I became interested in music at about five years of age. I heard one of my dad’s buddies play a boogie woogie on an upright piano, and I was hooked. I also heard all the big bands of the '40s when I laid down to nap. The influence would emerge in my later years.
My very first band was called The Chi-Notes, while I was in high school. In 1963 I joined The Silvertones, whom I drummed for about two years with, at a dive on West 63rd Street. The pay was lousy but the booze was free. During that same time, the original Elites was formed. We practiced like mad men, and my experience with rock was useful for the jazz sound we developed.
George Pratl Recalls The Elites
The original Elites consisted of Tom, Denny and me. We later added Larry, a guitar player from the old Silvertones. This group was influenced by Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles, Ramsey Lewis and Booker T.
In 1973, I left the group to form The Elites (Version 2, if you will). I subsequently auditioned Nick (cordovox) and Ray (guitar and bass guitar). I sang the vocals while playing the skins, and taught these two teenagers early rock 'n roll and syncopation. We developed a unique style that included Chicago tunes, as well as old rockers like Jerry Lee Lewis. This trio remained together until 1980, when I retired.
We played a ton of weddings, banquets and parties. The money was good, and the crowds were less drunk (usually). I generally served as manager and booking agent, but occasionally Nick and Ray would book a gig, too.
We never released any 45s, but I did write several songs. We once did a demo tape at Pumpkin Studios, in Palos Hills, Illinois which we used with an agent for additional jobs. The recording session was a blast. The engineer had really cool equipment that brought out the best of the band. Our best recordings, done in the late '70s were taped by me during the actual gigs. These have all the crowd noise, lending itself to the fun time everyone experienced. At times we added more instrumentation, as required--guitars, trumpet, sax, and even a female vocalist. I am going to pour over my CD collection to see if we can provide an original performance. Some years ago, I put many of my old reel-to-reel tapes on CDs. These are treasures.
We disbanded in late 1980, due to my inability to commit any longer. My full-time job required extensive travel, and I then had three daughters to enjoy during my free time.
I would have to say that my time as a performer was some of the most enjoyable of my life. Watching those two teenagers grow as musicians was especially rewarding, and I always enjoyed the crowds' feedback. Just over a year ago, my youngest daughter got married. I had the pleasure of sitting in with the eight-piece orchestra we hired (The Late Nite Band), to sing 'Beginnings'. It will always be etched in my memory as my finest hour.
Currently, I am teaching the drums to my 10-year old grandson. Talk about a trip down memory lane. I also mess with my baby Grand once in awhile, but its best sounds are produced by my talented 17-year old nephew.
It's been a labor of love.
|
