Charles Callari Recalls New York Central
I started guitar lessons when I was nine-years old and played in assorted groups in the mid sixties. My longtime friend Frank Forziano asked me to play bass in the band. The members of New York Central were: Frank Forziano, drums; Ed Liscandro, rythhm guitar; Bobby Hamilton, vocals and harmonica; Bobby C. (I forget his last name), lead guitar; and me, Charlie Callari, bass.
When we played, I don't recall any direct influence from any type of music. We played out of Astoria Queens, New York. A minister let us practice in the church basement. We often played schools and dance halls and some teen clubs. we played all over New York City.
We eventually got hooked up with Benny from the '50s group The Spaniels. He got us into our first recording studio at RCA. We never became very popular because we were looking to do mostly studio work. We were fortunate to record, due to some good leg work by Bobby Hamilton.
We released at least one single: 'Living A Lie' b/w 'Get Off Where You Are.' We wrote several songs; Bobby Hamilton and Frank Forziano were the main writers. I have the original recordings of 'Living A Lie' and 'Get Off Were You Are' as mp3s. The only other song I remember recording was 'Now You See It And Now You Don't,' but I do not have a copy. (Note: New York Central contributed to an obscure LP released in 1973. Entitled The Counterpoint Record (#SZ333), it was apparently privately pressed and featured an odd assortment of New York area musicians. Callari was not a member of the group at the time of the album's recording).
We broke up around 1969, I think. I didn't join any other bands. I'm currently on disability now, and had heart problems. Frank is a postman on Long Island. Eddie played for a while with The Brooklyn Bridge. Bobby is in Las Vegas. I was told Tommy moved to Florida.
My experiences with The New York Central were great.
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