Six years ago, my musical journey led me to a new endeavor. The Infernos Band became what was to become my new extended family and my fix for my insatiable desire for musical inspiration. The beautiful combination of big band orchestrations (where my heart is) and the music of today combined with the notoriety and respect that so little musicians receive, this unique combination became a beautifully surreal reality. The Inferno energy lies somewhere between its vast repertoire, which is clearly one of the reasons the Infernos Band has been around for so long, and its unique connection it has to the good old days. The latter is the kind of thing that only experience can achieve. It’s the magic formula- a kind of unspoken spell that overcomes the audience (and the members on the stage, if we are watching) with an unconscionable wave of emotion and its one of the most powerful ingredient in the secret recipe that only one man possesses, making his brand, the Infernos, remain at the top of the game after all these years.
As times change, the repertoire shifts to today’s music and the pendulum weighs on the current “top 40”music side due to the audience. Bandleader and mastermind, Bobby Wells’ ability to read an audience is like nothing I have ever or will ever see again. The young audiences, and the not-so-young audiences, are entertained each and every night, and everyone leaves happy! EVERYONE! Even the staff at the private events find themselves magnetized to the need to dance! He knows his audiences, he knows when they need a breather, and at times, it seems as if he knows what they want to hear even before they do! His goal is to entertain and to take them away for a while. A place where they are all in the moment giving their daily stresses a brief vacation! Its uncanny to experience. I would recommend that any young bandleader pick his brain for even a small dose of this excellent ability to help him/her with the demands of leading.
Due to these pendulum shifts, Bobby’s main goal is to keep the audience happy- but regardless of the TOP 40 invading a big percentage of the set list in his head, Bobby Wells refused to let what is now called the “Oldies” die. Weddings are a bit different in that the ballads of yesterday don’t take up even 1 % of the night anymore. Sadly, there is little need for the doo-wop sounds, but even the young kids love to hear one or two classics as it brings everyone on the dance floor. Even the older aunts and uncles who simply can’t always relate to the music of today watch and dance in delight. Not only does he know how to entertain his audiences, he is always so proud to highlight and showcase members of his band. He gets more satisfaction from the other members in the band getting the accolades. It is never ever about him. EVER.
Enter Richie Rosato. With a musical and personal relationship spanning over 30 years, Richie and Bobby are no strangers to one another as they were both members of the The Duprees, an American musical group of doo-wop style, which had a series of hit records in the early 1960s. Bobby- the musical director and Richie- the beloved lead singer. Bobby left the band to start what was to become his baby and his brand, The Infernos Band. Richie was to memorialize himself as the Duprees most cherished voice for 27 years. Years passed. Richie continued to entertain audiences but eventually left the Duprees. More years continued to pass as the two lived their own lives, respectively, leaving behind an era that was wilting away and taking its cherished memories with it.
The Infernos were on fire (sorry- I had to!) and started to become a household name here in New Jersey with the word spreading like a Pine Barren brushfire! They were bringing audiences to their feet all over but, like every successful mind, resting on his laurels and being stagnant was not an option in the fearless leader’s mind. Hence, as usual, with his audience in mind, Bobby took a shot and invited Richie Rosato onto his Infernos Stage about eight years ago. A new chapter ensued and took on a life of its own! The loyal Infernos audiences were about to receive a gift from Bobby Wells- a proverbial icing on the cake. If it were possible for the Infernos to offer more joy to its growing fan base, Richie’s entrance into the band- sealed the deal! It was as if Bobby Wells was giving out individual presents to his audience. The gift of time travel!
The power of music is immeasurable and the voice of Richie Rosato became a source of happiness almost like a nostalgic medicine that could transport the listeners right there in their seats to a cherished unforgettable time. And for those of us on the stage, well, we have the best seats in the house! We get to see a transformation before our own eyes. It’s what prompted me to write this blog. With all “stuff” that goes on behind the scenes, all the driving, the long hours, all the songs in the summer heat, all the “everything” that comes with being an Inferno, this is by far one of my favorite moments of the night. It has been an honor to have him standing to my right for all these years. An honor to sing the notes with him. It has been an honor to watch the faces of the audience- some crying tears of pain, others of joy- but all of them content to experience a moment in time that only his beautiful voice can provide. I am not sure he even knows the extent of his impact, which of course makes him even more effective. He is just a kid from Jersey who was asked to sing with a band. A kid whose voice will forever be associated with a time when music was about true love, heartbreak, simple melodies, gorgeous harmonies, a celebration of life, and the hardworking people just wanting to dance on Friday night.
And behind that green curtain- is Bobby Wells, the man responsible for bringing that golden voice back to the stage and allowing for so many more personal and treasured memories. Further igniting the Inferno flame (sorry I had to!)
