A BRIEF HISTORY - PART 2

A Lead Vocalist was always our most pressing need in the early years, and surrounding the bass player moves , we went through quite a few until "Drew" finally came along. In the late 80's and into the 90's, other personnel changes became prevalant. There was a period when Drew and I were the only ones left. We were not finished yet. Good fortune allowed us to run into Steve (Drums) and Ray (Bass), who had played together before. By the time the dust settled, this rekindled version of Decent Exposure consisted of: Steve Brown - Drums, Percussion, Vocals Jim Kish - Lead Guitar, Backup Vocals Ray Leach - Bass Drew Palmasano - Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar Vernon Smith - Keyboards, Vocals Drew and I grew up in the same neighborhood and knew each other, but were heading in our own directions when a stroke of luck got us together just at the right time. Fate had intervened. Together, we started writing our own songs and dusted off some that we'd written in the past. Our original music had started to develop. The two of us, along with the creative input from the rest of the band, wrote numerous songs that were incorporated into our playlist. Soon, all of us were writing songs. Most of them went over quite well. One actually made it to the top 10 at a local music contest. The chemistry was good in this band as well. The one thing about Decent Exposure all along was that all members became friends and stayed friends. All in all, it was a pretty fun place to be. We just wanted to play our Music, have it be heard (hopefully by millions), and enjoy ourselves. This is probably why it existed as long as it did and maybe also why it didn't go further. We did go on to make a few videos and were spotlighted on a Public Access Cable station. We were interviewed and allowed to play some of our material. We were all into writing, playing and marketing our own music at this time and became somewhat of a house band at Carson's in Soulard. As the years went on our time was split equally between recording and playing clubs. This unit stuck together for quite a few years until finally, in 1996, we all split up (on friendly terms). The rigors of balancing life and band finally caught up and a sense of burn-out ensued. The time was right for a break but none of us have stopped pursuing the dream completely. We stay in contact and, one way or another, I have a feeling it's not over yet. JUST ONE MORE TIME. I look forward to writing Page 3.
	Bevo Day Celebration

Jim and Drew

For my final remarks, I would like to give some credit where it's due. The following accolades are very much in order:

Randy Birkenmeier

For his relentless pursuit of perfection as our Sound Engineer. He started his career with us first as a friend, then a fan, then our lighting specialist until he finally became our Sound Man. "One must appreciate thy sound man". And we did. We all learned that electricity can be your friend.

Mike Milani

Mike also began as a friend and he was also into our music. In fact, he actually sang with us for a while very, very early in our career. He went on to become our Pyrotechnics Specialist. No one ever got injured (very badly). You did great, Mike.

Phil Harmonic

For his labors in scanning these photos for me. He has been a wonderful friend all of my life.... They don't get much better. I also thank his wife, Poly, for letting him scan these ugly... I mean cool.....pictures. Thanks, guys.

My Parents

I have to thank my parents. First, for having me. Then, after having me, they endured great amounts of noise in allowing me the freedom to explore my musical inclinations. My father sold a set of golf clubs to buy me my first instrument. Now that's a sacrifice. Neither of them ever complained about how crappy I sounded (of course, neither of them can hear worth a darn now). Thanks Mom and Dad.

BACK TO PAGE 1

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws