Bonnie - CLOSE YOUR EYES (Gold Star Studios) (1965)
NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED - (Warner Bros. 5817) Out of Los Angeles, this beautifully atmospheric disc by Bonnie was recorded on October 20th, 1965 just three months after recording the Phi-Dan records release, 'Home Of The Brave'. Once thought to have been the work of Phil Spector, this magnificent production as well as 'Home Of The Brave' was the work of Jerry Riopelle. The story goes that supposedly Gold Star Studio engineer Larry Levine, played for Spector, a tape of Riopelle's production of Clydie King's 'The Thrill Is Gone'. Spector was so impressed that he took him under his wing at Philles Records from the summer of 1965 throughout 1966. Lead vocals on 'Home Of The Brave' were once rumored to be that of Miss Veronica Bennett of The Ronettes. The rumor proved to be be false as vocals were handled to perfection by session singer/songwriter, Charlotte O'Hara (Charlotte Ann Matheny) who was christened that name by songwriter Al Hazan and Gold Star engineer Larry Levine for her 1963 Ava Records single, 'What About You'. On both 'Home Of The Brave' and 'Close Your Eyes', lead vocals were by Charlotte with background vocals supplied by Sherlie Matthews and Clydie King while later, Marva Holiday and Nancy Padron performed with Charlotte as the 'touring' Treasures. 'Home Of The Brave' was credited as by Bonnie and The Treasures while the Philles master of 'Close Your Eyes' leased to Warner Bros. records was simply credited to Bonnie.
The 'Wall Of Sound' never sounded as good as it did on these two Jerry Riopelle produced Bonnie singles. L.A.'s "Wrecking Crew' hammered out the powerfully explosive backing tracks and the deep, rich echo was supplied courtesy of Gold Star's iconic echo chamber.