Album Notes

WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Arriving in Chicago in 2000, singer-songwriter and guitarist Robert Rial continued a musical direction he started at college in southeastern Ohio. Robert emulated the styles he loved most: country blues and swing, Vaudeville, Tin Pan Alley, American folk songs, jazz and mountain music. Many of these styles of music were originally released on 78 r.p.m. records. Some 78's were made from a 'new' material, an early form of plastic called Bakelite. Bakelite 78 records preserved the songs of this era. Bakelite 78 the band was born to bring them back to life.
ASSEMBLING THE PLAYERS
Robert Rial's choice of instruments in his new group reflected the era of Bakelite 78's repertoire- tenor guitar, tenor banjo and stand up megaphone, used to better emulate the singing style of classic 'pre-microphone era' singers. His voice is not so much heard as it is experienced. After a few years honing his craft at open stages, hootenanies and various Chicago clubs, Robert assembled a choice group of musicians to fully realize the sound of Bakelite 78:
Bob Kessler--clarinet, harmonica.
Jason Grey--percussion, accordion, backup vocals.
Dick Unetich--trumpet, rhythm guitar, backup vocals.
Ariel Bolles--upright bass, trombone, backup vocals.
HOLDING COURT AT THE HIAWATHA
Taking a cue from several successful Chicago-based bands, the group sought a semi-permanent residency. They found it on the near-West side at Club Hiawatha. Steeped in Chicago history, it made a perfect setting for the vintage sound Bakelite 78 was ready to bring to a live audience. Bakelite 78 played their first in a long series of Friday night shows in April of 2004. The opportunity to perform before an empathetic, enthusiastic crowd was of great value to the burgeoning combo. Bakelite 78 became an in-demand act at other Chicago venues including Bad Dog Tavern, Beat Kitchen, California Clipper, Candlelite, Hideout, Charleston, and elsewhere.
IT'S A SIN BEGINS
After over a year of shows and a sufficient set list to keep regulars coming back to the Hiawatha week after week, Bakelite 78 was ready to record. They chose 13 of their favorites and spent a weekend holed up at Strobe Recording in Humboldt Park. What emerged-- a selection of recordings that best represented a live Bakelite 78 set. This debut CD, "It's A Sin", contains six new classics written by Robert Rial and seven vintage favorites composed by Billy Mayhew, Clarkson/Van Steeden, Leadbelly, Ernest Rodgers and others. Enjoy!!