News Record from North Hills, Pennsylvania • Page 13

entertainment FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 1983 NEWS RECORD 13 Franklin Park singer shoots for the top Local records first John Scott Mottinger Third Slwy By RICH SOLAS Staff Writer Can the regional winner of a music contest sponsored by a chicken restaurant chain succeed in the world of country music? If you are John Scott Mottinger of Franklin Park, you hope the answer is yes. Mottinger, 30, was named Western Pennsylvania regional winner last September of a music contest sponsored nationally by Kentucky Pried 'Chicken restaurants and locally by radio station WDSY-FM. After finishing in the top 10 among approximately entries submitted nationally, Mottinger has just released his "It's Starting" (Third Story Records, liuaT The album, released in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, has sold ap- soon be nationally distributed, 'according to Mottinger. "The album sales have been going well and with the band providing support, I hope to be going on tour toward the end of the summer," the guitarist and pianist said. Approximately 5,000 more releases are being printed because of the early success of the album.

Although the events of the put three months have skyrocketed and led to an album, Mottinger is not an industry newcomer, having been a musical performer since his days at North Allegheny High School. His first album follows road to country music Mottinger was in Pittsburgh bands in the 1970s such as The Night Riders, The Frying Pan River Band, and Street Choir. He also attended Point Park College as a drama student and appeared in performances at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Many of the musicians In those bands, such as Kenny llughea and- John Wicks, of McCandless and Ingomar respectively, also appear on JhP alh -Mottinger refers to the 12-cut album as "sophisticated" country music, which means there are no titles such as "My Toast Don't Pop Out Of The Toaster Like It Used To." On songs such as "Winter Home," and "Do You Think She's Gone," Mottinger sounds like a cross between Canadian folk stars Gordon Lightfoot and Bruce Cockburn. Good vocalists are rare in country music, but Mottinger's baritone voice is an exception.

Only one song, "Darlin' -You're Comin' Home Tonight," sounds stereotypically country, with Mottinger coming across as a modern-day Johnny Cash on this track. The contest-winning song, "Hero," is the best track on the album and features a soul-searching rendition about Mottinger's twin brother, George, who suffered a stroke-like on one side of his body after an automobile accident in 1976. The accident occurred Memorial Day while John was living and performing in Boston with a band called Bridge Street. Mottinger's brother sustained mr in the accident, but a portable television set he was transporting in the front passen- seat of the auto struck him coma. Although he walks with a cane today, he is much improved following treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital, according to John "The song is an attempt to say to him that the things that made you special before the accident 30 still there with you today," Mottinger said.

Whether about a love affair gone astray or a country home, Mottinger's songs are based on personal experiences and reflections The album features a number of Philadelphia session musicians, including excellent banjo and saxophone work from "Winnie" Winston and Malik Al Kibir, respectively The songs go back as far as 1973, according to Mottinger, who said the first album is an accumulation of his favorite songs the past decade "I probably have about three albums worth of material at home," he said. The album is produced by Wicks, his fellow North Hills resident and musician, who provided Mottinger with plenty of musical freedom in the coordination of the album. Mottinger previously had recorded demo tapes in Cleveland in 1973, so being in the studio was not a new experience. "People often underestimate the work involved in the studio," Mot- WOrtl. hfll.

PjAFVW0Tn Y0CM just gejt tanked and come in and record a song." Mottinger said he has received plenty of musical support from his wife and two children in his endeavor. His job as a sales representative for his father's installation and heating firm also provides him with leeway to pursue a career "I liked what I was doing, but music was more of a challenge." he said. 'Bow Wow Wow' plans to howl forever By REX fllTKOSKI Staff Writer To critics who may believe that Bow Wow Wow is barking up a musi- cah deatftree, Lee Gorman cautions not to bet the house on it. "It may seem like we are (musically) limited," the New Wave rock group's bassist says in a telephone interview from the London, England. offices of RCA Records.

"But we are not. I'm sure we can keep it fresh for years to come. band can con- lines the Stanley Theatre Showcase (half-house theater arrangement) in Pittsburgh. Matthew Ashman, Bow Wow Wow's lead guitarist, has maintained that the group has a "heck of a lot of humor" in its music. Gorman feels that people who do not understand the band perhaps are missing that hu- rto want It to.

ung as we Gorman's optimism shines through the trans-oceanic phone lines on the eve of the British group's new U.S. tour, the release of a new album in which the act has separated from manager and former Sex Pistols rmtnd Malcolm Mcuaren, ana Bow Wow Wow's musical cameo in the yet-to-be-released film, "Scan- delous," starring Sir John Gielgud "There's a lot of humor in the new album," Gorman notes, "It's (the hu- jnnrjmjtwi mP interna. Jional. Humor is a common thing throughout the world." Another reason why some people may not comprehend Bow Wow Wow is all about, Gorman says, is because "We're original and doa't use traditional instrumentation" was blocked by Lwin's mother, who tried to prevent her then underage daughter from coming to the states. onVsTdeblanit'for tone taping! A court battle ensued and Lwin was i.mnioi" eZ.

given the green light provided she was accompanied by a tutor- chaperone. Ashman, a and Dave Barbarossa are the musical founda of Bow WSW Wow. They the future." The recording was released in Britian only on tape, with i side blank for home taping. See Jungle!" was the first U.S. LP.

"The Last Of The Mohicans," Bow Wow Wow's first EP (extended play recording), featured Lwin nude, but played together as the original Ants in Adam and the Ants. Once in the states. BQ returned seven times in one-year. The band has opened for such groups as the Police, the Pretenders and Joan Jett, and headlined Music Television's (MTV) New Year's Eve 1981-82 special. contained the band's biggest American success up to that time, a reinterpretation of the 1960's song, "I nf The group's most enthusiastic reception comes from the younger end of demographic scale.

To older rock listeners who have and, in keeping with a group, quickly won a tag of being controversial. The band's initial musical project! The live concert experience "is the best thing. I love it," according to Gorman. Until the new album, he agreed that the group was stronger in concert than otLvinyfor tape. Gorman says he prefers American He and Afl' FREIHIWIIT CIDER VARIETY OF APPLIES RED GOLDEN DELICIOUS POTATOES HOMEMADE FUDGE PEANUT BRITTLE 607 Wexford Bayne RcL, W0Xford 9:00 P.M.

935-2655 Bow Wow Wow was fnrffipd in loan rnutic with a McClaren pressed Bands now working the DUDS in are copies of what American bands were doing four years fact the latest alburn, "When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going," set for early February re- jease, was produced by Mike Chapr man, wfiosT record production credits include Blondie and the Knack. "This album is our best," Gorman says. "It's more consistent and more exciting than the last one. Working with Mike was very productive. We did 16 tracks (of which 12 are on the disci in three weeks The act will offer a sampling of that ne'w album Sunday when it head- Cmc Theatre plans auditions for 'Gypsy' The New Kensington Civic Theatre I tryouts for its forthcc production of the musical "Gypsy" Jan 15.16,17 and 19.

A variety of roles is available Children of grade school age should audition Saturday at 1 p.m. and young adults, teens to to re- jojt-Sufiday at 1 uTtfOTder adults should- choose either Monday or Wednesday, beginning at 7:30 p.m. both days. Auditions will be held at the 'Knights of Columbus Hall. Leishman Avenue, New Kensington.

For more information, call Bob Stein, the director, at 335-6770. "Buy the album! ten and try totnjqy- Gorrnan give-it for what it is." Bow Wow Wow made its U.S. debut in 1981. surprising people with wild attire and a unique blend of Latin and "records are obsolete, cassettes are GormanTcommeliS. 1 African rhythms, 1950s rock and roTT and Duane Eddy twangy guitar styl- ings, fronted by 15 year-old Eurasian fireball Annabella Lwin, the sensual dancing lead singer.

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A SUNDAY AFTERNOONS FRANKLIN INN 2313 ROCHESTER ROAD FRANKLIN PARK 366-4140 FRUN BROILID LIMON SOLI SATURDAY, JANUARY 15 -SUATEEfr RESH MUSHRQOMS Dinner Includes: Potato, Garden Salad, Rolls, Btvtragt. ALL OCCASION CATERING INTMTAINMINT EVERY FRI. A SAT. SUE REICH AT THE PIANO 8 P.M. 'TIL MIDNIGHT "OLD FASHION GOODNESS" North Hills Village 364-1515 Dine with ut during the of Jan.

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