Like other popular vocal groups from the 1950's and 1960's including Little Anthony & The Imperials, The Mystics, The Passions and The Tokens to name a few, The Precisions went from performing as young balladeers on the colorful street-corners of Brooklyn, New York to a contract with a major record label.   In 1962, The Precisions hit the national record charts with their haunting arrangement of the George and Ira Gershwin composition, Someone To Watch Over Me (Golden Crest Records). The group soon followed with another release, Cleopatra (Golden Crest Records), a novelty song about the exotic and mysterious Queen of the Nile inspired by the popular 1963 motion picture starring Elizabeth Taylor.

The Golden Crest Records Years *

It began in the late 1950's at the fabled studios of Golden Crest/Shelley Records  in Huntington, Long Island, NY, then a bucolic bedroom community some 40 miles east of Manhattan.   Golden Crest/Shelley were two progressive independent record labels started by businessman, inventor and visionary, Clark Galehouse.  The studios of Golden Crest/Shelley became an "incubator" for young talent, and resonated with a new and exciting sound that was emerging from the streets of New York City.   This sound later became known as "Doo-Wop", a completely home-grown American musical genre. 

The Precisions were signed by Golden Crest Records in 1961 where they joined an eclectic roster of artists that included The Fabulous Wailers, The Kact-Ties, Wendy & The Schoolgirls, Stephanie & The Gothics, Augie Rios & The Notations, Gino & The Dells, The Montells, The Delights, The Chessmen and The Suburbans, and other artists popular with Doo- Wop music devotees. The original five members included Robert Brooks, Alfred Boulding, Jr., David Butler, Michael Cancilla and Michael Pellegrino.  While under contract with Golden Crest Records in the 1960's, The Precisions performed on tour with many top artists of the era.  They also appeared on stage with radio celebrities Alan Freed, Murray the "K", the WMCA "Good Guys"  and the WABC "All Americans" in appearances at the Brooklyn Fox, the New York Paramount, and the legendary Apollo Theater

A tribute album recently released entitled Altar of Dreams - Classic East Coast Doo-Wop and Girl Groups, spotlighted the artists from the Golden Crest/Shelley record labels (see review below).  The Precision's releases can also be found on nearly a dozen other oldies record compilations around the world.    

"House of Rock 'n Roll" - The Brooklyn Fox Theater

Shown above is the entrance to the fabled  Brooklyn Fox Theater located at 10 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY.  This 4000 seat theater was one of the nation's early venues for live rock music.  From 1955 to 1968 New Yorkers paid $2.50 to see some 12 to 15 different rock acts - along with a movie and a free album!  Holding court at this majestic art-deco emporium was radio celebrity, Murray the "K" (Kaufman).  Kaufman hosted four shows per year during holiday periods in the 1960's.  Artists had to perform five shows per day over a 10 day period.  This was a testimony to the endurance of the rock artists of this era who appeared at the Brooklyn Fox including The Drifters, The Shangri Las, The Ronettes, James Brown, and Brooklyn's own, The Precisions.  The beloved Brooklyn Fox Theater was demolished in 1970.

The Precisions - Today

After being re-formed in 1996 with original member, Mike Pellegrino, The Precisions today feature  Frankie Carr, Joe Cordani, Bob Falco, Robbie Falco, Phil Ferrito, and Al Frazia.

Setting apart The Precisions are their captivating  pinpoint harmony, and three lead vocalists - each with a distinctive style.  Along with performing their original recordings. The Precisions relive the best in rock music spanning three decades.  A favorite among audiences are The Precision's tributes to rock's  producer/songwriter legends.  For example, The Precisions perform a unique musical tribute to (Mike) Leiber and (Jerry) Stoller - the great songwriting team who, working out of the historic Brill Building in Manhattan The Brill Building wrote and produced many timeless songs recorded by The Drifters and The Coasters.  The music of Leiber and Stoller was spotlighted in the acclaimed Broadway hit, "Smokey Joe's Cafe".  Fans also enjoy The Precisions tribute to the unmistakable sound of "Hitsville USA",  better known as Motown Records founded by producer, Berry Gordy, Jr. - including the best of The Temptations, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, and the Four Tops. 

The Precisions on stage above from the left: Al Frazia; former original member, Mike Pellegrino, Phil Ferrito, Rob Falco (in rear), Bob Falco, and Frankie Carr.

Along with The Precision's vocal ensemble, audiences are treated to the excitement, and energy of the trademark instrumental bands from the 60's with their hard driving rhythm and hot guitar licks.  The Precisions band delivers unforgettable hits from this period like "Pipeline", "Penetration", and the old favorite, "Wipe Out" popularized by bands including The Chanteys, The Ventures, The Surfaris, and  Johnny & The Hurricanes.  Also entertaining audiences - and a testimony to musical range of The Precisions - is their "Lennon & McCartney: Beatles Review" featuring The Precision's nationally renowned guitarist, and former star of  the Broadway hit "Beatlemania", Frankie Carr capturing the sound and spirit of Liverpool's "Fab Four".

The Precisions have appeared on TV and as special guests on popular radio programs including Sirius Satellite Radio - "The Wise Guy Show",  "The Don K Reed Doo- Wop Shop" - WCBS 101.1 FM, and "Mickey B's Juke Box Review" - B 103.1 FM.  They frequently appear as headliners for concerts and shows at New York area nightclubs,  popular live music venues and private appearances for corporate functions, association/community events, and reunions.  They also appear along with other well known rock artists at music review and multi-act concerts including Richard Nader's Oldies Extravaganza.

Shown above, the Precisions having some laughs with actor Vincent Pastore during an appearance on Sirius Satellite Radio's The Wise Guy Show.  Pastore, who portrayed one of Tony Soprano's henchmen, Sal "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on the HBO hit series, The Sopranos HBO: Sal "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero, played by Vincent Pastore: The Sopranos is now a radio show host.  From the left are the Precisions' Phil Ferrito, Al Frazia, Bob Falco;  seated former original member, Mike Pellegrino,  standing with guitar, Frankie Carr, Rob Falco, and host Vincent Pastore.

Altar of Dreams

First ever collection of doo wop and girl group recordings from Golden Crest and Shelley Records, of Long Island, New York issued between 1958 and 1964. Includes the highly collectable (and expensive!) 'Altar of Dreams' by Gino and the Dells, 'Bells Bells' by the Chessmen and 'Poor Little Puppet' by the Senators. Other groups in the classic doowop style include the Kact-Ties, Augie Rios, and the Precisions. The girl groups are represented by the quality sounds of Wendy & the Schoolgirls, Stephanie & the Gothics, and the Montells. Beautiful 16 page booklet illustrated with rare photographs. Illuminating notes with many new facts on the groups by Gordon Skadberg. An invaluable addition to America's doo-wop heritage on CD - and a great listening experience.
 

• Altar of Dreams - Gino & The Dells
• Let Me In Your Life - The Kact-Ties
• Merry Go 'Round - Wendy & The Schoolgirls
• Someone To Watch Over Me - The Precisions
• Walk Beside Me - The Suburbans
• We're Strollin' - Richie & The Royals
• Try Me One More Time - The Four Bars
• Oh, What A Night! - The Kact-Ties
• My Guy - Wendy & The Schoolgirls
• Be My Girl - Richie & The Royals
• You're Sweeter Than Wine - The Wigs
• Poor Little Puppet - The Senators
• Mary Had A Little Lamb - The Suburbans
• Gee Baby, What About You? - The Montells
• Let Your Love Light Shine - The Kact-ties
• Oh Happy Day - Stephanie & The Gothics
• Bells Bells - The Chessmen
• That Lucky Old Sun - The Delights
• Loretta - The Senators
• When You Dance - Augie Rios & Group
• Soldier Boy, I'm Sorry - The Montells
• Were-Wolf - The Kact-Ties
• Mary Don't You Cry - The Delights
• I've Got A Girl - Augie Rios & The Notations
• EBCD1001; $14.99

EDITOR'S NOTE . . . An original 45 rpm recording of The Precision's, "Someone To Watch Over Me" (shown at left) released on Golden Crest Records, is highly valued by serious record collectors.  Depending on condition, the record is worth up to $500 today. Not a bad return since it cost about .50¢ to purchase the record when initially released in 1962.  While most collectors find the song appealing, the unusual luminescent "rainbow-whirl" record label was a colorful rarity compared with the more conservative label designs typically found in the 1950's and early 1960's.  This striking label design is a feature prized by collectors that also figures in to the value of the record.