Rick Agosta More Sugar February 2016

Westchester County Rocker Rick Agosta Walks His Way

Written by Jacque Roche

Rick Agosta caught the rock ‘n roll bug early with the release of the Beatle’s, “Paperback Writer.”  The ride took off in ’66 when his father Peter, a manager at the Local Shopwell, befriended a mischievous young lad by the name of Steven Tallarico, a budding musician.   Peter took an interest in the youth’s life becoming his first manager.   This roguish young rock star came to be known to the world as Steven Tyler.  Agosta recalls. “I guess you could say I was not only smitten by rock 'n roll … I was Aerosmitten”!  During the years his father was managing Tallarico (Tyler), Rick recalls hanging around at shows while Tallarico’s band, The Chain Reaction shared bills with superstars such as; The Yardbyrds, The Birds and The Beach Boys.

Growing up in the shadow of the awe-inspiring Tallarico while witnessing the rise of Tallarico’s star, Rick absorbed the life lessons of how to put out a record.  “All the rehearsals, shows and persistence led to having an actual 45 on my Victrola,” Agosta recalls.   These are hard lessons one can only learn from experience, and the Agosta household was bursting with rock ‘n roll instruction!

It was a natural progression when he and his brothers, Peter and Paul started writing songs forming their first band, ”Fastball,” while following the advice of their idol, Tallarico who said, " you'll never get anywhere playing other people's music."

In the early ‘90’s Agosta and his writing partner, Michael Cerullo were recording at The Loft in Bronxville.  Matt Noble, who had achieved notable success himself with platinum records (Rhianna, Rod Stewart & Michael Jackson), produced some of their music and became a mentor to the prolific writing duo with credits including; a song on Keisha Jacksons’ debut album on Atlantic Records in 1990.

Fast forward to 2013.  Agosta reconnected with Noble and along with Cerullo formed an Americana Rock Band by the name of The Burbans.  Together the trio wrote and recorded their first song, “Blame Someone,” for their first album, “Bleep the Burbans.”  Their second album is entitled, " Burbans 'n Blondes " and a third "Burbans on Ice" is scheduled to drop in February.

In 2014 Agosta and Noble incorporated Big Fan Records.  They currently have several projects on the front burner, with the ice blue eyed Agosta the ring-leader, juggling with his quick wit and infectious good humor.  The label currently has 6 artists: The Burbans, Jodi Melendez, Michael Hammond, LTL, The Hug Revolution and the most recently-signed, Lords of Twang.

We’ve only scratched the surface of Rick Agosta and his crew over at Big Fan Records.  If you’d like to keep up with Rick, Big Fan Records, his partner Matt Noble or any of the artists on their label, follow them on Facebook at either Big Fan Records LLC or The Burbans.  Other options; their website at: http://bigfanrecordcompany.com, YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJmDcu3mrIdL_S4mTdoKCOA , or follow Rick on Twitter at @mrrickhits.

Jacque Roche is a “More Sugar” contributor, author of a weekly “Positive Insights” newsletter, booker, FB Jedi Master and host of, Jacque’s Giant Hudson Valley Music Show on 103.7 WPWL, streaming Thursday from 8-9 pm EST on www.pawlingpublicradio.org.  Can I tell your story?  Send an email to: jacquebutterflypresents@gmail.com.