Forever Friends

1961 was an exciting time for 6 teenagers from the Jersey Shore. Asbury Park was the home base for Ray and the Darchaes. (pronounced Darshays). They were Ray Dahrouge, Sam Siciliano, Louis Scalpati, Dennis Testa, Sal Capolongo and Tony Juliano. After months of rehearsal and through the efforts and song writing of Ray. They landed a recording contract with with Al Browne, owner of Aljon Records in Brooklyn, NY. The two songs, penned by Ray, that were recorded were 'Little Girl So Fine' b/w 'Carol'. The group stayed together for a number of years singing and recording songs that Ray had written by himself or co-written with Sam Siciliano. Through the years Sam's younger brother Patsy would join the group and replace whatever member was missing. He was affectionately called 'the utility man'. Sal passed away approx 11 years ago. Tony recently re-joined the group but is not singing on this, their latest Album. Ray, Sam and Patsy were honored in Asbury Park as three of the 'Creators Of S.O.A.P.' 'The Sound of Asbury Park' along with great performers like Bruce Springsteen, SouthSide Johnny, Lenny Welch and others. Their names appear on a Monument (plaque) on the Boardwalk in front of Convention Hall. After attempts to secure another recording contract with group, Ray decided to continue chasing his life's dream of writing, singing and producing. His talent was recognized quickly and he recorded for Polydor, Bell, Blendingwell/Epic and others. His songs were recorded by Englebert Humperdinck, Helen Reddy, The Manhattans, Ray, Goodman and Brown, Doug Stone Jeffery Osborne and a host of others. Their first Album 'Ray and the Darchaes 1961 to 2012' featured many of the group's early recordings with two new ones 'From The Heart of Asbury Park' and 'Christmas on the Jersey Shore'. On this, their latest effort...'Ray and the Darchaes, Forever Friends', they demonstrate their musical and harmonic maturity with all 5 selections. Ray Dahrouge, once again, shows his song writing genius, penning all the songs. Of particular note is cut # 5. The group repeats 'Forever Friends' with a tribute to their roots, by ending the song with acappella harmony. So, sit back, listen and enjoy the sound of all original members..

Ray Dahrouge, Sam Siciliano, Louie Scalpati, Dennis Testa and Patsy Siciliano ....'Ray and Darchaes, Forever Friends'