History:

The Bill Stack Combo was a lounge / jazz band from the Chicago area in Illinois. The band was started by William J. "Stack" Szczesniak. His stage name was Bill Stack. He worked as a welder and steelworker in Chicago while leading his band. 

His combo consisted of himself on drums, vocals and was their bandleader. Conrad Frelly handled vocals, piano, and cordovox (for those who don't know this is an electronic accordion that sounds like an organ). Rounding out the group on horns and vocals were Dick Wathen on sax and Don Sohan on trumpet. 

The quartet recorded and released one album, "Bill Stack Combo" around 1977. Most of the members I believe were in their mid 40's at this point. The band did primarily covers of jazz and pop, but a few odd covers (Carpenters and Jim Croce) snuck into their set. The album was pressed independently and is extremely obscure. Not sure if the group made any more recordings. Stack lived a long life and passed away in 2019. 

Review:

Bill Stack Combo (1977, Not On Label)

Rating: 7/10

Just for sheer novelty I almost gave this album a 10/10 because I like some of the tunes so much. This is kind of melancholic and slow lounge / easy listening with a good Autumn / Winter vibe (like the cover!). The opening track, "Shadow Of Your Smile", is a great version with echoey lead vocal and nice cordovox soloing. I like the subtle horn solos during the verses too. Great tune!

"Close To You" has some Kaplan Brothers-esque harmonies and a ton of solo spots. Very long trumpet and cordovox solos. Nice version. "Little Things Mean A Lot" is great too with a nice vocal and good horn work. "Behind Closed Doors" has a good dual vocal during the chorus and "My Way" is just downright strange. Rest of the album is mediocre. A mellow but goofy lounge listen overall.