Zak Starkey's work with: The Wiseguys International

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The Wiseguys were:
Chris "Ringo" Tassone John Entwistle Zak Starkey Georgie Fame Manfred Mann DJ Fontana	Benny Gallagher Graham Lyle Jody Linscott Billy Nichols [sic] Phil Manzanara and many others

This is a puzzling project. Chris Tassone is touted as "Canada's famed Chris 'Ringo' Tassone. The uncanny likeness in both departments has led to the amazement and involvement of a whole host of stars..." Actually, he does looks a bit like Ringo, and the studio affects on his vocals make him sound a lot like Julian Lennon. But this is still an enjoyable disc - 60's Pop meets the 90's. Lots of Rutle-esque Beatle musical influences (like the guitar in the intro of "I'll Be There" and "It's Alright", and nearly all the background vocals & harmonies). Their cover version of "You Can't Do That" is reminiscent of Harry Nilsson's, in the way it throws licks from other fab tunes throughout (especially love Entwistle's shades of "Day Tripper"). The cover of the tune "Stagger Lee" is pretty good too.

Zak and John Entwistle seem to make up the main core of the band. Eight of the twelve tracks list Zak as drummer (1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 (with DJ Fontana), 11 and 12). JAE is on bass for nine (1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10 and 12). There are no musicians listed for track 5, so they could all be on that one as well. Attention Billy Nicholl's fans - he is on every single track!

Each player is listed on the cover followed by his "credits" (ie. John Entwistle - The Who, Georgie Fame - Van Morrison Band, etc). Other than his "look-alike, sound-alike" claim to fame, no other past musical credits are given for Chris Tassone. Allan McDougall is listed as "Gaffer, BMI Int'l". He is one of the co-producers of the album, which is dedicated in his memory. John Entwistle's The Rock CD (the limited edition anyway) is also dedicated in memory of Allan. Is this the connection that got everybody together?

Looks Like Ringo, Sounds Like John

RDRCD 1933 (released in Canada through "Joe Radio" -1995)

Produced by Ron Magness, Allan McDougall, and Christopher Tassone.
Engineered by Andy Miller.
Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London.
Dedicated in Memory of Allan McDougall.
All lead vocals by Chris Tassone.

Tracks:

1. It's Alright (C.Tassone & A.Miller)
2. Tell Me Your Leaving (C.Tassone)
3. You Can't Do That (Lennon / McCartney)
4. I'll Be There (C. Tassone)
5. Atlantis (C.Tassone)
6. London Tonight (C.Tassone , Susan Mullen)
7. The Wise Guys (C. Tassone)
8. The Girl Next Door (C. Tassone)
9. Old Dog, New Tricks (Allan McDougall & Graham Lyle)
10. Let's Get Together (C. Tassone)
11. Radio (C.Tassone)
12. Stagger Lee (Floyd Price)
13. (plus) GLR Radio Interview

- find it used on Amazon!

Last Updated: Sunday, November 21, 2004
Created: Dec 1996 
Copyright © Kathy VanTassell

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