Cleveland,
1969-71
The North River
Street Rock Collection was Cleveland's original 'horn rock' band, and one that
could draw 1000+ people at the drop of a hat, playing covers and original
material.
The NRSRC was
founded, and fronted, by Bobby Huszar, who had been a
featured dancer on the Upbeat show. The rest of the band included some of the
Cleveland area's best musicians. Other than Huszar on
lead vocals and trumpet, the band included Eric Janson
(guitar), John Bellcon (bass), Jamey Haddad (drums),
Rick Papaleo (guitar), Dave Eaton (trombone), Lance
Goldberg (trumpet), Phil Giallombaro (keyboards), and Gary Sedivy (vocals). Sedivy, who was not with the band for long, was from the Futuras, Giallombaro had been in
the Choir and James Gang. Eric Janson had been in
Freeport. Rick Papaleo was the brother of Ron Papaleo of December's Children. Most of the band members
were from the east side suburbs of Cleveland. Rusty Pitrone
was the band's main roadie.
The band played all over the Cleveland area, but were
particularly prominent at the Plato. They also played the Agora, Corral, and
Hires Lounge. The band's sets included songs by Electric Flag (a prime
influence), Chicago, Ten Wheel Drive, Three Dog Night, and the Beatles, and a
few original songs. It was the band's original songs (and popularity) that got
them attention from Mainstream records. Bill DeArango
was the North River Street manager and as with his other clients, December's
Children and Henry Tree, they were sought by Mainstream for a record deal.
However, the band didn't like the aspects of the deal and decided to pass. The
band never released any records.
By personnel changes
brought an end to the band, with Jamey Haddad already exited to play jazz, and
Phil Giallombaro gone to a short lived band called VooDoo. Jamey Haddad went on to become a world renowned
'world beat' percussionist, touring with Paul Simon and performing with many
notable musicians.