Los Angeles rockers, CHARLOTTE release ‘Self-Titled’ album
The CHARLOTTE story began in upstate New York in 1984 when Eric Ganz (vocals) and Shawn Ferjanec (bass) formed the band right out of high school with the pair being joined by Vinnie Cacciotti (guitar), and Dave Bazicki (drums). Relocating to Los Angeles in the autumn of 1986, CHARLOTTE would go through several rhythm sections until the lineup of Ganz, DiBacco, Cacciotti, ex-Masi member Chris Colovas (bass) and Eric D. Brewton (drums) was complete. Some back-and-forth banter between the band regarding the so-called “sins of mankind” led to a conversation about legendary women who left their mark on history through less than reputable means which in turn led to a discussion about the legend of Charlotte the Harlot, the most beautiful of whores. Seeking symbolism, the band shortened the name to CHARLOTTE, then barreled ahead full throttle.
After a year or so in Los Angeles, CHARLOTTE began the transition from what had been a glam image to something less interested in fitting into the scene and much more focused on the music. “We transformed pretty quickly,” Eric confirms, “and never really considered ourselves a “hair” or metal band but simply a ROCK band, nothing more nothing less.” Initially, their sound was heavily influenced by the likes of Judas Priest, Mötley Crüe, and Ratt but by the beginning of 1990, CHARLOTTE’s music was drawing off more varied influences from Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Aerosmith to The Doors, Howlin’ Wolf and Willie Dixon, providing the blues-drenched hard rock stylings heard on their later material. “We weren’t afraid to go out and play a ten-minute song at a time when three minutes was not only in fashion but almost mandatory.”
CHARLOTTE frequented the stages of iconic venues such as Whisky a Go-Go, Roxy, Troubadour, and FM Station, to name a few. However, it is The Whisky that holds the strongest memories for Eric, “We played there more often than the rest. We felt at home there. Dark and raw, it has such a great history and it reeked of rock n’ roll. Although we did get banned a couple of times due to drinking, fighting, starting a fire, and a few broken mirrors!” However, beyond the fun times and tight brotherhood loomed a band hungry for success, as long as that success came on their own terms. They had edged away from the hot, commercially viable, cinch-to-market glam-rock sound in favor of a style that pulled from a wide range of influences, but that was who they were, and they refused to alter their identity in order to cram themselves into an easy-to-categorize mold.
But no matter what, just like the harlot after which they are named, CHARLOTTE’s legend and legacy continue to live on. Production Credits:
Marc DeSisto – Don Henley, Pink Floyd, Tom Petty, U2, among many others. Marc also received a nomination for a Grammy Award for “Best Rock Album” for his work with Melissa Etheridge.
Track-Listing:
1. Siren
2. Medusa Groove
3. Zoo Of Hearts
4. Little Devils
5. Woman Behind The Eyes
6. When I Need You
7. Got Love On The Line
8. Miss Necrophilia
9. She Get It Up
10. Changes
11. Roadhouse Of Love
12. Mistreated
13. Rock City USA
14. Tough Love
15. Vicious Nature
16. She’s On Fire
17. All Tied Up
Charlotte is:
Eric Ganz – Lead Vocals
Nick DiBacco – Guitar
Vinnie Cacciotti – Guitar
Chris Colovas – Bass
Eric D. Brewton – Drums
