The Illusion -

The Illusion was an American psych-rock band from New York that released three albums in 1969/70 on Steed Records.

Keyboardist Mike Maniscalco regrouped with drummer Mike Ricciardella and guitarist Rich Cerniglia for a 1976 album in hard-rockers Wiggy Bits. Maniscalco and Ricciardella reunited with Illusion-vocalist John Vinci in the band Network, which issued two 1977/78 albums on Epic. In 1986, Cerniglia and Ricciardella teamed a third time in melodic-rockers Aviator. Cerniglia also played on the 1974 Hall & Oates album War Babies and served in Ellen Shipley’s backing band.

Members: John Vinci (vocals), Rich Cerniglia (lead guitar), Mike Maniscalco (keyboards), Chuck Adler (bass), Mike Ricciardella (drums)

Background

The Illusion originated in 1964 in West Hempstead, New York, when high-school doo-wop singer John Vinci formed The Five Illusions. By 1965, the group included Mike Ricciardella, Steve Burg, Howie Blume, and Frank Carrillo. Ricciardella came from the Creations, a local band with bassist Chuck Alder. The Five Illusions played a basement club in West Hempstead.

Alder started guitar at age twelve and switched to bass around fifteen. He played in the Uncalled Four and the Arrivals. Alder met Mike Maniscalco in the Dell Sonics and Ricciardella in the Creations. Ricciardella won a New York State drumming competition at sixteen. Guitarist Rich Cerniglia played from age ten and accompanied acts such as the Shirelles and the Ronettes by his mid-teens.

Burg and Carrillo left the Five Illusions, while Blume departed for military service. Vinci and Ricciardella recruited Alder, Cerniglia, and Maniscalco. The revised lineup comprised singer Vinci, bassist Alder, drummer Ricciardella, lead guitarist Cerniglia, and guitarist–keyboardist Maniscalco. The group adopted the names Five Illusion (singular) and The Illusions, then modified the latter to singular form.

The Illusion developed a live act with five-part vocal harmonies, elaborate lighting, sound effects, and custom stage clothing. The group performed at the Action House in Island Park and toured nationally from March into November 1967 with Mitch Ryder. On September 16, they shared a Singer Bowl bill in Queens with the Rascals and the Vagrants. The band also appeared at Steve Paul’s Scene in Manhattan.

Producer Bob Crewe signed the Illusion to DynoVoice in December 1967, with Ryder assigned to their debut single. DynoVoice issued “My Party” in April 1968 (b/w “It’s Groovy Time”); Ryder produced the record and co-wrote the A-side. The band continued with engagements at Leone’s, the Village Theatre, and Ungano’s in New York City.

By November 1968, manager Mark Alan represented the Illusion through his newly established New Beat Management company. Producer–songwriter Jeff Barry signed the group to Steed Records in December. Barry selected his song “Did You See Her Eyes” for a January 1969 single (b/w the group-written “Falling in Love”), with plans to produce the debut Illusion album.

Discography:

The Illusion (1969)
Together (As a Way of Life) (1969)
If It’s So (1970)

Resources and notes

Illusion, The — Formation of the Five Illusions in 1964 by high-school senior John Vinci, based on a correction attributed to Vinci himself. (Acid Visions)
The Illusion — Dennis Folger biography incorporating recollections from early associate Lance Folger and bassist Chuck Alder. Covers the original lineup, personnel changes, earlier groups, instruments, West Hempstead performances, Mitch Ryder tour, and initial recordings. (Great East Coast Bands)
Illusion to DynoVoice — December 16, 1967 announcement of the Bob Crewe contract and plans for a Mitch Ryder-produced single. (Record World)
Billboard, December 23, 1967 — Page 18 industry report confirming the DynoVoice agreement, Mitch Ryder production arrangement, and concert activity. (Billboard)
Billboard, April 20, 1968 — Contemporary review of “My Party,” DynoVoice 914, identifying Mitch Ryder as producer and crediting the composition to Weiss–Ryder. (Billboard)
45 Discography for Dyno-Vox/DynoVoice Records — Catalog listing for the 1968 Illusion single “It’s Groovy Time” / “My Party,” DynoVoice 914. (Global Dog Productions)
The Illusion — 1967 Concert History — Dated appearances at the Singer Bowl, Action House, and Steve Paul’s Scene. (Concert Archives)
New Beat Mgt. Owned by Alan — November 16, 1968 report describing Mark Alan’s management company and listing the Illusion among its clients. (Billboard)
Steed Inks Illusion — December 21, 1968 announcement on page 36. Identifies Mark Alan, Jeff Barry, the Steed contract, New York performance venues, and plans for “Did You See Her Eyes” backed with “Falling in Love.” (Record World)
The Illusion Inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame — October 17, 2023 account with firsthand recollections from Chuck Alder and Mike Ricciardella concerning the original concert presentation, Long Island venues, and early audience. (LIMEHOF)