The Falcons’ records skirted the edge of the Australian Top 10 between 1979 and 1982, and the group made several overseas forays. But their chart success was always overshadowed by their stunning live performances – building an impressive wall of saxes and axes and belting out modified reggae shuffles and new wave pop gems (such as So Young, Hit and Run and Shape I’m In) to enthusiastic and capacity audiences.
But when band leader Joe Camilleri led the group out of R&B and into the Latin-tinged era of the Cha album, Australia wasn’t quite ready for a sophisticated mixture of hip-hop and salsa.
Camilleri wound-up Jo Jo Zep in 1983 and started “a little cafe band” called the Black Sorrows.
Joe Camilleri
Vocals, saxophone Wayne Burt
Guitar, vocals Jeff Burstin
Guitar, vocals Tony Faehse
Guitar, vocals Wilbur Wilde
Saxophone, vocals John Power
Bass, vocals Gary Young
Drums Simon Gyllies
Bass Freddy Strauks
Drums Bill Canty
Keyboards Ray Pereira
Percussion James Valentine
Saxophone Paul Williamson
Horns Stephen Ewart
Horns Des McKenna
Drums Jane Clifton
Backing vocals
Video
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