Echoing melodies

Jack Maravell knows as well as anyone that music brings memories that can carry us back to our youth, and he wants to give recognition to the musicians who have provided this experience.

Maravell has forged the online conglomeration known as the New Bedford Musician’s Hall of Fame. Begun more than a decade ago, this Facebook page celebrates and encapsulates an ever-growing collection of memories that could only have happened through the music being made in New Bedford and the local area. It is a format that is open to anyone willing to post and share images and anecdotes of the city’s past performers.

“Live music meant a lot to people who would go out to enjoy bands every weekend,” Maravell says. “It was a situation where you met friends or you may have met your fiancée. After 30 years you can forget certain things, so this page may be a connection to a forgotten but enjoyable time. There may be some great memories waiting for people, something surprising or rewarding. It’s a good thing to chronicle.”

Maravell points out how special live music was for people in the New Bedford area.“

Live music was a part of people’s workweek – you would see a lot of the same people going to the same clubs to see many of the same bands,” Maravell recalls. “We would go see bands every Saturday night, that was our life back in those days. There are a lot of memories for musicians as well as the audiences.”

Among the clubs of the day were Smuggler’s Den, Billy Woods Wharf, Chippy’s, Alhambra’s, and the Bullpen, as well as the New Bedford VFW and the American Legion.

When Mavarell began the page in 2009 he did so by referencing local acts such as Butch McCarthy, the Shakers, and the City Lights band.

Today, the page has more than 2,000 followers.

“When you start something you’re not sure if it’s going to work,” says Maravell, a guitarist, pianist, bassist, and songwriter. “It’s like writing a song – you don’t know if people are going to like it. But it’s been something that has taken off by itself. I’m not making any money off of it. It’s an historical page for the people of New Bedford."

Maravell says the page has become a “treasure trove of pictures” – an opportunity for everybody, both musicians and fans.

“We’ve got pictures going back to the 1940s and 50s, pictures that children have of their fathers performing. Because of the developments in technology that began in the 70s and 80s there are more photos and videos available of performers. You don’t have to be a musician to be a part of it. Anyone can post a memory.”

Maravell says the page has become a “treasure trove of pictures” – an opportunity for everybody, both musicians and fans

Although Maravell is the editor of the page he encourages all musicians and fans to post both video and anecdotal memories of their youthful heyday.

“I had the idea for the Musicians Hall of Fame 30 years ago, before the Internet,” Maravell says. “There were Halls of Fame for athletes so I thought, ‘Why not celebrate the accomplishments of local musicians?’ Finding a building to post photos wasn’t feasible at the time but when Facebook came along I knew I could do it.

“There’s a lot of history out there and it’s good to have a legacy.”

Good vibrations

Today Maravell resides in Florida. On his resume is a 25-year stint with Beatlemania. Maravell is the editor of the Hall of Fame page and makes an effort for people to chronicle history and not just promoting current events.

“This page gives us the opportunity to reminisce about our early years,” says Gary Brown, a 68-year-old guitarist based in Mattapoisett. “To be a part of that page and look back at all the photographs of other local musicians is a treat. You can look back at all of the people you used to play with in your early days. There’s a lot of history there.

“It feels good to be recognized by your hometown,” Brown says. “There’s a camaraderie of people I’ve played with and the club owners we’ve played for. You came in contact with a lot of people who really enjoyed your music. I feel good that people are celebrating those days, whether it’s the musicians, the clubs or the audience.”

“A lot of the time people will post something that gives you a flashback to an era, a club, or a band,” says Tommy Souza, a 69-year-old bassist and vocalist from Fairhaven who has played with The Exciters, Dave Alves, New Shoes, and Neal McCarthy. “It’s nice to recall bands and clubs from back in the day. This page provides a lot of information and memories about players from this area.”

Brown says that the “New Bedford Musicians Hall of Fame” is relevant to younger musicians.

“This page is an opportunity for players to learn what’s gone before them. When you look at all the young kids coming up there’s a lot of young players with a lot to learn. I think they can learn something from this page.”