Formed in 1967, The Rustix showcased the talents of drummer Bobby Bladino (replaced by former Invictas drummer David Colon Jr.), singer Chuck Brucato,, lead guitarist Bob D'Andrea, singer Albin Galich, bassist Kit Nelson, and keyboardist Vince Strenk, the group became quite popular throughout New York state, eventually scoring a one-shot contract with Chess' Cadet subsidiary resulting in the release of a cover of Eddie Holland's 'Leaving Here' as their debut single.
While the single did little commercially outside of upper New York, manager/Rochester DJ Ferndinand Jay Smith III was responsible for getting the band signed by Motown's newly formed Rare Earth subsidiary. Apparently signed as part of the label's attempt to dip it's corporate toe in rock and roll, the band was teamed with Motown artist R. Dean Taylor in the producers role.
Like the band's debut album, fellow Motown artist R. Dean Taylor produced their sophomore release - 1970's "Come On People". This time out the creative spotlight was clearly focused on the band with Brucato responsible for penning seven of the ten tracks. That said, musically the album featured a modest change in direction compared to their debut. Gone was most of the blue-eyed soul that characterized the debut. In its place the band could be heard pursuing a more blues-rock oriented sound.
Tracks1. Mississippi Woman (Chuck Brucato) - 2:51
2. Do Right Woman Do Right Man (Dan Penn, Chips Moman) - 5:21
3. Hey Mose (Chuck Brucato) - 4:52
4. Dress Colored Lavender Blue (Chuck Brucato) - 4:22
5. Come On People (Chuck Brucato) - 3:16
6. Billie's Gone (Chuck Brucato) - 2:57
7. Hard To Handle (Allen Jones, Alvertis Isbell, Otis Redding) - 5:00
8. Maple Shade County Day (Chuck Brucato) - 2:35
9. Cry Another Day Away (Chuck Brucato) - 2:59
10.Finale: Happy Trails (Dale Evans) - 0:47
The Rustix
*Chuck Brucato - Vocals
*Ron Collins - Bass, Vocals
*Vince Strenk - Keyboards, Accordion
*Albin Galich - Vocals
*Bob D'Andrea - Lead Guitar, Vocals
*David Colon Jr. - Drums, Percussion
With
*Ted Lucas - Guitar
*R. Dean Taylor - Piano
*The Adantes - Vocals
Just Paste