Album Notes

" My room had a view of the boardwalk, that's where I was back in 1972, but now this place is like a ghost town, with lonely souls on the avenue"............and the story of " Secrets of this Town " begins.


Reviewer: nismo
TOP drawer --- best-of-the best .. original - melodic - thoughtful - excellent vocals and guitars .. words are not enough. Simply fantastic. Give it a try and I believe that you will not only like it - but will become a fan of this group. Summary .. Simply the best and one of the most original CD's I have heard in a very long time, in my opinion.

Reviewer: Bruce
I've been playing guitar since '69 and, let me tell you, this is one of the best guitar ablums I've heard. Not because it's filled with guitar pyrotechnics but just the opposite - these guys know that much more feeling is created through simplicity. As one Zen master said, "It's the space between the notes that creates the music." The blend of acoustic with electric fills is great. And then there are the vocals - heartfelt, soulful, like someone's taking you on their soul's journey. This is one of my favorites.

The music of BLACK RIVER is a soundtrack for the American Dream....from the Fender guitars ringing out to the hard driving acoustic rhythms, BLACK RIVER will take you on a musical tour of their Americana....from the horizon on a west Texas highway to the backwaters of the Carolinas, from the granite mountains and deep backwoods of the Northeast to the lonely roads between Las Vegas, Houston and Arizona, and from the coal mines of Appalachia to the mean streets of NY, LA, Newark and Nashville.

From unforgettable melodies to deep and insightful lyrics, BLACK RIVER is one of the best songwriting teams and live rock bands on the independent circuit.

BLACK RIVER's music is created as follows: Guitarist Mike Garofalo starts with an idea, a rhythm guitar, and a vocal. Family member and co-writer Freddy Demirjian begins the search for melodies, choruses, and arrangements with a lead or acoustic guitar, keyboard, and vocals. Lifelong friend and East Coast modern bass guru Rich Notarianni joins in with his extensive and impressive collection of the finest 4,5,6,8, & 12 string basses.
Then we get to see inside the engine of the band-powered by drummer Carl Petrilli, and Dan Ash (percussionist/keyboards/ guitars and outstanding vocals)

The band has been performing and recording together for over 25 years in New York. The band is currently recording and producing its' latest visions of life in our America for release in spring 2005. " Songs from the Highway" will continue the ride through America with many new stories and characters that roam the highways of this great land.The well received "SECRETS OF THIS TOWN" has garnered much critical acclaim for its' songwriting and haunting melodic content since its' 2004 release. Also currently in production is the new video for CONEY ISLAND.

We would like to thank everyone that has supported our music.The response to our music has been incredible and this is the real reason why we write and record our music. It's the connection that we make with our friends around the world that keeps us going. From Coney Island NY, across America, England, Italy, France,Germany, Ireland and Japan. We really appreciate all of your kind words and support. We promise to all of our friends that we will keep this musical train rolling. Maybe we will make a stop in your town.


It's been almost two years since the release of 'Secrets of This Town'. The reviews and feedback that we received from around the world have been a inspiration to the band.
In the end it's all about the connection that we make with our friends that relate to our music. Everyone has a place that they come from and we hope that 'Secrets' will take you back to your hometown or city. Storytelling is what we are all about, and we hope that everyone will enjoy our music.


All Songs Available @ iTunes and other Digital Download Sites.

All the Best....The Black River Band.

See our myspace page...http://www.myspace.com/theblackriverband