Author: Lucia

Exceptional Citizens Band – Evil Ways

Exceptional Citizens Band – Evil Ways (1972)

Made up of students from three New York schools for the mentally challenged, the Exceptional Citizens Band was the brainchild of Dr. Robert Ianacone, who assembled the group in 1972 to record an album and perform at the Special Olympics in Los Angeles. Dr. Ianacone had spent many years analyzing the relationship between intellectual handicaps and musical aptitude, and he firmly believed that mental handicaps could be circumvented when dealing with musically talented children. His exact method is outlined in the book 7 Ways To Sidestep Cerebral Shortcomings Symphonically.

The project was the first of its kind and it proceeded brilliantly. In the span of just four weeks the students rehearsed all the material, recorded the album, performed three concerts, and took a field trip to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. The accolades poured in. The Gainesville Sun declared “The capacity of the retarded to express themselves through music is truly amazing! It’s hard to believe that it was performed by people so handicapped.” New York Senator Jacob Javits said the record was an excellent example of the ability for the mentally challenged to reach their fullest potential when given the right opportunity. “Hopefully the Democrats in the Senate can draw inspiration from this.” he added with a wink.

Staffan Abeleen Quintets – Mr. Minor

Staffan Abeleen Quintets – Mr. Minor (Sweet Alva, 1974)

After Noodles appeared on the cover of Bruno Gerussi’s Fuzzy Love LP she rocketed to superstardom and was courted by the likes of Andrea Jürgens and Adèle Taffetas for their album covers. In fact, she was so crazy-in-demand that Staffan Abeleen was on a three-year waitlist before he finally received the joyous news of Noodles’ availability.

Bruno Gerussi – Morning High

Bruno Gerussi – Morning High (Fuzzy Love, 1971)

This offbeat collaboration by two Canadian entertainers and a reclusive poet was borne out of the CBC radio show Words And Music hosted by actor Bruno Gerussi in the early 1970’s. The weekly show featured interviews, music and monologues done before a live audience in a small theater. Tommy Ambrose was a regular singing guest. “We had an instinct for each other’s work” Gerussi said. “I would read a monologue and Tommy would come up with a song to follow it that fit perfectly into the mood we established.” The monologues were written by Gary Dunford, a former Toronto newspaperman who became a recluse by choice in the Toronto wilderness. His pieces covered a wide range of emotions but all of them offered wit, immediacy, and a sense of slightly crazy, slightly surreal truth.   The album is pretty hit-or-miss but in the delightfully whimsical “Morning High”, Duford’s poetry, Gerussi’s delivery, and Wilken’s musical arrangement all come together perfectly.

When Gigi saw Noodles on the album cover she defecated all over the studio.

Joe Bravo – Please Call Me Baby

Joe Bravo – Please Call Me Baby (1970)

Known as “El Playboy”, Joe Bravo was a legendary old-school Tejano musician who is credited as one of Tejano music’s pioneers. He started out playing dances at the Key City Sportorium on E. Hwy 80 in Abilene, Texas and he reached his pinnacle performing at the inaugural ball of Governor Ann Richards in 1991. Oh, and he would very much like for you to call him baby.