The Sound Of Two Bongos

Written By Mike Greenblatt
James Mastro and Richard Barone

James Mastro and Richard Barone

James Mastro of The Bongos and Ian Hunter’s band will reunite with fellow Bongo Richard Barone on May 30 back in their Hoboken hometown at The 503 Social Club to pour forth songs from their recently re-released duo album, 1983’s Nuts & Bolts, originally produced by Mitch Easter (R.E.M.). It’s more acoustic, like folk-pop, full of harmony and hooks. Mastro will obviously tap into his Dawn Of A New Error album, a worthy contender for a 2026 Top 10 slot.  

Shortly after Nuts & Bolts came out on Passport Records, Mastro and Barone signed with RCA for the debut of The Bongos. They had only supported the duo effort with a handful of live shows before Passport folded, making the vinyl/cassette release something of a collector’s item. Iconoclassic Records has now re-released it for the first time on CD.

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Mike Greenblatt

MIKE GREENBLATT has been writing for Goldmine magazine and New Jersey's Aquarian Weekly for more than 35 years. His writing subjects fill the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's interviewed Joe Cocker, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, and members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He was 18 when he attended Woodstock in 1969.

In addition to writing about music, Greenblatt has worked on publicity campaigns for The Animals, Pat Benatar, Johnny Winter, Tommy James and Richard Branson, among others. He is currently the editor of The Jersey Sound.

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