic schooling. In fact, he
blew up 3 microphones during this recording session. The Szymczyk
brothers decided to leave some of these tracks on the
final mix to lend authenticity to this recording.
Believe
Me (3:01) Austin/Villa/Conte:ASCAP
This Royal Teens sleeper hit was the first song on
which Bobby T. and the Notorious cut their teeth. This is
a very special song that brings back great memories for them.
The actual truth is the sisters of the piano player from the
Royal Teens were at one time girlfriends of Bobby T.’s
band. Dave Greene was brought in to put down that signature
piano lick. Chucho again adds a great bajo part on an unprecedented
Doo-Wop rhythm track.
Till
Then (2:13) Wood/Seicer/Marcus: ASCAP
This World War II hit by the Mills Brothers covers
a lot of territory. A very special song for Bobby and
the boys, it has been performed by them almost from inception
of the band. This songs conveys the inner strength and courage
to everyone who hears it. Listen for Jerry Friedman’s
guitar licks which reinforce that sentiment.
Candle,
Prayer, and Rosary (3:08) Zydeco Ray Van Rant:
BMI
This song, originally destined to be released on Bobby’s brother’s
solo CD, is a treasure to behold. Written at the time of their
mother and father’s passing in ’92, this song is dedicated
to everyone who has lost a parent and has suffered anguish
and sorrow of visiting them while they are at rest. All instrumentation
was done by Zydeco Ray. More than just a few tears were shed
as Bobby recorded the vocal.
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