The Illusion – The Illusion 1969 (USA, Garage, Psychedelic, Hard Rock)

The Illusion – The Illusion 1969 (USA, Garage, Psychedelic, Hard Rock)

The Illusion is an American rock band from Long Island, New York. Formed in 1965 by Bruce Brandt, who later worked with Faine Jade, the band consisted of little-known young musicians, practically teenagers. Richie Cerniglia had been playing guitar since age 10 and possessed a decent technique. Mike Maniscalco played several instruments and had an excellent ear – he could play any melody on the spot. Bassist Chuck Alder began playing in various garage bands at age 15. Mike Ricciardella won a New York City drumming competition at age 16. Vocalist John Vinci, with a pleasant baritone voice and striking appearance, also had some performing experience and was the band's main creative force. The band's manager focused on live performances, and the "Fab Five" attracted the public's attention almost immediately with their vibrant concert shows. In just a few years, The Illusion had become one of the most interesting and promising psychedelic bands of their generation. The Illusion's first release was the single "My Party/It's Groovey Time." Both tracks were recorded and produced by renowned singer Mitch Ryder. With him, the band embarked on their first nationwide tour in 1967. From then on, The Illusion began touring extensively throughout the country. They shared the stage with James Brown, as well as Chicago, The Allman Brothers, Cactus, and Sly and the Family Stone. In 1970, they played at Boston Garden as the opening act for the great Jimi Hendrix, with the audience calling for two encores. Throughout 1969 and 1970, The Illusion released three full-length albums on Steed Records, produced by renowned composer Jeff Barry. By the time of their first self-titled album (which was also reissued in the UK), The Illusion were already quite well known. Perhaps that's why this album spent 27 weeks on the Billboard charts. The song "Did You See Her Eyes" from this album reached number 32 on the national charts and was briefly number one in New York. Since the debut album fell just short of gold, the record company demanded a follow-up...

Tracks:

01. Did You See Her Eyes — 0:00

02. Talkin' Sweet Talkin' Soul — 6:56

03. Just Imagine — 9:37

04. Medley: Run, Run, Run / Willy Gee — 13:05

05. I Love You, Yes I Do — 18:54

06. Alone — 21:11

07. Charlena — 24:11

08. Medley: Why, Tell Me Why / The Real Thing — 26:26

09. You Made Me What I Am — 32:39


Personnel:

John Vinci – lead vocals
Chuck Alder – bass, vocals
Richie Cerniglia – lead guitar
Mike Maniscalco – rhythm guitar, keyboards
Mike Ricciardella – drums
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Jeff Barry – producer

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