Vaughan Machado grew up on Nantucket Island and began playing the guitar in the 6th grade. “I’d been learning to play the drums in the marching band and then one night I saw Elvis Presley’s debut on TV.” I was immediately taken by his performance and, if the truth be known, by the reaction of the girls in the audience. Singing and playing the guitar suddenly seemed like a very good idea.” “There were no guitar teachers on the island in the 50’s and one would learn what you could from guitar books and from other local players. As I started to play, I was quickly drawn to Rhythm & Blues and performances by black artists like Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, Phil Upchurch, Bo Diddley, Fats Domino and Muddy Waters.”
Eventually, he, along with his childhood friends and musicians David Perry, Nick Ferrantella and Biffy Campbell formed a band. Early on this group took on many shapes but eventually settled as the band known locally as The Dionysians. “We were young, untrained players who learned songs by ear from 45’s. There wasn’t much to do on Nantucket in the winter and so we put a lot of time into our music. We learned to sing harmonies in the tradition of street doo-wop groups and, although we covered a lot of hits, we always added our own style and arrangements to the songs we played.” The Dionysians became an island favorite playing all of the local venues. During their college years, they played summers at Thirty Acres, Nantucket’s first rock “n” roll club. “Looking back, it’s interesting to remember how ambitious and driven we were to learn and perform all types of music.” “We had big dreams of becoming stars and well .... we’re still waiting.”
Life and the Vietnam War broke up the group as 3 of the members went off to the military. Both David and Biffy saw some pretty rough times in Vietnam. After that everyone kind of went their separate ways.
David Perry, an excellent R & B guitarist who possesses a wonderfully sweet tonality, returned from the war and eventually went out on the road with Felix Pappilardi and the band “Mountain” playing rhythm guitar.” He returned to Nantucket, managed 30 Acres for a few years and settled into island life.
Nick Ferrantella, the drummer, was the tour manager for Mountain and eventually spent years as the tour manager for the mega band, “Foreigner.” He became a very successful landscaper on Nantucket and is now producing music from his own studio on the island.
Biffy, the bassist, returned to Nantucket and worked for years in construction on the island and played with local guitar legend, Jimmy Duarte in a band known as The Islanders. Sadly, he passed away a few years ago and continues to be missed by many.
The Dionysians - The Early Years
Vaughan went off to see the world convinced that stardom was in his future. He sang and played in clubs in Europe including London’s Caesar’s Palace. Returning to the states, he settled in New Jersey working as a free-lance guitar player and singer. He was in recording studios a lot backing up other performers on guitar and vocals.
He gained a lot of life experience playing with various groups in every kind of venue and eventually met and formed a band with 3 other extremely talented musicians...John Marerro, an amazingly talented Keyboard player and Percussionist; Bruce Drouin, a fine Drummer and versatile singer; and Frank Marino, Bass player. They performed under the name, “Peace of Mind” and became very popular in the Tri-State area (NY - NJ - CT). “We were a band of good players who were sane, drug free and dedicated to excellence plus we could play every style of music.” “It didn’t take long for us to make a name for ourselves and we worked as much as we wanted without having to go out on the road.”
Peace of Mind stayed together for almost 6 years until one of its members was taken down by health issues. We were doing very well but coincidentally, the Disco era came along and we couldn’t get a recording contract. It was a period where the audiences were not so much into the music as they were with their dance routines and the way they looked on a dance floor. DJ’s were also becoming more prevalent and live bands at smaller venues were beginning to disappear. It was not a fun time to perform. “We had a great run but, like all things, there came a time to move on.
Vaughan came home to Nantucket and, like many locals, worked a variety of jobs in order to afford the cost of living on the Island These included: the Head Tennis Pro at Sankaty Golf Club, High School Radio Sportscaster for WGTF a local station; Real Estate Broker; as well as Assistant Football and Basketball coach at Nantucket High. “I never stopped playing music but started concentrating on writing rather than performing in public.” I set up a digital recording “studio” in my house. It’s an invaluable tool in the writing and recording process. I use it to develop material and produce demos of my songs. It is really not set up to do master level CD’s. That kind of work is done off-island.
In 1987, the Dionysians re-united for a little summer run at 30 Acres and, while it was a lot of fun, they all re-discovered how much work it was to play steadily for more than a week a time. “Our performances drew record crowds to the little road house off Bartlett Road and there were a lot of special nights of music shared with Nantucketers and college kids.
The band re-united again in the late 90’s for a couple of benefit concerts in memory of Biffy Campbell. Julian Stanley (whose father played with Jimmy Duarte in the original 30 Acres Band) played bass for us in two very special island events for local charities. “The turn out was amazing and again a unique spirit was re-kindled between the band and the audiences which was truly special.”
Vaughan met Perry Rossi some years ago while Perry’s band was playing at a Sankaty Golf Club function. “I was immediately drawn to this piano player who could sing and play every style imaginable.” It turned out that, beside being an incredible musician, he was also a very nice guy.”
Over the years, we became friends and eventually got together to record this album at his studio in Pembroke. “I can’t say enough about Perry’s talent and energy.” He believed in my songs and took personal pride in helping me arrange and develop each tune to its fullest.” I can’t thank him enough.
“A Sailor’s Valentine” is the culmination of a dream I’ve had for many years...to record some of my work with top notch musicians.” Perry Rossi helped so much to make this dream come true. I hope listeners will enjoy this album. I’d like to do another one next year. To all the people I’ve played with in my career, I thank you for the experiences, the shared good times and most of all...the music.
(c) Copyright 2006 Vaughan Machado - All Rights Reserved
Great Point Records - 5 Sesapana Rd. - Nantucket, MA 02554