Jazzy R&B group originally known as The Apocalypse. The group played mostly instrumentals. They performed extensively throughout Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania college circuits, frat parties, and night clubs. The group frequented the Americana Club on Washington Boulevard and was also seen at Wilson’s Lounge, and the Ambassador Theater. Members included John Shorb (alto sax), Tony Capuano (guitar, vocals), Greg Novik (bass, guitar ex-Resumes), and Oggie Hamilton (drums, vocals). Tenor saxophonist Gene Meros (ex-Shelley’s Emeralds) joined the group in 1965.
The following tracks recorded by The Apocalypse circa 1967:
In the late ‘60s the group went through some personnel changes and became known as the New Apocalypse in 1968.
The group recorded and released an independent single circa 1968 on their 511 E.43rd.St. Records label (the address of their band house) as the New Apocalypse Featuring Eugene Meros on sax “The Labyrinth” b/w “The Trashpile.” A 1968 single release featured the song “Labyrinth” and “Junkshop.” Their jazz-rock instrumental singles were produced by George Massenburg and Greg Novik at Recordings Incorporated.
They traveled to New York in 1969 and recorded an album on MTA Records. Two singles were also released from the LP. The MTA lineup consisted of Greg Novik (guitar ex-Newports, Novikanes), John Garrison (bass), Keith Vinroe (trumpet), Christopher Lynch (organ –is actually Mike Meros ex-Shelley’s Emeralds), Gene Meros (sax), and Dennis Meros (drums). The Meros Brothers had their own group earlier and also played with Shelley’s Emeralds.
The group split up in 1971. The Meros Brothers continued to perform (see bio). Vinroe joined A New Day. Novik went on the road with Earl Lett (from New Haven, CT – leader of Ike & Tina Turner’s horn section) and toured throughout the East Coast and Canada. Throughout the ‘70s he did countless studio recordings including many radio jingles and sessions with artists such as Roger Pace, O’Donel Levy, Aleta Greene, Richard Lake, Joanne Dodds, Alana Shor, and others. He later played for Special Edition until starting his own business Greg’s Bagels in 1979.
Greg passed away in 2017.
1968 511 E.43rd.St.Records The Labyrinth / The Trashpile
1968 ID 2614 Junkshop / Labrynth
1970(LP) MTA 5017 Stainless Soul
1970 MTA 185 Stainless Soul / Wichita Lineman
1970 MTA 190 Stainless Soul / Last Train to Liverpool
