The Ovations Richard Kelly & The Ovations 1958-1982 (CD)

(Crystal Ball) 26 tracks

It started in 1958 in Harrison, New Jersey. Richard Kelly had just got out of the marines, where he did acapella singing. He was 22 years old and got together with Paul Omeletski-Bass, Mario Venancio-Baritone, and Gus Ottobreist tenor, all 16 and 17 years old. This was the Ideals who had one release on the Cool label.

Within a year, Paul Sansone replaced Omeletski as bass singer and the Ovations were formed. Lets avoid any confusion by referring to this group as the NJ Ovations (Rich is originally from Newark) unlike the Queens, NY group led by Sammy Cantos who already have a CD on Crystal Ball. And let's also keep in mind the group on Goldwax who would eventually force the NJ Ovations to change their name to the In-Ovations. This group would have a release on Epic Records and some unreleased sides such as "Lisa" all here on CD for the 1st time.

After Epic the group moved to Andie Records (59/60) which would soon become Rust a division of Laurie. Thru their manager Freddie Parker a deal was struck with Hy Weiss of Old Town Records, and an alternative version of My Lullaby was released with The Day We Fell In Love as the B-side. This actually was "Oh What A Day" earlier released on Epic Records a division of Columbia. The group would have another release on a major label Capitol that only would die out after starting to make a little noise due to the promotion of a new group called the Beatles.

Rich would release a record on his own in late '64 under the name Cal Richards for the Vitose label. Here two original members of the 4-Seasons, Tommy De Vito and Nick Massi backed him. By 1965 the group had to change their name to the In-Ovations and between 65-67 they had three releases on Ascot a division of United Artists, Amy under the guidance of Ellie Greenwich and their last release on RCA.

This Package contains early-unreleased acapella sides from 59/60 Lovely Way to Spend An Evening and Rich's original Bye Bye Baby. Both the titles of the Ascot and Amy 45's are the same yet they are two different songs.

Rich would eventually form The Friendship Band, which was together for over 20 years, playing through out the NJ area. On this package representing that era is "Morse Code Of Love". Another interesting point is that for several years Tony Testa was a member of the group.

Today Tony sings with the Dupree's. It gives me great pleasure to present to you the NJ Ovations especially since I've already released the Queens NY Ovations. Richard Kelly has always been very collectable, his first record as the Ideals is considered one of the 50 rarest white group 45's.
Sit back and enjoy while Richard and the Ovations entertain you.

Ed Engel, Crystal Ball Records