New Harmony
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

When you meet the guys from New Harmony, and hear them talk about singing group harmony, two things stand out  - just how much they love doing what they do and just how dedicated they are to this art form.  And that love of group harmony and dedication comes through in everything they do - from their recordings, to their live performances, to their web site and group promotion.  The guys of New Harmony are working hard to keep group harmony alive and well!

The members of the group each come from different backgrounds. Start with Anthony Todaro (lead and baritone).  His family owned a luncheonette in South Philly with a jukebox filled with the records of the day.  Anthony recalls as kid hearing guys singing on the streetcorner near the store.  Years later, the store closed and Anthony ended with the 45's from the jukebox.  It was those hours of listening to vocal groups that sparked Anthony's interest in singing.  "I always enjoyed good singing, whether it be  doo-wop, gospel or pop - it didn't matter - you hear that harmony you know its there."

Then there's Joe Indelicato (lead and baritone) .  As the group's vocal arranger, Joe is New Harmony's official vocal "ear."  In 1957, Joe was in the military and started singing with some other guys.  They stayed together after leaving the military and eventually they pursued a singing career in Cincinnati.  In 1960, they formed the Twi-Lighters.  The group was later signed by Fraternity Records and in 1961 they recorded To Love In Vein.  The group found success with the record and appeared on television and radio as well as public appearances.

Then you have Chuck Federico (first tenor).  In 1959, Chuck was with the Clientelles (MBS Records) and recorded Church Bells May Ring b/w My Love.  That group was together for three years and some of the members went into the military.  After leaving the military, Chuck started singing with local groups until forming New Harmony.

Finally, there's Buddy Rhodes (second tenor).  Buddy is the "baby" of the group  - this is his first group harmony experience.  But growing up in Philly and spending 15 years with the Mummers, Buddy has certainly been exposed to great music.
 

The group formed in response to an add in a local newspaper - Joe, Chuck and Anthony met and started singing together.  "We did a lot of three part harmony," recalls Chuck.  It didn't take long before the guys realized that they had something special.  "We knew we had something after the second or third time we got together," recalls Anthony.  However, realizing they needed a fourth member, the guys put out another ad and found Buddy.  That was five years ago, a fairly good amount of time for a contemporary group harmony artist.  "We have our ups and downs like any group.  Fortunately, we're together, we plan to die together," comments Chuck half-jokingly.  While none of the guys plan to expire anytime soon, the point is well taken - this is one tight group.   They face they same challenges as other contemporary singing groups.  Chuck comments that "becoming a team," is the biggest challenge for a contemporary group harmony artist."  These guys have gone beyond a team - they are "brothers."
 

Like all other contemporary groups, New Harmony has its own recordings.  But these are no ordinary contemporary offerings.  There is a unique level of professionalism in their CD recordings - both from a performance and production standpoint.  Their new CD - Yours Truly - includes a terrific mix of classic group harmony selections and original material.  On Yours Truly, the group's harmonic ability shines through, as well as their songwriting and creative talents.  Beautiful harmonies and melodies abound on such songs as Hear in My Heart (written by Anthony in 2000); This Is Living Without You (co-written by Anthony and Mike Saia in 1977); Kiss Me Again (written by Joe back in 1961); and Come to Me (written by Joe in 2000).  And not to forget the classics, the group does an incredible job on numbers like the Skyliners' This I Swear.  Just from listening to their CD's, you can tell that the group spends hours refining their sound and ensuring that the recording quality of their CD's is top notch.
 

As for the future, Joe says that "regardless of where we go, we've made it a point to enjoy ourselves every step of the way."  "What we've become is a family," says Anthony.  "If the Lord above keeps His hand on top of us, as He has, we'll probably be together."  "If we broke up tomorrow, I'd probably have to still go over their house," jokes Buddy.  These are four best friends having a great time doing what their doing - and they, and us (their audience)  are richer because of it.

Click here for the New Harmony web site and to order their CD's.