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

With Cosco’s soulful vocals leading the way, Mancuso’s guitar work adds depth and texture to the album, elevating each composition with his signature style. The collaboration between Cosco and Mancuso brings forth a blend of rock, blues, and soul influences, creating a captivating musical experience for listeners. “Stuff From Beers/Years Ago” stands as a testament to the musical chemistry between Cosco and Mancuso, highlighting their ability to craft memorable songs infused with heartfelt performances.

Songs:
1. Call Of The Eagle 4:51
2. Gypsy 5:06
3. Princess Of Darkness 4:26
4. I’ll Keep Rollin’ 4:18
5. Rattle The Bones 3:57
6. Mary, Merry-Go-Round 4:05
7. Winds Of Love 3:32
8. JD Philosophy 2:28

Songs:
Dont Give Up
Missing
Standup Routine
Tight Spot
Whats On Your Mind?
Times Square
39 Down, One To Go
Back Road
Straight Jacket

This EP encapsulates the raw energy and dynamic sound of the band’s early years. Fueled by gritty guitar riffs, pulsating rhythms, and soulful vocals, each track resonates with passion and intensity. With their unmistakable style, Cheater delivers a blend of rock, blues, and funk that captivates listeners from start to finish. “Ten Cent Love Affair” showcases Cheater‘s ability to craft infectious melodies and memorable hooks, leaving a lasting impression on fans of rock music. This EP remains a testament to the band’s talent and influence within the music scene of the era.

Songs:
1.Back Road
2.Energy
3.Straight Jacket
4. Ten Cent

Written by Pat Petrone Vocals featuring Lou Gramm

Songs:
1. It’s Christmas
2. Blue Christmas

“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

They followed their victory at The Made In Rochester Competition in 1999 with the release of their debut disc, Crime Don’t Pay Yet!! in 2000. The CD received airplay in the local showcases on stations in the Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo markets; and music from the album was used in commercials to promote the sports programming on WCMF 96.5 fm.

Songs:
Crocodile
Do Ya
Etched in Stone
Fire
Gimme What I Need
I Resist
Life’s Blood
Miles
Never Easy
Rat Fink
Satisfied
So Far
Writtings On The Wall

Mancuso and Gramm’s synergy is evident in the album’s sound, with Mancuso’s dynamic guitar work complementing Gramm’s powerful vocals. Despite not achieving the same commercial success as their debut, “Encouraging Words” remains a significant contribution to Black Sheep’s discography, capturing the essence of the band’s musical journey and the creative prowess of Mancuso and Gramm.

Songs:
1. When It All Makes Sense
2. To Whom It May Concern
3. The Change
4. All I Am
5. Chain On Me
6. Encouraging Words
7. Half Way Home
8. I Don’t Need The Worry

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

Released during the 1970s, the album embodies the raw energy and captivating sound that defined the era’s rock music landscape, featuring tracks characterized by fiery guitar work from Mancuso and powerful vocals from Gramm .

With its hard rock essence and memorable melodies, “Black Sheep” represents a significant milestone in the musical journey of both Mancuso and Gramm, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of Rochester’s rock history.

Songs:
1. Far Side Of The Sun
2. Freight Train
3. Let Me Stay
4. Little or A Lot
5. Payin Your Dues
6. Power to Heal
7. Shauna
8. Woman
9. Woman Back Home
10. Broken Promises