Russell Berke

Certain General came together in late 1980 in the East Village art scene.  Before they ever played a club date, the duo of painter and poet Parker Dulany (vocals) and Phil Gammage (guitar) gained some renown by performing at private parties, art openings and after-hours parties.  The rhythm section for the band was bass guitarist Russell Berke (who had played with free-jazz pioneer Carla Bley) and drummer Marcy Saddy (who was in the Toronto band the B-Girls).  At different times, Certain General was the house band at two legendary New York nightclubs, CBGB and Danceteria. 

(March 2015)