The Four Epics (Philadelphia)
ref : The Vespers
Personnel :
Mickey Neil (Second Tenor)
Jack Mc Knight (First Tenor)
Jimmy Mullen (Baritone)
Bobby Riccobene (Bass)
Discography :
Biography :
They started as a trio in the fall of '59 and called themselves the Bancrofts, a name taken from their streetcorner hangout. They were Jack "Rocky" McKnight (1st Tenor and vocal arranger). Mickey Neill (2nd Tenor) and Jimmy Mullen (baritone). After months of practice, they were eager to hear their sound on acetate and in May '60, they recorded Dion and the Belmonts version of Wonderful Girl. Harmony and blend were good, yet lacked the fullness Jack was striving for, It was decided a 4th voice was needed, and in early '61 enter Bobby Riccobene, who completed the ensemble with his basso profundo.
Confident with their sound, they pooled their money for studio time and recorded some original material. The group finally made their mark after teaming up with Jerry Ross who, in 1962, suggested a name change to the Four Epics and shuffled them to South Philly's AMS studio to record "I'm On My Way" b/w "When The Music Ends" for his Heritage label. Not only did promotional appearances abound along the eastern seaboard, Jerry managed to keep the boys busy doing backround sessions for established artists like Chubby Checker, Little Joey & the Flips, Rick & the Masters, Freddy Cannon, and the Dovells. One of the most memorable sessions was with some of the members of the Fortune Tellers and the Dreamlovers on "Amazons & Coyotes".
While the Heritage release was still generating airplay, Bobby Riccobene left the group and in stepped Richie Lalli just as Ross made a connection with the NY based Laurie Records. So in 1963, the boys headed for the Big Apple and the famous Bell Sound Studios where they recorded an up-tempo version of the old standard "Again". Based on airplay and record sales, Laurie execs were ecstatic and sanctioned another release on the label.
So, hot on its heels in '63 came the follow-up, "Dance Joanne", a ditty reminiscent of "Little Bitty Pretty One". Even as these tunes made their improbable run up the charts, the boys would soon learn their stint with Laurie would be short lived, Consequently disappointment and frustration would lead to Mickey and Richie leaving the group. Jack and Jimmy would go on to form a new group with Tony Barbella (1st Tenor), and Buzzy Shearin (2nd Tenor). Now known as The Vespers, a proficient, albeit ,short-lived ensemble.
The Vespers : Jack Mc Knight, Jimmy Mullen, Tony Barbella & Buzzy Shearin