THE GRINGOS / M.S. AFFAIR

The Gringos were formed in Adelaide in the late '60s and comprised brothers Marcello and Tommaso Gabellone, Miguel Salerno, and vocalist Anna Rys. They sang in seven languages, hosted their own top rating TV show and held down residencies at some of the finest clubs and restaurants in Australia and Europe. Their first record was an EP titled 'Introducing The Gringos' on the Philips label in 1968. Not long after it's release, vocalist Anna Rys joined the band and they recorded their second EP, 'Latin Fun'. The band enjoyed a successful residency at the Trocadero Club playing a broad range of music—all underpinned by Latin American rhythms. Miguel Salerno was Italian but had moved to South America after the Second World War where he developed a love and deep understanding of the music.

The band presented a TV program on Channel 10 in Adelaide and hosted Continental Rendevous every Tuesday night. To begin it aired at 10pm but the program's popularity, particularly amongst the local migrant community, soon saw it moved to an earlier slot where it knocked popular evening show host Ernie Sigley off the top spot more than once. With their unique sound, and outstanding musicianship, the band had no trouble finding work. Moving to Sydney in 1970 they were soon playing regularly at the Summit Restaurant. The international crowd were a perfect match for the group and they recorded a live album 'The Gringos Live At The Summit'.

The band were approached one night by RCA producer Rocky Thomas who had been impressed with their live show and wanted to record them, Knowing that he had produced the likes of Tom Jones the band were keen. Due to their contract with Philips Records they were obliged to record under another name. The newly named M.S Affair (M.S being Miguel Salerno) hit the studio augmented by another female singer Marilyn Andronicus. The group hoped that the track ''More Bananas'' might be picked up by the Queensland banana board but it was rejected for being too risqué. Looking to broaden their horizons, the Gringos relocated to Europe where they continued to win over audiences in bars, clubs, restaurants and casinos. They recorded some new material while there but sadly the tracks were never released.

Members

 Marcello Gabellone (bass), Tommaso Gabellone (drums), Miguel Salerno (keyboards),
Anna Rys (vocals), Marilyn Andronicus (vocals)

References

http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/12/19/3657656.htm