Ron et al.

The Human Condition were a very political band based in Brooklyn, New York, in the 1970s. Members, who were all in their late 20s to mid-30s back then, included at various times Bev Grant, Mario Giacalone, Gene Hicks, Jerry Mitnick, Peter Farnese, Frank Negron, and perhaps others whom I cannot recall. They all came from working class backgrounds and had real roots what were then the blue collar neighborhoods. So in addition to the leftish gigs that you would expect, they also played dances, block parties, rooftop barbecues, and street fairs. Their high energy music was hard to classify. Think of it as basic rock and roll with kick-ass vocals and lots of folk, blues, and country influence. But isn't that what baic rock and roll is?

The Human Condition turned out at least one LP, maybe more. Bev Grant is still a very active performer, a top-notch songwriter, a concert producer, and the director of the Brooklyn Women's Chorus. I believe Frank Negron directs a school somewhere in Brooklyn. I don't know what became of the others.

--- Steve