Passion & Politics
(music recorded from 1973-75)
Sunup in the 1970’s – the music reflects the volatility our country was experiencing politically and the turmoil of personal relationships. So, in that respect the music is timeless. Many of the songs that delve into the societal challenges then, unfortunately, 40 plus years later, remain.
The music was labeled folk-rock or contemporary folk - terms seldom used now. Harmonies, thoughtful production and the raw energy of the live performances bring on a slew of emotions, both awakening our consciousness on a political level as well as revealing deep sensitivities in personal relationships.
James Wilson (Goon or Ethan Carey) and Garry Manuel comprise the core of Sunup with their vocals, guitars and songwriting, joined by bassists Charlie Castilano and later, Kerry Peterson. Often at live shows or in the recording studio they would invite a multitude of guests to perform with them, such as Ben Grammatico (Ben Gramm) on drums and Dee Carstensen on vocals and piano.
Grammy-winning engineer, Mick Guzauski, recorded the studio tracks on the Passion & Politics album. Marshall Manuel re-mastered the recordings. Many of the other songs were recorded live on WCMF-fm in Rochester, NY, mixed direct to 2-track tape by Bernie Kimpal, a former DJ at the station.
Latest Album: Passion & Politics (this should have been the first album).
Members: Garry Manuel & James Wilson
*Sunup is not a touring group, but will continue recording and plans to perform a few special live shows in 2017. Additionally they are planning a record with their sons (Marshall & EJ). The group will be appropriately named Sonsup!
About the Songs
Come On In
Acoustic Guitar/Vocal - James Wilson
Electric Guitar/Lead Vocal - Garry Manuel
Bass - Kerry Peterson
Fender Rhodes - Tom Christentello
Drums - Ben Gramm (Benny Grammatico)
Flute - Joey Zabitchuck
Vocal - Dee Carstensen
Recording Engineer - Mick Guzauski
Recorded at PCI Recording Studio, Rochester, NY 1975
*Previously released on cassette tape 1988 - Sunflare Records - Catalog #88109
Story of Father & Daughter
Acoustic Guitar/Lead vocal - James Wilson
Electric Gutiar/Vocal - Garry Manuel
Bass - Kerry Peterson
Drums - Ben Gramm (Benny Grammatico)
Keyboards - Tom Christentello
Flute - Joey Zabitchuck
Recording Engineer - Mick Guzauski
Recorded at PCI Recording Studio, Rochester NY 1975
*Previously released on cassette tape 1988 - Sunflare Records - Catalog #88109
So She Can Be Warm Again
Acoustic Guitar/Vocal - James Wilson
Acoustic Guitar/Lead Vocal - Garry Manuel
Bass - Kerry Peterson
Vocal - Dee Carstensen
Recorded live in the Manuel family home, Fairport, NY (summer 1975)
*Recorded live in the basement to 2 track reel to reel at 7 1/2 speed through Ashley Audio 8 channel soundboard - 2nd ever made
Old Wooden Barns
Acoustic Guitar/Lead Vocal - James Wilson
Acoustic Guitar/Vocal/Harmonica - Garry Manuel
Bass - Charlie Castilano
Drums - Doug MacIntyre
Recording Engineer - Mick Guzauski
Recorded at PCI Recording Studios on an 8 Track, Rochester, NY 02/1973
*Previously released on cassette tape 1988 - Sunflare Records - Catalog #88109
Back To My Soul
Acoustic Guitar/Vocal - James Wilson
Electric Guitar/Lead Vocal - Garry Manuel
Bass - Charlie Castilano
Recorded live broadcast at WCMF, Rochester NY by Bernie Kimpal 1974
Open Up
Acoustic Guitar/Vocal - James Wilson
Acoustic Guitar/Lead Vocal - Garry Manuel
Bass - Charlie Castilano
Drums - Ben Gramm (Benny Grammatico)
Recorded live broadcast at WCMF, Rochester NY by Bernie Kimpal 1974 (Thanksgiving)
The Waltz of Justice
Acoustic Guitar/Lead Vocal - James Wilson
Acoustic Guitar/Vocal - Garry Manuel
Bass - Charlie Castilano
Recorded live broadcast at WCMF, Rochester, NY by Bernie Kimpal 1973
We All Make Mistakes
Acoustic Guitar/Vocal - James Wilson
Electric & Acoustic Guitar/Harmonica/Lead Vocal - Garry Manuel
Bass - Kerry Peterson
Drums - Ben Gramm (Benny Grammatico)
Piano - Tom Christentello
Pedal Steel - Jim Duval
Recording Engineer - Mick Guzauski
Recorded at PCI Recording Studio, Rochester, NY 1975
*Previously released on cassette tape 1988 - Sunflare Records - Catalog #88109
Attica
Acoustic Guitar/Vocals - James Wilson
Electric Guitar/Piano/Vocals - Garry Manuel
Bass - Charlie Castilano
Drums - Doug MacIntyre
Vocals - Marion Klapp
Recorded at PCI Recording Studios on an 8 Track - Rochester, NY 02/73
*Previously released on cassette tape 1988 - Sunflare Records - Catalog #88109
The Note Read
Acoustic Guitar/Lead Vocal - James Wilson
Acoustic Guitar/Vocal - Garry Manuel
Bass - Charlie Castilano
Recorded live broadcast on WCMF by Bernie Kimpal, Rochester, NY
Standing At the Edge of Life
Acoustic Guitar/Vocal - James Wilson
Acoustic Guitar/Lead Vocal - Garry Manuel
Bass - Kerry Peterson
Vocal - Dee Carstensen
Recorded live broadcast from the Wine Press on WCMF by Bernie Kimpal, Rochester, NY 08/75
All songs written and produced by Garry Manuel
ASCAP
Sunflare Songs (published)
Sunflare Records
www.sunflaresongs.com
585.223.2310
Remastering by Marshall Manuel - Westlake Music
Digital Transfer of reel-to-reel tapes by John Schroth at Media Transfer, East Rochester, NY
*Special thanks to Marshall Manuel, Bob Rice, John Schroth, Mick Guzauski, Craig Fennessy, Charlie Castilano, Kevin Cuatt and the many musicians who crossed our paths and took part in the journey with us.
Of course, each time we listen to this music we remember our good friend and bass playing extraordinaire, Kerry Peterson.
Album Graphics:
Front cover: Heather Heffernan & Garry Manuel
Back cover: Garry Manuel
Group Photo from 1972 – Jeff Rollins