Chunky, Novi and Ernie ("Ilene Rappaport," Novi Novog and Ernie Emerita) were a strange group who released a couple of LPs for Warner/Reprise in the 1970's. Their first self-titled album, released in 1974 and selling about 18 copies...I'm one of those folks that bought it... is something of a forgotten classic, co-produced by Ted Templeman (Doobie Bros.) and John Cale (Velvet Underground).
"Chunky," who called herself "Ilene Rappaport" at this time, first came to my attention on Frank Zappa's GRAND WAZOO album, where she was a vocalist. She was simply credited as "Chunky" on that album. When I heard that John Cale was producing an album for her band, I had to check it out.
"Underground," side 1, cut 1 on the first (and best) CN & E album is a tune that radio had no business ignoring. In fact, Montrose covered the tune on their PAPER MONEY album, where it also resides as side 1, cut 1.
After the demise of CN&E, Chunky began calling herself "Lauren Wood," and had a sizable hit with "Fallen," which found its way onto the PRETTY WOMAN soundtrack.
Novi Novog plays the distinctive violin solo on the Doobie Brothers' "Black Water."
I don't know what the heck happened to Ernie.
Neither CN&E album as been officially released on CD, though it's rumored that their first album was briefly available as an expensive Japanese import.
What jogged my memory about CN&E is the previous posting on this blog featuring Rodriguez performing on Letterman. I swear that the woman playing the keyboards in the center of the soundstage is Lauren Wood. But I'm probably wrong.
