We knew
our friend Ray Block had been singing in numerous vocal groups since 1970,
so we asked him to send us some photos we could post on our site. The
pictures below give a fascinating look back at vocal harmony in our
geographic area over the past forty years, as seen through the eyes of Ray
Block. We're very familiar with these groups and are proud to have
these photos posted for you to enjoy. All photos are the property of
Ray Block and are posted here with his permission. Many thanks, Ray.
1970 - 1974 VINTAGE
Vintage
was a fine acappella group that existed from 1970 to 1974. The first
photo features the line up of James Wight, Charles (Cada) Brooks, Abby
Grant, Pat Magnacavello and Ray Block. Pat had replaced original
member Eller Weas Pennington (now Little) and was later replaced by Dee Grant.
The group recorded some great sides for the Catamount label.
A more
recent Vintage get together.
(Eller Weas Little, Dee Grant, Ray Block, Abby Grant, Jimmy Wright, Pat Magnacavello)
A recent
Vintage get together.
(Eller Weas Little, Ray Block, Abby Grant, Dee Grant)
"At a Newark restaurant we started singing at the table and the diners
stopped eating." - Ray Block
A recent Vintage/Ad Libs/Spellbinders get together.
(Norman Donegan, Abby Grant, Chris Bartley, Dee Grant,
Pat Magnacavello, Eller Weas Little, Ray Block, Bobby Shivers)
1987 THE BON-AIRES
The
Bon-Aires were a magnificent acappella group that specialized in intricate
harmonies and great R&B vocal tunes. The 1987 personnel included
George Lavatelli, Dennis Ostrom, Tom Vitale, Phil Granito and Ray Block.
Check out their website from our
LINKS Page.
1988 THE AD-LIBS
A more
detailed history of this great New Jersey vocal group is found on the
Ad-Libs Page of this
website. The group's personnel in 1988 consisted of Mary Ann Thomas,
Dave Watt, Chris Bartley, Abby Grant and Ray Block.
The Ad-Libs
at UGHA in the Spring of 1988.
(Dave Watt, Abby Grant, Ray Block, Mary Ann Thomas, Chris Bartley)
The Ad-Libs
at WFUV 90.7 FM, Fordham University, The Bronx, 1988.
(Dave Watt, Ray Block, Abby Grant, Mary Ann Thomas, Chris Bartley)
Early 1990's
EAST RIVER DRIVE (later SPELLBOUND)
"This
group was incredible - deep bass, progressive harmonies. They did some
studio recordings that were never released (I have them)." - Ray Block
The group
included Leon McClain (formerly of the Quinns), Clive Fleming, Robin Levin,
Susan Dedrichsen and Ray Block.
1997 - 2005 REUNION
Very
popular New Jersey acappella group with a large following at UGHA and in
Philadelphia. In the late 1990's and early 2000's Reunion consisted of
Steve Schmidt, Dennis Chervenak, Peter Weiss, Ron Meyer and Ray Block.
Copyright © 2009, Classic Urban Harmony LLC. All
Rights Reserved.
![[New!]](images/smallnew.gif){kind=small}