Fotomaker was a power pop group from Long Island, New York who released three albums between 1978 and 1979.

History

The band was formed in 1977 by bassist Gene Cornish and drummer Dino Danelli, former members of The Rascals (although Cornish was guitarist for the group). Soon, guitarist/vocalist Wally Bryson, formerly of the Raspberries was added, alongside guitarist/vocalist Lex Marchesi and keyboardist/vocalist Frankie Vinci.^[1][2] Fotomaker debuted at the newly remodeled Cleveland Agora in early 1978. The 1978 debut release, simply titled Fotomaker, was released on Atlantic Records.

The second album, Vis-a-Vis, was released in October, 1978. It was recorded at The Record Plant studios (used by the Raspberries) that summer on Wally Bryson's suggestion. Vis-a-Vis opened with Vinci's song "Miles Away", which was released as a single and peaked at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100. Wally Bryson had already left the band before the band's third album, Transfer Station. Fotomaker did not tour in support of Transfer Station. The album failed to reach the charts, and the group disbanded shortly afterwards.

Post-Fotomaker careers

In 1997, Gene Cornish and Dino Danelli, along with former Rascals bandmates Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.^[3]

Wally Bryson returned home to Cleveland early 1979, teaming up with Dann Klawon in his band "Peter Panic". Bryson has also collaborated with his son Jesse, in The Bryson Group.

Frankie Vinci has done plenty of TV work, including jingles and music for the Super Bowl, and has written songs for others such as country artist Tim McGraw. He also wrote songs for the 1983 summer camp slasher film Sleepaway Camp.

Discography

References