“Encouraging Words” stands as a pivotal album by the Rochester rock band Black Sheep, showcasing the collaborative efforts of guitarist Don Mancuso and singer Lou Gramm. Released in 1975, the album follows the success of their self-titled debut and features tracks that blend elements of hard rock with poignant lyricism.

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

Formed in 1995 and based in Hilton, NY (northwest of central Rochester) and fronted by the stunning vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Linda Rutherford the band also includes family members Tony (accordian, keyboards, vocals), Johnny (drums) and Rosheen (electric and acoustic guitars). Linda plays fiddle, mandolin, acoustic guitar, keyboards, tin whistle, saxophone and flute. Celtic Fire also includes Francis White (bass) and Don Mancuso (lead and rhythm guitars, vocals).

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

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

A Don Mancuso releases an album of classic driving ROCK n ROLL! Recorded in NY and CA, then mastered in Toronto, this is a trip around North America in album form.

Drums – Mark Shulman
Bass – AD Zimmer
Guitar, Loops, Other – Steve Major
Bass – Dave Quick
Drums – Bobby Bond

Tracks:
1.1 Ddbopp
1.2 Green Bay Reggae
1.3 Help!
1.4 Bugs Bite
1.5 Cocagne
1.6 Breaking Caylee

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