You have no idea how happy this news makes me. Dromedary Records offered my musical career one its earliest shots in the arm. This was thanks to a compilation released in 1992 titled “Nothing Smells Quite Like Elizabeth” which featured a ton of great music from New Jersey-based independent bands.
The label was founded by friends Al Crisafulli and Rich Grasso. They’re goal was to record, release and promote music that they felt deserved to be heard. And if you think that is the reason any label is started, well then you my friend are not in the music industry.That was what struck me about them when they first approached my band (Ya-Ne-Zniyoo) regarding that compilation.
I’d heard the many splendored pitches of countless so-called labels that insisted on money up front. It seemed so common, that my naive mind thought it was the norm. After our first meeting, I naturally asked Al how much it would cost for us to be included. He looked at me like I had three heads. He told me that any label asking for funding from the bands is no label at all.
After releasing critically acclaimed music from bands Footstone, cuppa joe, Melting Hopefuls, The Mommyheads, and Godspeed by the turn of the century, the label halted. The passing of Rich Grasso after losing his battle with cancer and Al trying to run a label while raising a family proved to be too much.
Never losing his passion for independent music, Al continued to support bands thru his blog and articles for Jersey Beat. Then, in late 2009, came an announcement that made many of us in the New Jersey scene quiver and smile.
Dromedary Records was coming back! It’s first projects would be to reissue two of the best releases of the 1990s. One is a limited-time, free digital download of “Wobbles From Side To Side” by Footstone.
Coming shortly after will be a full blown CD and high-quality 256kbps MP3 release of Footstone’s acclaimed debut “Lippy“. It’s re-release will be celebrated with the band’s first show in ten years at Maxwell’s (Hoboken) on February 6, 2010.
If you’re a fan of indie music, then you’ll want to join me in welcoming back a true believer to the scene. Buy the music. Go to shows. Support the bands. This was— and is—the battle cry of Dromedary … and should be yours as well.
It’s good to have you back Al!
See Also:
Dromedary Records
Footstone
Maxwell’s
Jersey Beat
