The Al Roberts' Revue
History:
The Al Robert’s Revue was a collection of local northern New Jersey musicians, singers, artists, and “variety acts of all types” that were active in the late 1960’s and 1970’s. The collective was managed by Al Roberts. The revue was home to musicians from various communities, including Belleville, Bloomfield, Newark, and Hazlet. To promote the revue and its lounge groups, Al Roberts teamed up with Ron Hackling, one of the frontmen of a group he managed, to produce an album of original tracks played by the revue’s most popular acts.
Four different acts teamed up and participated on the recording of the album “Al Robert’s Revue: Music Composed by Ron Hackling, America’s Newest and Foremost Composer”. These acts were: The Sign Of Leo, The Odd Couple, Frank Anthony, and Tommy Esposito. They were deemed “the steady acts” of the revue. The Sign Of Leo was the only “band” to participate in the recording sessions, as The Odd Couple were a duo and the other two artists were merely singers. Ron Hackling and Jerry Coppola supposedly ran the sessions and directed (and probably produced) the album.
The Sign Of Leo played on seven total tracks on the album (five by themselves and two accompanying Anthony and Esposito). The Odd Couple played on two tracks and assisted The Sign Of Leo in recording the backing tracks for several songs. After the recording and release of this album (sometime in the early 1970’s) all of the acts went quiet except The Sign Of Leo.
The Sign Of Leo were commissioned to be the backing band on a session for Don E. Lance. He released the single, titled "Thunder Man" in the late 1970's. Also, a few test pressings from The Sign Of Leo made their way to the market in late 2024. The test pressings contained an alternate version of "Castles In The Sky" from the Al Roberts' Revue album and an unreleased track titled "Have A Nice Day". The single features more horns than their other songs. Ron Hackling was still in the lounge scene as of ten years ago. Lineups for each band are listed below:
The Sign Of Leo:
Ron Hackling: Lead Vocals, Organ, Bass [Keyboard], Piano
Mike Armeno: Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone
Jerry Coppola: Drums, Percussion
The Odd Couple:
Rich Marin: Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Organ, Guitars, Trumpet
Jimmy McKean: Backing Vocals, Drums, Percussion, Tenor Saxophone
Review:
Al Roberts Revue (197?, Al Rob Productions)
Rating: 5/10
I was a bit too harsh on my initial review. After listening to many lounge records since I acquired this one (some that deserve to be sent to the pits of Hell), this one stands above the rest due to several factors. First, the production as a whole is pretty competent and the effort is there. These guys were solid musicians and performers and it shows. Two, all of the songs are originals by Ron Hackling, who sang and performed instruments on half the album. Three, the album itself, from the band, songs, and packaging / sleeve, is totally unique. Never seen anything like it.
Half of this album is solid lounge rock numbers that drift into soul and pop territory. Every song The Sign Of Leo performs is either fine or pretty good and they save this one from the dumpster.
"What's The Difference In A Day" is a really really catchy pop soul tune with great organ, vocals, and sax. Best track on the album no doubt. "Castle In The Sky" is similar but has some corny moments, especially the merengue freakout towards the end with breaks. The tracks by The Odd Couple are too corny to be taken seriously. "Same All Over The World" has a great funky groove but some horrid vocals. "Waiting For Somebody" is a stupid psych (I guess?) piece with tons of wah wah guitar, organs, sax, and a fuzz solo. Frank Anthony's reverbed vocals should have stayed in the trattoria to be honest. Overall, one of the strangest records I own, but at least it isn't terrible.