User:Bongomax19/sandbox

Bruce Mattey - Rock and Roll vocalist and guitar player. American born musician originally from Chicago, Il. Has lived in several cities and towns from early childhood to present day. Schooled on the accordion starting at age 11 to 13 provided Bruce with the ability to form vocal and instrumental harmonies which he would use in later years to write Pop Musical compositions. Starting in grade school he formed his first band however the band didn't have an official name. Later in High School Bruce formed, The Silhouettes with bandmates, Michael Goode(Drums), Phil Nelson(Bass), Darryl Emberton(Guitar) and Jack Volcotti (Guitar). The band would play instrumentals however realized vocals needed to be part of their music. On one engagement at a local YMCA there were asked to sing. None of the other besides Bruce knew any vocals so the band did a Ricky Nelson song and Mattey sang into a mic while one in the crown held it as there were no mic stands to be found. Later The Silhouettes would regroup to become The Regents. The Regents would record 4 songs which all were instrumentals and recorded in Chicago, Il. at Stereo Sonic Studio on Wabash St. Ed Cody was the owner and chief engineer. The Regents played at several schools on the North side of the City. While still in H.S. the band began playing small nightclubs although all members being under age. At that time (1962-63)Regent members were, Mike Goode,Carl Giammarese, Mike Granbueg, and Bruce Mattey. The Regents contracted dates to appear at U.S. Army bases in the Southern States as well as Glenview Naval Air Base in Glenview, Il. Guitarist Carl Giammarese not being able to travel and was replaced by guitarist Paul Sisinski of Conqueror Worm who came in to fill the Bass player position. After this small tour Paul returned to the C. Worm and Carl was back in the Regents. Around 1965-66 Mattey would be asked to join another well known Chicago band, The Revelles. Members were Martin Pichinson (Drums), Ralph Mullin (Guitar), Bruce Gordon (Bass) and Victor Alfonso(Keys). The Revelles were sought after because of their ability to imitate several bands of the time, one being the Beatles as well as the Hollies. The Revelles had been asked to finish a tour for the Zombies which took the band to Minnesota (approx.1965). Previously, The Revelles had recorded a few songs but with no luck to place with a label or gain radio air time. Not until after Pichinson and later when Mattey joined did the band record songs that made it on to the radio. Songs recorded that made the cut were, "That's How Strong Love Is",(Hollies) "Something Good About Living" (original) and "Little Girl" (original). "SGAL" was to be the A side however "LG" quickly became their most popular song and played for several weeks on WLS during 1966-67. After years of popularity with the line up the Revelles made member changes two of which were bringing in Les Kummel (guitar) and Chuck Jobes(keys) from a group, The What Four. The Revelles continued and during 1967-68 Mattey and Kummel would begin writing together. The material they leaned toward would be ballads. Other Revelle members did not think ballads were worthy and opted to remain with more upbeat pop songs, none of which were ever recorded. The difference of opinion caused friction between Revelles members. Soon afterward, as many band do the Revelles decided to part ways. Mattey was asked to join a band out of Milwaukee called The Robbs. He would stay with the Robbs until approx. 1968-69. During this time he was asked to join the Colony however declined because of issues regarding music he and Kummel had written during their time in the Revelles. At this time it was said the Colony had considered to record "Little Girl" but never happened. Mattey then turned to what he always wanted to do, form a "horn" band. C.A.R.E was born, (The Creative American Rock Ensemble). Mattey moved the band toward larger nightclubs and "show lounges" playing for years on the road. When in Chicago he would play Rush Street, Georges Show Lounge and other well know night spots. Members didn't change much as they did in other groups and Bruce kept the band working. During (approx.) the mid 70's venues turned to Disco and the big bands found it hard to compete with the house DJ's who worked for much less. CARE became a 3 piece band, guitar , bass and drums for some time. Other larger clubs followed and soon CARE found themselves playing all the hit dance tunes. Mattey tagged Chuck Jobes once again to play keys. The trio played up until 1979. Mattey decided to take a break. In 1979 Mattey decided not to continue the trio and took a five year sabbatical. Once the two others found other employment Mattey called it quits. Thereafter and several years later Mattey and Graffia (NC6) who left the Colony in 1969 would rekindle their friendship and again team up to reform the Nc6. In 1988 the band appeared at the Park West for a reunion concert. The reception was fantastic and seats were sold out. The two decided that night to continue the Colony and have been together ever since. The Colony has preformed ever since playing the Colony hits album cuts and a few cover tunes as well as "Little Girl" which remains in their live performance.