RICK IACOVELLI'S MAGNUM OPUS

IT BEGAN IN 1985, Mystery on the Beach, a CD release/art expo over thirty years in the making. Local artist, musician, and self-described Mod, Rick Iacovelli will be unveiling his three-decade-old project this month at the Bundy Museum of History and Art. The time given to this project is present in both detail and workmanship. It is a combination of visual art, music, and film that not only entertain, but also tell a story. Iacovelli created a concept album in which each song leads into the next, like pages in a book. When the tracks are put together into an album, it becomes one story.

“[The story is about] all my life but fictionalized too,” he explains.

Iacovelli describes his music as “semi-autobiographical” for more reasons than one. Not only has he combined his life story with fiction, but he also played more than half of the instruments that appear in the album. Mystery on the Beach also features Jeff Stachyra on the drums and guitar, and John Kanazawich on piano and reading poetry. As for Iacovelli, he is recorded playing the bass, piano, organ, omnichord, guitar, and vocals. Each recording has been pieced together into a song that is part of the larger story within the album.

“It’s layered, like a painting,” Iacovelli describes.

Another layer to this mystery is its transcendence through time. When hearing the album, you are quite literally listening to the past and present coming together to make sweet, beautiful music. Iacovelli’s recording dates span between 1985 and 2015, yet they sound as if they could have been recorded on the same day; the blend is seamless. Like most great things in life, it seems music can improve with age. Mystery on the Beach could be considered the musical version of an aged wine that has finally hit the perfect vintage. After being plucked out and years of seasoning and blending, the recordings can now work as one to share Iacovelli’s story.

It is a story that is not only a piece of history, but has also been influenced by history. Iacovelli has found inspiration in the greats of the past. From Charlie Chaplin, to the Beatles, to Alfred Hitchcock, they are present in each of Iacovelli’s chosen media. Most of all, possibly, was his friendship with George Harrison. Iacovelli’s artwork will even include a tribute to Harrison’s All Things Must Pass album cover. Iacovelli calls the CD release/expo a tribute to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and the Mods. It is truly a tribute, as the tracks seem suited for vinyl. The influence of the 1960s and ‘70s can be heard in each one - a manifestation of a different era in music.

“[It’s] all the stuff that inspired me, that influenced me, and evolved after the album was finished,” he says.

Once the recording was completed, Iacovelli found himself inspired by his own music and decided to create the artwork as well. Each album displays his own original drawings. In addition, Iacovelli made one hundred individually drawn, limited-edition covers. Each cover is more unique than the next, with illustrations depicting timeless scenes and headline script. Some of the drawings are inspired by the song titles, while others are influenced by famous figures of the past. Iacovelli did not stop at the album covers. He also orchestrated an entire expo of audio and visual entertainment.

“The music came first and it evolved into an art project,” Iacovelli says.

Even if you are not a Darwin fan, this event is sure to be well adapted for all to enjoy. Musical notes evolved into visual displays on paper, canvas, and film hit every sense and then some. There will be pen-and-ink drawings and watercolor paintings on display, as well as an illustrated book Iacovelli created based on his memories, influences, and experiences. A silent film will also be shown accompanied by live music, including a Basher reunion with Tony Tedeschi. Mentalist Robb Riddel is to perform as well. It’s no mystery that this should be an exciting and entertaining event.

Iacovelli states that this love for art and music began at a young age. He was fond of comic books and enjoyed drawing and painting as a child. Iacovelli was greatly inspired by Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, and Binghamton’s own Jules Gotay. Aside from a short stint in the classroom, he was mostly self-taught in both fields.

Iacovelli’s music background was cultivated in a unique experience. His father, a restaurateur, also worked booking gigs for the Fountains Pavilion in Johnson City. Iacovelli recalls falling asleep on the sandbags backstage while listening to Bo Diddley perform only a few feet away. It was a childhood that, with no surprise, sparked a love for music within this local performer and artist. Still, he believes that his experiences and influences sparked from something that was already within him: a Mod, a Mocker, waiting to break free.

“There’s no real beginning or end of when I started [making art and music],” he continues. “That’s why it’s called the past, the present, and what is laughingly called the future.” Iacovelli would like to make a special mention to the Bundy Museum (Eric Eckman and Janna Rudler), Peter Townshend, and the late George Harrison. He would also like to thank the Yardbirds, producer Jeff Stachyra and mystery producer Dustin Grimes, and John Kanazawich.

It all happens at 2pm on Sunday, May 15th at the Bundy Museum of History and Art, 129 Main St, Binghamton. Admission is free. Food and refreshments will be provided. Artwork and CDs will be available for purchase.