Mantus

MANTUS

mantus

MANTUS

    With their non-descript album covers many formed their own opinons about who and what Mantus was. Many thought they were a soul/R&B band, others might have thought they were a "studio-group" and a few were convinced they were a hot disco outfit. In actuality Mantus was a legitimate group, moreover a rock group.
     The five man New York based group first came together in 1974. The archtypical bar band was comprised of friends Frank Decresenzo on lead vocals, keyboardist Jimi Maer, guitarist Jimmy Braffert, bassist John Kazmarcyk and drummer Billy Amendola. Playing the local bar scene as Gypsy they developed a minor cult following. As their popularity expanded so too did their repetoire, from cover songs they began injecting more original material and eventually more danceable numbers.
     A name change early on helped them acquire more club dates which eventually expanded to a grueling tri-state touring ritual. By 1978 they were under the management of Will Crittendon. Crittendon, owner of SMI/Willpower records had first noticed the band the previous year.
     The group released their first two 12" singles that year. "Turn Around And Boogie Down" was a weak effort that brought little attention to the group and it seemed they were destined for obscurity. By early 1979 the second 12" single, "(Dance It) Freestyle Rhythm," started receiving club play and when N.Y. radio station WKTU picked it up for airplay it took off.
     The remixed single, by a young John "Jellybean" Benetiz, soared up the charts. It racked up an eight week stint on the radio list and nearly the same on club charts. Naturally DJ's across the country followed suit and it soon gave the guys their first legitimate hit.
     Based on the strength of their two singles Crittendon optioned a full album of tracks to capitalize on their recent success. "Midnight Energy" was released in late 1979. The four track album, produced by Will and mixed by Jellybean, sold well initially. A second 12" single was pulled from the album to help promote it's sales and the group had their second and biggest hit with "Rock It To The Top."
     In 1980 their second album, "Mantus," was released to rave reviews. Their fourth 12" single "Boogie To The Bop" would also be their last. The song shot up the charts and was a bonafide hit but the musical landscape was changing and Mantus had gotten on the disco bandwagon a little to late to sustain them through the disco backlash.
     Rounding out 1980 was a joint effort with Crittendon on Kenny Bee's 12" single "Dance All Night (Til You Get It Right)." The guys played on, and co-produced, the mild hit for Will's SMI label.
     Despite the death of disco the group managed to continue playing the club scene for the next few years. In 1982 they decided to call it quits after nearly eight years. The various members went on to other endeavors some continued in the music business while others pursued non-music occupations. In 1995 the four friends, Jimmy, Billy, Frank and John reunited to record some new music, but as of 2005 the group has had no new hits. Still for a brief disco moment the five Brooklyn guys reigned supreme in the club world. We honor them for their timeless contributions to disco and wish them the best.