Comic Tales’ lead singer, songwriter, and trumpeter Robert Whaley previously fronted NYC rock legends, the Niagaras. With a penchant for interpretive dancing on tabletops and hilariously satirical rants on a broken childhood, Whaley electrified national audiences with appearances on Good Morning America, the Oxygen network, and Fox. The Niagaras were a hugely popular staple of the Manhattan scene for nearly two decades, attracting celebrities, controversy, and packed houses along the way.
Seeking a return to the R&B roots that got him into music in the first place, and informed by an almost pathological aversion to anything post-1974, Whaley joined forces with talented newcomer Aaron Wyanski as pianist and arranger. Along with industry veterans Michael “Miguelito” LaMorté (Mini-King, Grupo Miguelito) on bass and longtime Niagaras drummer Dylan Wissing (Johnny Socko, Novel), the group has crafted an organic, literate, deeply-grooving collection of semi-autobiographical songs.
Written in a tiny studio bursting with 20th Century literature, and inspired by a massive collection of obscure vinyl, Comic Tales of Tragic Heartbreak have managed to create a sound and a show which is both timeless and cutting-edge. The sweat-drenched performances and the rapidly-disappearing ability to deeply engage and entertain a crowd really leave a lasting impression. Sounds like hype, until you experience it in person.
