the official website of the almost famous...Del Rivers

“The Del Rivers Story…Songs from 1985 - 2005”
– Rocket Racket Records – RRCD215

Del Rivers is one of the “least well-known” celebrities from Rochester, New York (and briefly; Berkeley, California). He has been featured in ‘Freetime Magazine’ “Words and Music” column, and on the cover of ‘City Newspaper’ – with a feature article by Thom Metzger. Although mostly known as a college radio disc-jockey and a comedy sketch writer, many of his songs are appreciated by collectors for their “kitsch” value and their guest artist appearances.

Del’s career (outside of the 40 hours-a-week job) has led him into the realms of music, comedy, comic books, UFO’s, and other entertaining things. Three local bands have used his song ideas – Luther & The BBB’s, McFadden’s Parachute, and Squires Of The Subterrain. They each have several CD’s available or in the works. Del has included many local Rochester musicians on his recordings; especially from the groups – The Riviera Playboys, The Franks, The Frat House Cats, and The Burning Icons. Del Rivers also works with several stand-up comedians, and performs with them every Wednesday night at Daily Perks on Gregory Street in Rochester.

As an interviewer, Del has been to several celebrity appearances at comic book / pop-culture conventions; and has interviewed many from all areas of entertainment. His CD covers often utilize the talents of comic book artists like Ken Wheaton, Mike Bocianowski, Chris Yambar, and George Broderick. Del, himself, has appeared in comic book form in “El Mucho Grande” – written by Chris Yambar. An upcoming comedy CD features Del and Chris Yambar (who incidentally writes for “The Simpsons” comics).

Always involved with “something else” – Del Rivers has been working with others on a couple television show ideas which may someday be available on cable channels or DVD. The first show is called “Frontal Lobe & Dumplings” which is sketch humor based; and the second is a yet-to-be-named comedy/talk show with those involved in the stand-up comedy world.

The new CD “The Del Rivers Story…” contains a cross-section of past CD and cassette tracks from over a 20 year period. Over the years, he struggled to create a music-based career after his affiliation with the retro-rock radio program “Whole Lotta Shakin’” – which still runs (hosted by Mike Murray) on W.I.T.R.-FM. Highly influenced by the music of the 1950’s through the 1980’s – many of the tracks still sound refreshing. Songs like “Second In Line” received college radio airplay in Rochester and Syracuse, NY. Some of the cover songs are chestnuts like “Pamela” by The Bobby Fuller Four. A fake ‘VH-1’styled comedy track – “The 1960’s Dell Rivers Story – Second In Line” is an absolute hoot (in the vein of the rockumentary “Spinal Tap”)!

Del Rivers has recently written song ideas for “The Mudflaps” and “It’s My Party”; and received airplay for “Mr. Know-It-All” by Luther & The BBB’s, “East Coast Surfin’” by The Squires Of The Subterrain, and “Stop Pushin’ Me” by McFadden’s Parachute. Del is planning an eventual live performance of his best known material.

Del Rivers Entertainment can be contacted at (585) 271-7898 or e-mail: jamesbulmahn@hotmail.com

Words And Music

By Michelle Picardo (of Freetime Magazine)

...We hear McFadden's Parachute psychedelic nugget, Sweep Out The Brainfog, is getting some international radio play and great press in Italy, Greece and France. Taking the spotlight (McFadden himself) Darren Brennessel performs most every instrument on the release, honing his 60's garage sound to sheer perfection...Though he likes to stay under the radar, the very adept Del Rivers has enough brilliant material to release his own "best of" CD which he's calling The Del Rivers Story...Songs from 1985-2005. Reflecting much of that 50's garage sound that Rivers helped advocate during his early association with WITR's "Whole Lotta Shakin'" radio program, the album is chockfull of ace tracks that will have you rocking and rolling throughout 2005! One of Rivers' best known songs which received college radio airplay, "Second In Line", written with The BBB's Luther Holtzman, is joyfully included here, as is the humorous comedy/musical track, "The 1960's Dell Rivers Story with Chuck McCoy”. Other highlights include some spunky covers of songs like Nick Lowe's "Country Girl", Bobby Fuller Four's "Pamela" and N.R.B.Q.'s "It Comes to Me Naturally". My favorite original would have to be the irresistibly funk-styled, "Soul Chaser". Between writing songs for local artists like It's My Party, The Squires of The Subterrain and McFadden's Parachute, Rivers is threatening a live performance of his best known material in the near future. We'll keep you posted!...Rochester-based garage-band, The Projectiles have something to celebrate! Though it may be over 15 years later, the band's only full-length recording is finally seeing the light of day, being released on German label, Screaming Apple. Entitled Hanging Out, The Projectiles is made up of Dan Frank, Brian Goodman, Doug Muller and Dave Anderson, top-notch local musicians who went on to work in bands like The Riviera Playboys, The Franks, The Fertility Rite Brothers, Thee Ummmm, McFadden's Parachute, [Del Rivers & The Electric Cowboys], and Susan & The Surftones. The last project recorded at Saxon Recordings' original location way back in 1989, it would have been a crime if nobody got to hear this album, as it truly rocks! Loaded with British-invasion styled riffs mixed with psychedelic flair, cool vocals and head-bopping beats, hear for yourself as the band reunites for a special show at the Bug Jar on Saturday, January 22nd, with the legendary Lyres, where the release will be available in "glorious" vinyl... Heard a tasty sample of another garage-rock band, The Lost Marbles, also featuring Dave Anderson (geez, he's a busy guy, running Saxon & playing bass!), as well as the charismatic Darren Brennessel of McFadden's Parachute. This new four-piece, led by a Mark Arm-type vocalist (remember Mudhoney?), make their debut at the Bug Jar on Thursday, January 20th, 2005 opening for Thee Shams...