the past

The earliest beginnings of ‘Allison’ go back to 1986. These early years where spent with songwriting, country-wide gigging and studio productions. This continually developed and progressed their musicianship to not only meet the requirements of the music business, but also to satisfy their own high expectations of themselves.

From early on, ‘Allison’ worked with established and internationally renowned Studios and Producers like the Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Holland and Producer Joey Balin (DORO, Warlock, Nazareth etc.). With these important experiences, ‘Allison’ developed the foundation for the successes that were to follow.

In the early 90’s, and with only a small number of personnel changes, Janet LaRose (Vocals), Pierce Baltino (Bass), John Cassia (Guitars), Dan Putelli (Drums) and Pat Visser (Keyboards) completed the original line-up with which ‘Allison’ would come to excite fans and critics alike far beyond their own borders.

The 1993 debut release ‘ONE’ was recorded and produced by Benny Dellinger entirely in the USA. It convinced with catchy, creatively crafted songs and skillful musicianship. It immediately entered the Swiss Charts where it stayed for several weeks, receiving consistently positive reviews. ‘ONE’ was released throughout Europe with the hit single ‘I’ve been waiting’ being played on high rotation by various radio stations. This would soon bring with it more and unexpected opportunities.

The internationally renowned fashion retailer ‘C&A’ used the songs ‘Sometimes’ and ‘I’ve been waiting’ as soundtracks for their TV ads, which would be on regular rotation on the German Stations RTL and MTV.

In 1994, the song ‘I’ve been waiting’ was re-released in a new version called ‘Dreams of glory’, which was chosen to be the theme song for all Football World cup related shows by the German TV giant ARD. This was followed by more gigs in their home country as well as abroad were they played headline shows or opened up for international acts like ‘ASIA’, ‘Pink Cream 69’ etc.

In 1995 ‘Allison’ released their follow up album ‘Wonderland’, which showcased their growth not only creatively, but also in their musicianship. ‘Wonderland’ was entirely recorded, engineered and produced by the band themselves, mixed in Los Angeles by Claudio Cueni and presents the band in the heyday of their creativity. Again, the album easily entered the Swiss Charts and paved the way for their career
highlight-event to date.

On the 10^th on June 1995, ‘Allison’ played the sold-out ‘St.Jakob Stadion’ in Basel, Switzerland as opening act for ‘Thunder’, ‘Van Halen’ and ‘Bon Jovi’. In only half an hour their high energy show brought the crowd of 55,000 screaming people to boiling point. A film clip, which can be found on the internet, acts an impressive time capsule of this amazing event. Never before (nor after) has a Swiss Band rocked in front of such a large home crowd.

Until the mid 90s, ‘Allison’ have created a body of work that left its genetic footprint on the music history of Switzerland and beyond. Unfortunately, their hard work eventually took its toll on the band when they were unable to replicate and build on their earlier successes. Eventually, in 1998 ‘Allison’ disbanded. But even after the separation, all members stayed true to their love for music and continued to work, sometimes together, on various music projects.