The Rondels Recording History 1958-1968
The first recordings by the personnel that would make up The Rondels happened around the year 1958 as the group was first known as The Rhythm Rockers. This group featured three guitars and drums. Lennie Petze, Jimmy Petze, Nicky Latteo on guitars and Eddie Grispi on drums. The Rhythm Rockers recorded about 20 songs.. Sometime in 1959, sax player Ray Pizzi joined the group and not too long after the Rhythm Rockers signed their first recording contract. Not too long after they released their first record there were some personnel changes as Eddie Grispi got drafted into the Army and Nicky was holding down a day job which conflicted with the bandʼs commitments. Hence the end of The Rhythm Rockers. When The Rondels formed they were made up of the four musicians – Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi On Sax. Nicky Latteo was out of the band for a few years but eventually re-joined around 1963. The combination of the group in these configurations recorded approximately 120 songs from 1960-1968. The Rondels recorded mostly Instrumentals, as this was the bandʼs strength but with Nicky back in the group we also recorded a large amount of vocals. We recorded in many studios and just to name a few we recorded a ton at what we called our home studio, Ace Recording Studios in Boston, then we also recorded at Natural Sound Studiosin Maynard, Massachusetts, AAA Recording Studios in Boston and Roy Nelsons Studio also in Boston. When we travelled to New York City we frequently recorded at some of the best facilities in the world. Regent Sound Studios, Bell Sound Studios and Gotham Studios were all state of the art studios and we loved recording in all three of them. We also recorded with many different singers. The Seniors, an R&B Doo Wop group, Steve King who had one of the most unique sounding voices around at the time, Rik Tinory a local Boston singer who was a teenage heart throb at the time, Billy Spencer whoʼs voice at his highest pitch could take paint off a house and lastly Bobby Vincent as smooth a singer as any of the great ones. We enjoyed great times in the studio and made some great music having fun doing it. Please feel free to contact us if you have any comments or questions.
Thanks,
The Rondels
Lennie Petze, Ray Pizzi, Lenny Collins, and Nicky Latteo
Songs Recorded By The Rhythm Rockers * Denotes Original Composition | |
| 1. Anne Marie * | Recorded at Roy Nelson Studios in Boston. Nicky and Lennie on Guitar and Vocals, Jimmy on Lead Guitar and Eddie Grispi on Drums. |
| 2. Baby Make Love To Me * | Recorded at Roy Nelson Studios in Boston. Nicky and Lennie on Guitar and Vocals, Jimmy on Lead Guitar, Eddie Grispi on Drums and Eddie Grispi on Background Vocals. |
| 3. Brenda Mae * | Recorded at Roy Nelson Studios in Boston. Nicky and Lennie on Guitar and Vocals, Jimmy on Lead Guitar, Eddie Grispi on Drums and Eddie Grispi on Background Vocals. |
| 4. Buddies | This song came from Dick Clark and Nicky and I auditioned for it. We didn’t get it and I don’t believe it was ever released by anyone. |
| 5. Dream | A demo showing our harmonies for a record label in New York. Again we didn’t make it. |
| 6. Here Comes Santa Claus | This is one of the first records we made as The Rhythm Rockers with Ray Pizzi on Sax. Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston with Herb Yakus doing the engineering. |
| 7. Honey Honey * | One of the first songs that we wrote and we recorded it two or three times. |
| 8. Just A Rockin’ * | Our first try at a real rocker. Lennie, Jimmy, Nick and Eddie. |
| 9. Kathleen My Dear * | Recorded at Roy Nelson Studios in Boston. |
| 10. Madness Chapter One * | Released on Square Records which was owned by The Three D’s a Boston Group that had moderate success with a song called “Billy Boy” They appeared on American Bandstand numerous times and we became good friends and did many record hops together. Recorded at Ace Recording Studios Boston with Herb Yakus behind the board.There will be a section on this website dedicated to The Three D’s and their music at a later date. The were the hand clappers and screamers on this track. |
| 11. Madness Chapter Two * | This was never released but one of the rawest tracks ever recorded by The Rhythm Rockers. Same info as Madness Chapter One. |
| 12. Monkeys Rock * | A fun song with Eddie Grispi and Lennie sharing the lead vocals. Jimmy is playing drums and the hyena is none other than Nicky Latteo. Lennie on lead guitar as this was recorded at Roy Nelson Studio in Boston. |
| 13. My Only Love * | Three part harmonies by Eddie, Nicky and Lennie. Once again Jimmy on drums. |
| 14. Oh Oh Honey * | B side of Madness on Square Records. Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Bpston.That’s Ray on Baritone Sax and The Seniors singing backgrounds. Wamp Wamp A Diddy!!!! |
| 15. Rita Louise * | Man we loved songs with girls names didn’t we? Recorded at Roy Nelsons Studio in Boston. |
| 16. Sweetheart * | This was recorded in Sayersville CT at Al Soyka’s studio. Produced by Don Garmen and Sol Quasha. Just before Ray joined the band. |
| 17. Tutti Frutti | I honestly have no recollection about this track only that I know it’s Eddie, Nicky, Jimmy and Lennie. |
| 18. White Christmas | Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston on the same session as “Here Comes Santa Claus” and the second record we made with Ray on Sax.. |
Songs Recorded By The Rondels * Denotes Original Composition | |
| 1. 110 Pounds Of Drums * Available for purchase! | Recorded at Bell Sound Studios New York, NY on November 24,1961. Jimmy Petze overdubbed the Bass and played Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on the Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. Released on Amy Records with Caldonia as the A side. |
| 2. All For The Love Of A Girl | Recorded at AAA Recording Studios Boston. This song was originally recorded by Johnny Horton. Nick Latteo on Bass and Lead Vocal, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Lead Vocal, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar and Lenny Collins on Drums. |
| 3. All Show No Go * | Information To Followd |
| 4. Another Day | Recorded at Natural Sound Studios in Maynard, Massachusetts. This is what I believe to be the last completed recording by The Rondels. Lennie Petze on Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Bobby Morse on Keyboards, Bass and Harmonica and Lenny Collins on Drums. Written by Lennie Petze and Steve King. Engineered by Lou Casella |
| 5. Back Beat No.1 * Available for purchase! | When we were offered our first record deal: (See “Shades Of Green”) we needed a B side and our producer asked us to go into the studio in Boston and cut something quick. Well we did and as it’s happened so many times in the music business, the B side ended up being the song that would have the success and establish The Rondels. Engineered by Herb Yakus, ” Back Beat No. 1″ was originally titled “Ugly Stick”. Lenny Collins on Drums, Lennie Petze on Lead Guitar, Jimmy Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Ray Pizzi on Sax. Our producer changed the title and the rest is Rondel history. Released on Amy Records we had success in a number of cities and eventually played on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand.and many other TV Shows.We’re still looking for a copy of “Bandstand” of August 1961. |
| 6. Back Beat No.1 2013 Available for purchase! | Recently Lennie Petze came up with an idea of creating a new version of The Rondels hit “ Back Beat No.1.” The original version was recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston early in 1961.Over 50 years ago!! Engineered by Herb Yakus, the sound of the record still booms out of the speaker and the drum solo rocks. The original group on the record consisted of Lennie Petze, Jimmy Petze, Lenny Collins and Ray Pizzi. In his Petze Music Studio he put together a track that starts with an actual radio spot that The Rondels did in 1961 promoting a DJ on WCAO in Baltimore, MD.The track includes the old and definitely the sound of the new. A driving track that has all the elements of the original recording of the 1961 hit and new sounds that expand and create a version thatʼs as good as anything youʼll hear today in the clubs and dance halls of the world. Weʼre calling it BackBeat No.1 2013 of course and itʼs a real collaboration of the original members of The Rondels. Lennie is playing guitars, Lenny Collins is playing drums, Bobby Collins is playing Keyboards and Ray Pizzi plays an amazing sax solo then to top it off Bobby Morse put together a sax section that makes the track explode. Ray recorded his parts in Van Nuys, California and Bobby Morse did his in Indian Rock Beach, Florida. With the technology today, music files sent from Ray and Bobby over the internet put them right in Lennieʼs studio in Massachusetts. The final outcome Iʼm sure will delight the listener and follower and collector of rock instrumentals. |
| 7. Back Beat No.2 * Available for purchase! | This is what we thought should have been the second single but it didn’t work out that way. Recorded twice, once at Ace Recording Studios in Boston and a later version recorded at Regent Sound in New York. The New York version was retitled “Red Peppers” and was released on a limited basis on Amy Records. Only 300 copies of the 45 were pressed and one sold on Ebay for over $200.00. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar and Bass, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 8. Bandstand Hop * | Information To Follow |
| 9. Black Slacks | This is just Nicky and Jimmy recorded at Roy Nelson Studios in Boston. |
| 10. Blitzed * | Information To Follow |
| 11. Blue Monday | “The Bell Sound Sessions”. NEVER COMPLETED |
| 12. Blueberry Hill | Recorded live at The Peppermint lounge. Lennie Petze on Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums, Nicky Latteo on Bass and Ray Pizzi on Sax. Engineered by Bill Feruzzi. |
| 13. Broken Hearts Can Love Again * | Written by Lennie Petze and Steve King we recorded this twice, Once at Ace Recording Studios and then in New York at Gotham Studios. |
| 14. Buddies | See Rhythm Rockers. |
| 15. Caldonia | Recorded two different times ,this version was recorded at Bell Sound Studios in New York. Ray overdubbed a second harmony sax and Jimmy overdubbed bass. Arthur Yale the head of Amy Records at the time, equalized the Lead Guitar answers on the release on Amy Records. He believed that this was going to be our biggest record.Definitely this version ROCKS! Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar and Bass, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. |
| 16. Caldonia (Original Version) Available for purchase! | “Regent Sound Sessions”. This was the original version recorded at Regent Sound Studios in New York. Produced by Bugs Bower he hired an upright Bass player for this session which really makes this version SWING!! Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. |
| 17. Candy Bar * | Information To Follow |
| 18. Cause I Love Her * | “The Bell Sound Sessions”. This was The A side and “Hey Bo Diddley” was the B side of our second release on Nota Records. Nicky Latteo Bass and Lead Vocals, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm guitar and Background Vocals, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Background Vocals. |
| 19. Church Key * | Information To Follow |
| 20. C’mon Let’s Go Available for purchase! | “The Bell Sound Sessions”. We would play this song live for many years and when Nicky rejoined the band we decided to record it as the lead track from a Rondels album that we had intentions of releasing in the Boston market and then shop for a new deal. This was released as a single on Nota Records and distributed by The G-Clefs company. Nicky Latteo Bass and Lead Vocals, Jimmy Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lennie Petze on Lead Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax and Organ. |
| 21. Cover Charge Available for purchase! | Recorded live at The Peppermint lounge. Ray Pizzi on Sax, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums and Nicky Latteo on Bass. This was released on Amy Records. Engeered by Bill Feruzzi. |
| 22. Cravin * | We recorded this two times. Once in the basem*nt of 400 Liberty Street, Lenny Collin’s house where we would rehearse all the time. Recorded with one microphone it was good enough to say we save this one and next time we’re in the studio we’ll re-record it. That’s exactly what we did as we re-recorded it at Ace Recording Studios and although it was never released, it’s one of my favorite Rondel tracks. A very haunting sounding lead guitar part where Jimmy played the melody with all harmonics. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm guitar and Background Vocals, Lenny Collins on Drums, Ray Pizzi on Sax and Background Vocals. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 23. Crazy Crazy Baby | This is just Nicky and Jimmy recorded at Roy Nelson Studios in Boston. |
| 24. Crossing Man * | Recorded as a demo for the song written by Lennie Petze and Steve King with Lennie doing the lead vocal, it was later recorded by another Boston band called Teddy And The Pandas on their album “Basic Magnetism” released on Tower Records through Capitol Records. |
| 25. Crying The Blues | This is just Nicky and Jimmy recorded at Roy Nelson Studios in Boston. |
| 26. Danny Boy | Recorded live at the Peppermint Lounge in Boston. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Nick Latteo on Bass, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. Engineered by Bill Feruzzi. |
| 27. Days Go By | Featuring Steve King on Lead Vocals. Written by Lennie Petze and Steve King. Recorded at Natural Sound Studios in Maynard, Massachusetts. Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Bobby Morse on Bass and Harmonica, Lenny Collins on Drums, engineered by Lou Casella. |
| 28. Demo Derby Available for purchase! | This was a song that was recorded for a soundtrack for a film titled the same name “Demo Derby“. A film telling the story about the then popular ‘Demolition Derby” Cars crashing into each other until the last man driving declared the winner of The Derby. As it turned out the film opened in over six thousand theaters across the country in front of The Beatles “Hard Days Night”. Nicky on Lead Vocals and Bass, Lenny Collins playing brushes on the drums which really makes the track move. Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Background Vocals, Ray Pizzi on Sax and Background Vocals. Produced and written byArthur Korb, a great guy that we would do many recording sessions for. Recorded at Ace Recording Studios and engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 29. Devil Or Angel Available for purchase! | “The Bell Sound Sessions”. One of our favorite songs, we had to record this eventually. Nicky Latteo on Lead Vocals and Bass, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Ray Pizzi on Piano and Lenny Collins on Drums. |
| 30. Do What You Want To, Only Never Cry | At this time The Rondels had added a horn section consisting of Bobby Morse on Sax and Billy Schaff on Trumpet. This was the first song that we recorded with that lineup. Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston, Massachusetts. Engineered by Herb Yakus. Later we would add Bobby Collins (Lenny’s Brother ) to this lineup on Organ. We called this unit “The Northern Lites” and we recorded two sides that were released on Phillips Records. More on this later. |
| 31. Doctor Feelgood | Recorded live at the Peppermint Lounge in Boston. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Nick Latteo on Bass, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. Engineered by Bill Feruzzi. |
| 32. Doin’ The Twist * | Information To Follow |
| 33. Don’t Wait * | “The Steve King Sessions” Featuring Steve King. Written by Lennie Petze and Steve King, this was recorded at AAA Recording Studios in Boston. This was one of three songs recorded during this same session. Lead vocals featuring Steve King, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar and Bass, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums. |
| 34. Dream | The Everley Brothers standard with Nicky Latteo and Lennie Petze doing the Harmonies. Recorded at Ace Recording Studios Boston, Massachusetts. |
| 35. Driftin * | Information To Follow |
| 36. Earlybird | Recorded live at the Peppermint Lounge in Boston. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Nick Latteo on Bass, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. Engineered by Bill Feruzzi. |
| 37. Education * | Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Nicky Latteo on Bass, Lenny Collins on Drums, and Jimmy Vita on Sax. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 38. Everything That Was Sweet | Information To Follow |
| 39. Flute Salad * Available for purchase! | Recorded at Regent Studios in New York. Produced by Bugs Bower. Released on Amy Records as the B side to “Red Peppers”. See description of “Back Beat No. 2” and “Red Peppers”. Ray Pizzi on Flute, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Lenny Collins on Drums. An upright Bass player was hired for this session. |
| 40. Frankenstilts * | Information To Follow |
| 41. From The Sea To The Sun | Information To Follow |
| 42. Give You Love * | The “Grump” Sessions Featuring Billy Spencer. Written by Petze, King this was one of four tracks recorded at Natural Sound Studios in Maynard, Massachusetts. Lenny Collins on Drums, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar,Bobby Morse on Bass and Sax, Bobby Collins on Organ, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and featuring Billy Spencer on Lead Vocals. Engineered by Lou Casella. |
| 43. Going Steady * | Information To Follow |
| 44. Greensleeves | Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston, this is the demo that got us our record deal with Amy Records in a roundabout way. I played this for Bugs Bower on a trip to New York and he told me to stay in touch with him. I did and after a number of listens he decided to ask us if we would like to come down to New York and he would produce this track. We said HELL YEAH!!!! He renamed the song “Shades Of Green” and when he shopped it to Amy they said Hell Yeah!!!. That was the beginning for The Rondels. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 45. Grumpy Grump * | “The Grump Sessions” Featuring Billy Spencer. Recorded at Natural Sound Studios in Maynard, Massachusetts. Lenny Collins on Drums, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar,Bobby Morse on Bass and Sax, Bobby Collins on Organ, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and featuring Billy Spencer on Lead Vocals. Engineerd by Lou Casella. |
| 46. Handclappin Available for purchase! | One of the greatest sax performances by Ray Pizzi. Recorded Live at The Peppermint Lounge.The only negative for me on this recording is there was a guy constantly whistling. I remember the guy like it was yesterday. His name….Rocky “The Goner”.. Ray Pizzi on Sax, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar. Nick Latteo on Bass, and Lenny Collins on Drums. Engineered by Bill Feruzzi. |
| 47. Harvest Moon | Featuring Bob Riley another singer that we would do sessions with from time to time.Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums, Nick Latteo on Bass and Ray Pizzi on Sax. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 48. Heartbreak Hotel Available for purchase! | “The Grump Sessions” Featuring Billy Spencer. Recorded at Natural Sound Studios in Maynard, Massachusetts. The classic Heartbreak Hotel done like Vanilla Fudge would have done it. Lenny Collins on Drums, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar,Bobby Morse on Bass and Sax, Bobby Collins on Organ, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and featuring Billy Spencer on Lead Vocals. Engineered by Lou Casella. |
| 49. Hey Bodiddley | “The Bell Sound Sessions” We did the original music track at Bell Sound then we did overdubs at Ace Recording Studios in Boston. The G-Clefs sang background vocals, Ray played flute. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar. Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Nick Latteo on Bass and Lenny Collins on Drums.This was released as a single on Nota Records. Overdubs done at Ace Recording Studios in Boston. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 50. Ho Dad * | Information To Follow |
| 51. Honey Don’t Available for purchase! | “The Bell Sound Sessions”. Another one of the songs that we had to eventually record as it was a band favorite. One of Jimmy’s best solos. That’s Ray on the B3 Organ. |
| 52. Honey Twist * | Information To Follow |
| 53. Huh? * | Information To Follow |
| 54. I’m Sure Looking Out For Your Love * | “The Steve King Sessions”.Featuring Steve King. Written by Petze, King. Recorded at AAA Recording Studios in Boston.Lead Vocals by Steve King, Jimmy Petze played Lead Guitar, Bass and Piano on this track. Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Background Vocals, Lenny Collins on Drums and Percussion. |
| 55. I’m Yours | “The Seniors Recording Sessions”. Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston. Featuring The Seniors on vocals. Fred Pompeo on Lead Vocals with Frank Murphy, Lenn Scolameiro and Donald Dallessandro on background vocals. Written by Lennie Petze and Mickey Xedia this track features a great sax solo by Ray Pizzi. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 56. In My Room | “The Bell Sound Sessions”. The Beach Boys smash hit done as an instrumental. Ray Pizzi is playing Organ, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Glockenspiel, Nicky Latteo on Bass, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar and Lenny Collins on Drums. |
| 57. Istanbul | Recorded at 400 Liberty Street. Information To Follow |
| 58. Jacked Up * | Information To Follow |
| 59. Jimmy’s Ping Pong Ball | One of the last tracks that The Rondels recorded. Lenny Collins on Drums, Bobby Morse on Bass, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar. Recorded at Natural Sound Studios in Maynard, Massachusetts. Engineered by Lou Casella. |
| 60. Johnny B. Good | “The Bell Sound Sessions”. Another Rock and Roll standard that we would play live and eventually recorded. Nicky Latteo on Lead Vocals, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar. Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Piano. |
| 61. Kathy | This was the B side of Demo Derby. Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston.Written and arranged by Arthur Korb. Ray Pizzi plays Flute and Sax, Nicky Latteo on Bass, Lenny Collins on Drums, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 62. Kona Idaho * | Featuring Lead Vocals by Steve King, written by Lennie Petze and Steve King. A song about two brothers, one who lived his life being happy with himself and his place in life, the other hell bent on self destruction always looking for his next score. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums, Bobby Morse on Bass and Organ and Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Harmony Vocals. Recorded at Natural Sound Studios in Maynard, Massachusetts. Engineered by Lou Casella. |
| 63. La Bamba Available for purchase! | Recorded live at the Peppermint Lounge in Boston. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Nick Latteo on Bass, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. Engineered by Bill Feruzzi. |
| 64. Lame Duck * | “The Regent Sound Sessions”. A real Novelty kind of track that is a lot of fun. Originally recorded at a rehearsal at 400 Liberty Street, the session at Regent really put this song in shape with a “Duck” sound that still makes us laugh. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. AN upright Bass player was hired for this session. |
| 65. Let Me Know * | Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston Massachusetts, Nicky Latteo on Lead Vocals and Bass, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums and for the first time, Jimmy Petze on the 12 String Guitar. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 66. Lizzy Belle Available for purchase! | “The Seniors Recording Sessions”. Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston. Featuring The Seniors on vocals. Fred Pompeo on Lead Vocals with Frank Murphy, Lenn Scolameiro and Donald Dallessandro on background vocals. Ray Pizzi on Sax and plays mallets on his Sax Case for the drums., Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar. Written by Lennie Petze, engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 67. London Bridge | “The Bell Sound Sessions”. NEVER COMPLETED |
| 68. Lullaby Of The Leaves | Recorded at 400 Liberty Street. Information To Follow |
| 69. Maybe Baby | “The Bell Sound Sessions “. Another Rock and Roll standard that we would play live and eventually recorded. Nicky Latteo on Lead Vocals, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, glockenspiel and vocals, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Melodica and Vocals. |
| 70. Meet Us At The Peppermint Lounge | Recorded live at The Peppermint lounge. Lennie Petze on Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar,Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums, Nicky Latteo on Bass and background Vocals and Ray Pizzi on Sax and background Vocals. The B Side of “Cover Charge” released on Amy Records.Engineered by Bill Feruzzi. |
| 71. Moanin | “The Bell Sound Sessions”. NEVER COMPLETED. |
| 72. My Bonnie | “The Bell Sound Sessions”. NEVER COMPLETED. |
| 73. My Friend John * | One of our best original compositions written by: Lennie Petze, Jimmy Petze, Steve King, Bobby Morse and Lenny Collins we only recorded it as a demo and it was recorded by an artist named “Timothy Clover” on Tower Records distributed by Capitol Records. The title of the album was: “The Cambridge Concept Of Timothy Clover” and it contained several other songs written by members of The Rondels and Steve King. |
| 74. My Prayer Available for purchase! | “The Regent Sound Sessions”. Produced by Bugs Bower this track really got The Rondels very excited. It has such a great sound and style and unlike anything out in the market at the time we thought this could be huge. The reviews that it got were very positive but the other side of the record was called “Satan’s Theme” and it got the most attention and still does on YouTube.Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. |
| 75. Need Your Love | “The Seniors Recording Sessions”. Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston. Featuring The Seniors on vocals. Fred Pompeo on Lead Vocals with Frank Murphy, Lenn Scolameiro and Donald Dallessandro on background vocals. Ray Pizzi on Piano , Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar. engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 76. New York City Twist * | Information To Follow |
| 77. Oh Happy Day | “The Seniors Recording Sessions”. Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston. Featuring The Seniors on vocals. Fred Pompeo on Lead Vocals with Frank Murphy, Lenn Scolameiro and Donald Dallessandro on background vocals. Ray Pizzi on Piano , Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar.Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 78. Old Man River | This is the first song that we recorded with Lenny Collins on Drums. Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Ray Pizzi on Sax and Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar. Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston Massachuusetts. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 79. One Night With You | This is just Nicky and Jimmy recorded at Roy Nelson Studios in Boston. |
| 80. Only Never Cry * | At this time The Rondels had added a horn section consisting of Bobby Morse on Sax and Billy Schaff on Trumpet. This was the first song that we recorded with that lineup. Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston, Massachusetts. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 81. Ray’s Kicker * | Recorded at 400 Liberty Street. Information To Follow |
| 82. Red Peppers * | “The Regent Sound Sessions”. Originally titled “Back Beat No. 2”. This is what we thought should have been the second single but it didn’t work out that way. Recorded twice, once at Ace Recording Studios in Boston and a later version recorded at Regent Sound in New York. The New York version was retitled “Red Peppers” and was released on a limited basis on Amy Records. Only 300 copies of the 45 were pressed and one sold on Ebay for over $200,00. .Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. |
| 83. Sassy Organ Available for purchase! | Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston this track features Bob Freidman on the Hammond B3 Organ, Nicky Latteo on Bass, Lenny Collins on Drums, Ray Pizzi on Sax, Jinmmy Petze on Lead Guitar and Lennie Petze On Rhythm Guitar. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 84. Satan’s Theme * Available for purchase! | ” The Regent Sound Sessions “. Produced by Bugs Bower this was an song written by two writers that Bugs was working with. Once we heard the demo we decided to put The Rondel’s spin on the arrangement and Amy Records got very excited that this couLd be the follow up to “Back Beat No. 1”. This song is still getting views on YouTube. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. |
| 85. Say You’re The One * | Recorded at AAA Recording Studios in Boston . Lennie Petze on Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Nicky Latteo on Bass, Lenny Collins on Drums and Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar. |
| 86. Send Me Some Lovin | The Bell Sound Sessions” Another one of those classic songs that we would perform live. A great Sax solo by Ray Pizzi. |
| 87. Shades Of Green Available for purchase! | Recorded at Regent Sound in New York City with Bugs Bower Producing. This was the first single that was released on Amy Records and the record that got us our deal there. Amy had an A&R man named Jerry Landis and he apparently like this track so much that he offered us a contract. It turned out that Jerry Landis was none other than Paul Simon. This song is an old English folk song titled “Greensleeves”, Jerry Landis also had a group at the time on Amy Records of course and their single “Motorcycle” was released under the name “Tico And The Triumphs ” Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. Background Vocals Lennie Petze and Ray Pizzi. |
| 88. Shadows * | Information To Follow |
| 89. Shake It Shake It Baby * Available for purchase! | “Louie Louie” by “The Kingsmen” was a huge hit and one of our mainstays whenever we would perform live. Shake It Shake It Baby was our attempt to write something similar to the beat and form of that great classic. Recorded at Gotham Studios in New York with Nicky Latteo on Lead Vocals and Bass, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Lenny Collins on Drums. |
| 90. She’s Gonna Be Mine | Featuring Bob Riley on Lead Vocals. Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums, Nick Latteo Lead Vocals and Bass and Ray Pizzi on Sax. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 91. Shortnin’ Bread | “The Bell Sound Sessions”. NEVER COMPLETED. |
| 92. Showboat * | “The Bell Sound Sessions” One of our best tracks featuring Ray Pizzi on Sax and organ, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Nicky Latteo on Bass, and Lenny Collins on Drums. We did overdubs at Ace Recording Studios with Herb Yakus doing the engineering and Mixing. We had played a club called “The Showboat” and when Ray played that real low fog horn sound, we just had to title it “Showboat”. |
| 93. Silver Seven * | Another original that we would play live that we finally recorded at Ace Recording Stusdios in Boston. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Nicky Latteo on Bass and Lennye Collins on Drums. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 94. Since I Met You Baby | This is just Nicky and Jimmy recorded at Roy Nelson Studios in Boston. |
| 95. Snowin Down South * Available for purchase! | Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Nicky Latteo on Bass, Lenny Collins on Drums, and Jimmy Vita on Sax. Originally record at Regent Sound in New York as the song “Gaucho” we re-wrote it as we were never happy with that recording. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 96. Someone Like You | Information To Follow |
| 97. Something Special To Do * Available for purchase! | “The Steve King Sessions”.Featuring Steve King. Written by Petze, King. Recorded at AAA Recording Studios in Boston.Lead Vocals by Steve King, Jimmy Petze played Lead Guitar, Bass and Piano on this track. Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Background Vocals, Lenny Collins on Drums and Percussion. |
| 98. Space Twist * | Information To Follow |
| 99. Stand Around Move Around * | Information To Follow |
| 100. Summertime | Recorded at 400 Liberty Street. Information To Follow |
| 101. Susanna | Information To Follow |
| 102. Sweetheart Whoa Whoa * Available for purchase! | “The Bell Sound Sessions”. We recorded the music track at Bell Sound then went into Ace Recording Studios in Boston and did all the vocals and sax solo with Herb Yakus engineering. Nick Latteo on Lead Vocals, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums and percussion, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Ray Pizzi on Sax. This was the B side of “C’mon Let’s Go on Nota Records. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 103. Talk Of The Town Available for purchase! | “The Regent Sound Sessions”. Produced by Bugs Bower this was a old standard that we decided to record for what we hoped would be our first album. Jinmmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze On Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums, Ray Pizzi on Sax, a hired upright Bass player was on this session |
| 104. The Croak * | Recorded at 400 Liberty Street. Information To Follow |
| 105. The Last Outpost * Available for purchase! | Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Nicky Latteo on Bass, Lenny Collins on Drums, and Jimmy Vita on Sax. Engineered by Herb Yakus. |
| 106. The Sway * Available for purchase! | “The Bell Sound Sessions” Another favorite of mine this track rocks! Lennie Petze on Lead Guitar, Jimmy Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Nick Latteo on Bass, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. This track was done in one take. |
| 107. There’s A Man Somewhere * | “The Grump Sessions” Featuring Billy Spencer. Recorded at Natural Sound Studios in Maynard, Massachusetts. Written by Lennie Petze and Steve King. Bobby Collins on Organ. Engineered by Lou Casella.Featuring Billy Spencer on Lead Vocals, Bobby Morse on Bass, Lenny Collins on Drums, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar and Bobby Collins on Organ. |
| 108. Thunder Drums | Recorded at Natural Sound Studios in Maynard, Massachusetts. Lenny Collins on Drums, Jimmy Petze On Lead Guitar, Bobby Morse on Bass and Piano, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar.Engineered by Lou Casella. |
| 109. Trick Trot * | An odd instrumental featuring Jimmy Petze on The 12 String Guitar, Nick Latteo on Bass, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Lennie Collins playing the Wood Blocks. Recorded at Ace Recording Studios in Boston with Her Yakus behind the board. |
| 110. Twistin Out Of Space * | Information To Follow |
| 111. Unchained Melody | “The Regent Sound Sessions”. Produced by Bugs Bower this was another standard made famous by The Rightous Brothers that we decided to record for what we hoped would be our first album. Jinmmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze On Rhythm Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums, Ray Pizzi on Sax, a hired upright Bass player was on this session |
| 112. Uncuth Ruth * Available for purchase! | “Regent Sound Sessions” Recorded at Regent Sound in New York. Produced by Bugs Bower this track features Ray Pizzi on Sax, Jimmy Petze On Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Lenny Collins on Drums. An upright Bass player was hired for these sessions. |
| 113. We Belong Together (Ballad) | This was originally just Nicky and Jimmy recorded at Roy Nelson Studios in Boston. Then in 2011, Lennie Petze decided to try and make this a complete record as they would have finished it with the whole group. Lennie added Bass, Drums, Strings and a Horn Section and that version will eventually be available in The Rondels store on this website. |
| 114. We Belong Together (Uptempo) Available for purchase! | “The Bell Sound Sessions”. We recorded the music track at Bell Sound then went into Ace Recording Studios in Boston and did all the vocals and sax solo with Herb Yakus engineering. Nick Latteo on multiple Lead Vocals and Bass, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and background vocals and Ray Pizzi on Sax and background vocals. |
| 115. What I Say | Recorded live at the Peppermint Lounge in Boston. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Lead Vocals Nick Latteo on Bass and Lead Vocals, Lenny Collins on Drums and Ray Pizzi on Sax. Engineered by Bill Feruzzi. |
| 116. Whatever Happened To The Good Times | Information To Follow |
| 117. Worksong | “The Bell Sound Sessions” Another favorite of mine this track has a great feel.!, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Nick Latteo on Bass, Lenny Collins on Drums, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, and Ray Pizzi on Sax and Percussion (Two Hammers). |
| 118. World/Gray Day Available for purchase! | We took two songs and combined them to make this very commercial recording. “World ” written by The Bee Gees and “It’s A Gray Day” written by Jon Braheny. Bobby Morse and Lennie Petze on Lead Vocals, Jimmy Petze On Lead Guitar and Bowed Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums, Bobby Morse on Bass, Piano and Background Vocals, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards,Harp and French Horn. Recorded at Natural Sound Studios in Maynard, Massachusetts. Engineered by Lou Casella. |
| 119. Write To Mama | Written By Lennie Petze and Steve King. Recorded at Natural Sound Studios in Maynard, Massachusetts. Steve King on Lead Vocals, Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar and Bobby Morse on Bass and Organ. Engineered by Lou Casella. |
| 120. You Owe Me A co*ke * | Information To Follow |
| 121. You’re Wonderful | Recorded at 400 Liberty Street this track is just three of us. Lennie Petze Lead Vocal and Guitar, Jimmy Petze on Bass and Lenny Collins on Drums. |
| 122. You You Are The One * Available for purchase! | Originally recorded by “The Rhythm Rockers” as “My Only Love” this version was re-written by: Lennie Petze and Steve King. Recorded at Natural Sound Studios in Maynard Massachusetts, Lennie Petze on Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Jimmy Petze on Guitar and Piano, Bobby Morse on Bass and Organ and Lenny Collins on Drums. Engineered by Lou Casella. |
| 123. Zombie * | “The Bell Sound Sessions”. Originally titled “Scrambled Eggs” we recorded the music track for this song at Bell Sound then we went into Ace Recording Studios in Boston and did all the overdubs with Herb Yakus engineering. Jimmy Petze on Lead Guitar, Lenny Collins on Drums, Lennie Petze on Rhythm Guitar, Nicky Latteo on Bass and Ray Pizzi on Sax. One of the sounds on this track was Jimmy experimenting with playing the high guitar at different tape speeds and everyone that hears it thinks it’s some kind of keyboard. Not! |
