“Way back up in the woods among the evergreens, there stood a log cabin made of earth and wood, where lived a country boy named Libero DeAngelis.”
All right, while perhaps not quite as catchy as the beginning of Johnny B. Goode, the reference is appropriate as DeAngelis, a
Shamong resident for 31 years, released his first album “Movin’ On.”
“I’ve been writing for years. I write a lot for my kids and for my grandkids,” DeAngelis said. “So I finally just decided to record my own songs.”
Though DeAngelis has collaborated on other musicians albums, this was the first he wrote while also providing the instrumentals and vocals. The process was not without its challenges.
“It’s an interesting process. When you’re writing, it sounds perfect in your head. The hardpart is making what you hear in your head actually happen on the recording,” DeAngelis said with a laugh. “So you change how you play certain parts or sing certain parts of the song. Making things sound as you thought they would. Working through that was a lot of fun.”
DeAngelis says his work is influenced by The Beatles, and in hearing the album, listeners will no doubt hear classic rock and roll vibes.
“That’s the music I love and love to play. The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Steely Dan,” DeAngelis said. “The CD is definitely for those that like classic rock music.”
Much of the album was recorded in DeAngelis’ home studio, but he also recorded at Gleeson Studio in Moorestown.
“Tim Gleeson is great. He mastered it and did the production work on the album as well,” DeAngelis said.
In keeping with his love of classic rock, DeAngelis also plays in the band “Friends.”
“We’re a group of friends who have been playing together for 30 years. We have a good time, enjoy the music,” DeAngelis said. “We play late 1960s and early 70s rock. A lot of Beatles, Tom Petty, The Doobie Brothers.”
What pushed DeAngelis to record his own songs was the support of his family.
“They were really supportive of it, and really the album is for them. To listen to, to enjoy,” DeAngelis said. “Hearing their reaction has been very cool and a lot of fun. It’s something that is a lot of fun to share with them.”
“Movin’ On” is available on iTunes as well as www.cdbaby.com. For more information on “Friends” visit www.friendsclassicrock.com.
