DDRIVE-CD – Don Mancuso. Rochester Music Legend. https://donmancuso.com Tue, 30 Apr 2024 19:48:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://donmancuso.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-guitar-icon-32x32.png DDRIVE-CD – Don Mancuso. Rochester Music Legend. https://donmancuso.com 32 32 Lips Turn Blue – Self Titled https://donmancuso.com/product/lipsturnblue-selftitled/ Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:45:54 +0000 https://donmancuso.com/?post_type=product&p=7129 LIPS TURN BLUE, formerly known in the Upstate New York region as the popular club act, DDRIVE]]> LIPS TURN BLUE, formerly known in the Upstate New York region as the popular club act, DDRIVE, has regrouped and returned with a new name, a brilliant debut album, a world-wide record contract, and a new member in singer/musician Iggy Marino – The band (nicknamed LTB) which also includes guitarist Don Mancuso, keyboardist Eric Bieber, bassist Mike Mullane, and drummer Roy Stein are currently preparing for the release of its new album and some select concert dates. The group’s first single, “Just Push” will be released in March on Phil Naro’s birthday; with the album release coming in May 2022.

When the band’s lead vocalist and co-songwriter Phil Naro (March 13th, 1958 – May 3, 2021) sadly passed away after a valiant battle against cancer the group’s future was in doubt. Naro and the other band members had just secured a worldwide record deal with the European-based label, MIG Records, and had put the finishing touches on the album when his illness returned, and tragedy struck.

As his illness progressed the band members assured Naro the record would be released, and they would continue to pursue his artistic vision for the material he felt was his best work as a songwriter and vocalist. Now, with the record deal signed, a release date set and a dynamic new vocalist in place, their promise to their fallen musical comrade can finally be fulfilled.

The debut album features a wide variety of musical styles and textures, all crafted around the powerhouse rhythms of LTB and the remarkable voice of Phil Naro. The album even contained a remake of Black Sheep‘s “Chain On Me,” which was written by Mancuso and Lou Gramm, as well as a Mancuso/ Naro original, “A Little Outside,” which features Foreigner‘s Lou Gramm on lead vocals and Naro on backing vocals.

Songs:
1 Just Push
2 Build My Castle
3 Pray For Tomorrow
4 Sit Up
5 Better Than I Used To Be
6 Miles
7 Chain On Me
8 Crazy In Love
9 Blood Moon
10 No Need For You To Call
11 Hey Bulldog
12 Life’s Crazy Ride
13 A Little Outside

]]> DDrive – Straight up the Middle https://donmancuso.com/product/ddrive-straightup/ Tue, 27 Feb 2024 14:29:31 +0000 https://donmancuso.com/?post_type=product&p=7065 The album “Straight Up the Middle” by the band Ddrive, prominently features guitarist Don Mancuso’s signature style, blending hard rock riffs with melodic hooks. Notably, Lou Gramm, contributes his powerful voice to several tracks, adding depth and intensity to the album’s sound. Among the songs where Lou Gramm sings are “Straight Up The Middle” and “Sink Your Teeth,” showcasing his dynamic vocal range and emotive delivery.

“Straight Up the Middle” emerges as a standout album, resonating with fans of classic rock and showcasing the enduring talent of both musicians

Phil Naro: Vocals/Acoustic Guitar (Peter Criss(Kiss)/Talas) Don Mancuso: Guitars/Bass/Mando (Lou Gramm Band/Black Sheep) Andy Knoll: Keys(Lou Gramm Band) Joe Lana: Drums, Richard Gramm: Bass (Lou Gramm Band/Black Sheep), with special guest Lou Gramm.

 

Songs:
1. A Little Bitta Sunshine
2. Straight Up The Middle
3. Lick Your Lips
4. Dead On The Highway
5. Pray For Tomorrow
6. Whose Side You’re On
7. Can You Dig It
8. I Don’t Wanna Wait
9. I Can Feel No Pain
10. Love Me
11. Diamond Star Halo
12. Another Funky Day

 

]]> DDrive Featuring Lou Gramm https://donmancuso.com/product/ddrive-featuring-lou/ Sun, 25 Feb 2024 20:18:27 +0000 https://donmancuso.com/?post_type=product&p=7027 Don Mancuso’s DDrive project was put into motion upon the completion of recording tracks for Phil Naro‘s last release Glass Mountain at Wellesley Studio in Toronto Canada.]]> Don Mancuso’s DDrive project was put into motion upon the completion of recording tracks for Phil Naro‘s last release Glass Mountain at Wellesley Studio in Toronto Canada.

Don and long time friend Phil Naro decided to join forces with Steve Major as co-writer/producer. Once 5 of the ideas were etched out and basic tracks recorded, Don’s Friend/Ex-Foreigner/Black Sheep singer Lou Gramm was in town on break from the last Lou Gramm Band tour and gave the tunes a listen. He was so impressed at what he heard that he asked if there was any way that he could come in as a guest vocalist/co-writer.

The rest of the story is documented on this hard rocking CD. Lou and Don had written “Wait till the Sun Goes Down” during the Foreigner 4 tour and decided to put that one on as well as some great tunes written by Naro and Mancuso and a remake of the Beatles “Hey Bull Dog”. On the song “Your Never Alone” (which was written for a friend dying of cancer) extra contributions came from long time friend/producer/musician Tony Gross of GFI Studio.

The core band consists of Don Mancuso (Black Sheep, Cheater, Linda Rutherford & Celtic Fire, Lou Gramm Band) Phil Naro (Talas, Peter Cris, 24 K), Lou Gramm ( Black Sheep, Foreigner, Shadow King, Lou Gramm Band), Dave Quick (Kid Kurry Band), Joe Lana (Uncle Plum), Andy Knoll (Lou Gramm Band) and Richard Gramm (Black Sheep, Lou Gramm Band).

Other guest musicians appearing on the CD are: Jeff Cosco, Jim Crean, Jessie Hamilton, Larry Crozier and Brian Eggleston.

Tracks:
1 A Little Outside
2 Down,Rotten,Dirty
3 Lock Lips
4 Wait Till The Sun Goes Down
5 Can’t Dig Your Way Out
6 Why Is Everybody
7 Down U Go
8 Funny Pages
9 You’re Never Alone
10 Missing
11 Build My Castle
12 I’m Finding Out
13 Hey Bulldog

]]> DDrive – 3D https://donmancuso.com/product/ddrive-3d/ Sun, 25 Feb 2024 19:16:50 +0000 https://donmancuso.com/?post_type=product&p=7003 DDrive began rocking the Northeast in 2004 when guitarist Don Mancuso (The Lou Gramm Band, Black Sheep, Cheater, and Celtic Fire) put together his second solo recording effort after finishing tracks for singer Phil Naro’s (Talas, Peter Criss & 24K) “Glass Mountain” project. Mancuso and Naro joined forces to write the first self-titled DDrive album. Singer Lou Gramm (The Lou Gramm Band, Foreigner, Black Sheep) heard the demos for the DDrive CD, asked if he could come in as guest vocalist/co-writer, and they obliged! Canadian producer Steve Major rounded out the direction and production.

Released in 2005, the first D Drive CD received critical acclaim and airplay in the US, Australia, and Europe. The band’s signature sound blends strong classic rock roots with a modern edge sound all its own. The first DDrive CD did so well that Mancuso and Naro decided to put together the band’s second release in 2007 entitled “Straight Up The Middle.” The new album has received accolades from a rapidly growing legion of DDrive fans, and is in its second pressing. DDrive released a video in summer ’08,

The new third CD entitled “3D” was released on June 1st 2010. 3D is a worthy follow up to “Straight Up The Middle” as the band has become even tighter over the years. 3D has great significance as well, not only as their 3rd release but the CD will be housed in a special first time ever 3D package with 3-D glasses, poster and 11 new rocking tracks.

Tracks:
1. Next Train
2. Dig Down featuring Billy Sheehan
3. Kiss the Ground
4. Chains On You
5. Never Had A Chance
6. Last To Fall
7. Down Deep
8. Always Done
9. 1 to 7
10. Tumblin
11. Welcome To My World

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