The Skatt Bros. were viewed as Canada's "straight" answer to America's Village People. But in actuality there were quite different. The original lineup was: Sean Delaney - Keyboards, Pieter Sweval - Bass, Richard Martin-Ross - Guitar, David Andez - Guitar, Richie Fontana - Drums (Guitar) and Craig Krampf - Drums. The second installment was: Sean Delaney - Keyboards, Pieter Sweval - Bass, Richard Martin-Ross - Guitar, Richie Fontana - Drums (Guitar), and Danny Brant - Guitar.
     These talented men were as diverse as the music they played. Producers Ian Guenther and Willi Morrison happened upon these lads in Ontario, Canada in 1979. The producers had already established themselves in the disco world with hits for Southern Exposure, Sticky Fingers and T.H.P. Having extraordinary vocal abilities, and with each member being a songwriter, came the creation of a diverse and eclectic catalog of songs which encompassed many formats, such as Pop, Dance, Country, R&B, and Rock 'n Roll.
     Their first album, yes they had more than one album, was chocked full of all the different sounds that one could imagine. Most discophiles only remember their hit single. Some of you may remember the other album hit "Life At The Out Post." But "Strange Spirits" is more than those...just listen to "Dancing For The Man" or "Fear Of Flying" two of my personal favorites.
     But the real "classic" is the song that has earned them a place in The DiscoMuseum..."Walk The Night." A rousing, yet brooding song that growls and thunders along till it's quirky end that takes on a doo-wop ethereal turn.
     Band members David Andez and Richie Fontana penned the number that went to #-9 on Billboard's Club Play list in 1980 and topped many charts around the world.
     A remixed 12" single helped propell the album into cult status. The 12" and album are now considered collector's items and fetch huge prices at on-line auction sites.
     The original line-up enjoyed the fruits of that album. It brought them engagements all over the world. But timing is everything and theirs was just a bit too late. The album recorded and released in 1979 saw them entering the game at the end of disco's reign. 1980 brought new sounds and record company jitters. Thus no follow-up single was released as Casablanca was going through major changes, they lost Donna Summer, Neil Bogart died and eventually they were absorbed by Polygram. But The Skatt Bros. held on, milking that glorious hit for all it was worth.
     They too had their changes, most notably in their line-up. Polygram absorbed them in the buyout and allowed them an additional album. Oddly enough it wasn't released here in America but only in Australia and on the Mercury Records imprint.
    "Rico & The Ravens" saw the Bros. take a radically different turn leaning more towards their rock-ish roots. The album's cover shows the guys in 1980's rock regalia. The album did spawn two club hits "Oh, Those Girls" and "Heat Of Passion."
     Their popularity was enormous in Australia and before disbanding in 1981, they also recorded what Billboard Magazine called, "a sledgehammer version of Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel," recorded at The Record Plant in Los Angeles. This was issued as a single only. The Skatt Bros. toured Australia (including Tasmania) in 1981, with the group Men At Work as their opening act.
     Sean Delaney, keyboardist, producer and songwriter passed away on April 13, 2003 from a stroke. Delaney was born in 1945 and besides his work with The Skatt Bros. he was also partially responsible for helping sign KISS to Casablanca Records and produced Gene Simmons. He also co-wrote "Rocket Ride" and "All American Man." We are saddened by his depature.
     Piet Sweval continued as a session bassist and is most noted for his work with Looking Glass as well as the Skatt Bros. sessions. He too passed away in the early 1990's leaving another void in the musical world.
     Richard Martin-Ross and David Andez have vanished after their work on "Strange Spirits."
     Craig Krampf has been very prolific since the Skatt Bros. appearing on albums by everyone from Alabama, Kim Carnes and Joan Armatrading to Warren Zevon, The Motels (member) and Santana.
     And Richie Fontana has worked with KISS, Billy Squier, Piper and during the late Laura Branigan's career peak in the 1980's Fontana was her key tour drummer....we honor these gentlemen for their singular contribution to Disco History.....thanks for all the "Strange Spirits"!
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