Unidentified photo - lets make it known!

Another year slips away and I am honored to have so many people interested in what we do at 60's Indiana Band Szene.

E*mail is both blessing and curse. It's rewarding to get the morning mail and find cool sounds, photos, and the occasional question about a band. however, last week arrived and behold, a photo that was labeled "Jinx Dawson w/ Sir Winston and the Commons"  and another that was John Medvescek (drummer) of  Sir Winston.

I received the dreaded "that's not us" from Joe Stout (keyboards and sax) from Sir Winston, and confirmation that they never played or even jammed with Jinx (who obviously this may not be). Jinx Dawson was a member of "Him, Her and Them" before splitting off to form "Coven".

As always - any guesses, speculation, real or imagined, are welcome. Let's finish off 2014 with a bang and nail this down!

And as always - thanks for reading and contributing!

A Letter to Santa - Idle Few - 1966

Merry Christmas 2014!

From the Idle Few to you!

Bill Compton
John Chappelow
Rick Webster
Ron Bennett
Dan McLean
Ron Knoop
Paul Romine
Greg Taggart
Mark Grey

Just a wonderful Christmas ditty from 1966!
Ready for 2015?

Kandells - Shelbyville 1965-66

April 1965, just a year and a couple of months after the Beatles started the revolution on the Ed Sullivan Show, we have some local talent trying to gain the fame, and maybe the girls that the Beatles were sure to attract. The Mystics are one of the first bands I posted on the blog. Now looking through my files on 1965 I run into an ad I had overlooked. The Kandells however have been tragically overlooked here.

Calling Shelbyville home, the Kandells played for a couple of years in and around Shelbyville before most of the band moved on to Miami.


Left to right:
Jimmy Hoff - keyboards
Steve Kimbrell - rhythm guitar
Jack Hignite - lead vocals & guitar
Phil Smith - lead vocals & bass
Dan Theobald - drums & vocals

Check out the utility panel truck that served as a rolling billboard and transportation. As some may have guessed, the Kandells morphed into the Stix & Stonz with minor personnel changes. But that is another entry another day, and one I am looking forward to.

Thanks to the Columbus library for the ad, and as always thanks Fred D. for the photo!  

Chris Allen & the Good-Timers - 1967

This is one of those 45's that we all have, it's from Indiana, of that you are sure, but it's showing no evidence of who was involved in the band. Chris Allen & the Good-Timers. Let's accept that Chris Allen was the leader of the band. Where are you Chris Allen?

My Imagination is surely an original, penned it says by A. Wright, but with no leads on that we move to...
Sorry 'bout That sounds familiar, a Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs tune.

The 45 is a Rite pressing, (for non-gear heads, that means it was pressed in Cincinnati), so we can easily date it from January 1967. I put this up on the sister Facebook site and no one was able to identify who was in the band. I'm sure they have been located as Richmond or Union City have been fingered as the locale of the band.

Any ideas, real or imagined are appreciated.

Wright Brothers - Tim Wright - Not the Destsination

Published in 2013 - Not the Destination - A spiritual, musical journey in the Wright Brothers Band.
Written by Tim Wright, encompasses the life and times of the Wright Brothers Band, a strictly Indiana product.

Also for the 60's Indiana Band Szene fans, stories of the "Suns of Summer", "Knightsmen", "Fourmost", and the "Quintones".

It's a good read, and most of us will relate to the Stable Inn, and the story of a band that played mostly in bars, but didn't drink!

December's Children - Muncie

Muncie was quite a little band mecca in the 60's. With Ball State university and a number of clubs to play, many bands flourished . Thus we welcome December's Children.

Band members included:

Greg Hood  - organ
Steve Justin - guitar
Lance Paulson - bass /sax
Jim Parrott - drums
J Michael Henderson - guitar

I know that Greg was involved with the "Jades" and JM Henderson was in many bands including the British Walkers and has a great solo career, not to mention he performed at a couple of the WNAP Raft Races that we attended in our long forgotten youth.

As research goes, I found this little teaser about a 45 from the band, playing on a "Tally" jukebox. of course my first instinct says "I must have this". fast forward a couple of years later, and the 45 arrives in my mailbox. So let's hear this long lost nugget.

Keep on Runnin'

99 and a Half

Both are covers (or remakes) of the popular tunes of the day, but they both stand up pretty well today.

May thanks of course to the band that did the work, and J Michael for the band pic, and to all my readers who keep me going!

Impacts - Anderson - 1965

Summer....the best time of the year. Summer is winding down here in south central Indiana. The Impacts, hailing from Indianapolis penned and performed a nice summer ditty "Summer (the best time of the year)" with a decided Beach Boys flavor. Bonus points for including the Westlake Beach and Dance club, and although they miscalled the US Nationals as the Summer-nationals, they worked that in also. 

Flip the 45 over to the a-side and we have "Lindae". perhaps a label misspelling, but it continues the evident Beach Boys influence with a nice ballad. Both songs are credited to Duane Henry, so they are undoubtedly originals.    

The known members (left to right):

Ron Drew - bass

Duane Henry - guitar 

? - drums

David Wiese - guitar

The Impacts are known to have an earlier (1964) 45 on the same Anderson label, but I've haven't seen a copy yet. I'm told it's more surf based, like that's bad! 

Wonderful little recording from the Impacts, glad I have it, and look forward to learning more about the boys!                                                                      

Clean Machine - Kokomo - 1967 State Fair Winners!

The Indiana State Fair starts tomorrow, so when better to use it to introduce more Indiana bands. The Clean Machine took top honors amid competition with nearly 200 groups. Previously known as the Royal Blues (featured here):
Standing:
Don Douglas - sax
Tony Artis - trumpet

seated:
Jim Roepstorff - drum
Mark Hilton - organ
Frank Watters - vocals
Rick Sutton - lead guitar
Steve Turner - bass

This is as far as I can go, now it's time for the 60's Indiana Band Szene team to assemble and fill in the blanks!

Group Inc. - Gary - 1966

Sometimes you are motivated by sad news. One of my local record collecting acquaintances showed up in the obituaries today. And truthfully, this blog would not exist if Brian Marshall (and his co-host Todd Lucas) didn't do one first for me to emulate. So in tribute, I'll re-post his blog post of this 45 (from Aug. 2005).

"This particular item comes from Gary, the same place by the lake that gave us a certain group of Jacksons. (We won't go any further than that.) It comes from Staff Records, the same label that also gave us that rarer-than-your-grandma's-dentures Back From the Grave 2-sider from The Aztex' "I Said Move" and "The Little Streets In This Town." Lastly, this is two sides of crude teen angst just for you.

Take a listen to "Just Call Me Up" and you'd think the kids had barely had enough time to rehearse the thing before they recorded it. There's a point before the guitar break where it's obvious that they're stumbling to stay on track. They do manage, but just barely. I'm not saying it's completely inept or anything, just not tight, that's all. Despite all that, though, it's actually a pretty darned good teen punk mover.

"Like A Woman" is even better. Here we have a strong example of girlfriend putdown in which the crude guitar playing only enhances it. And you get three guitar breaks for the price of one. Since this is the A-side, it sounds like the kids decided to use whatever minimal instrumental prowess they had and just go all out. That they did, and the result is a teen punk classic good enough for "Garage Punk Unknowns" or maybe a future "Teen Blast" comp. What I'm saying is, if "Like A Woman" isn't comped, it should be. (It may be, but I don't have the time to follow those things, so if you feel like filling me in, please do.)

Should we rack this one up as a fave? Yes, I think we should. And I'm keeping it. So there!"

OK, so I have the Freeport early '66 re-issue of the Staff 45, but at least I have that. So if you would, wind up the turntable, put your favorite 45 on and tip up a glass of the beverage of your choice for  Brian, may he rest in peace!

Phase II Productions - Laporte - not the Endd!!!!!!

Moving up north to LaPorte, Indiana, we find a terrific 45 with a speculated origin. Turns out I was mostly wrong, but with a smidgen of correct! Phase II Productions was not a later incarnation of the Endd, but rather a band with Russ Sanders involved in the production / recording of the 45. And it was Russ' label to be sure. 

Introducing Phase II Productions:

 Jim Tallerico - 

Carl Szawica - Drums

Tom Kowalski - Bass

Sadly Carl passed away June 1st of this year (2014), and the whereabouts of Jim and Tom are suspect. Too bad, as they should be recognized for this effort. 

Stop!

One Down and Seventeen More to Go

Recorded at the Chess/Checker studios in Chicago, Dave Purple of the "Cryan Shames" was producer with Russ Sanders interning on the boards. Russ had a recording studio in the basement of his home, but this effort was unusual in that both sides were recorded in another studio and released on the Seascape label. 

Now we need to firm up the #506 seascape label release (if there is one).

Thanks to Roger, Rory, and the rest of the LaPorte team for the info and inspiration!

 

Sir Winston and the Commons

Don't fear that we are out of gas yet, o' 60's Indiana band szene friends! Like many, many of you, I work for a living, and sometimes I work more than I play.

But the mailbox sometimes brings treasures and that treasure will be shared!

Behold a tape of the last Sir Winston & the Commons recording sessions. The date is correct - June, 1969. Any interest in hearing the contents?

At this point "Sir Winston" was a three piece band, featuring:

Ron Matelic
Herb Crawford
John Medvescek

It's not the fuzz fest of "We're Gonna Love" but it has a certain charm.........

Tomorrow's Yesterday - Virgil Murray

Daleville she says. Where in the heck is Daleville, he wonders as he reads the e*mails as she exposes a hometown hero, Virgil Duane Murray. Muncie outskirts is the answer. Early 1968 is the time a young Virgil fronts "Virgil Murray's Tomorrow's Yesterday" she explains. Hmmm, he wonders as he sifts through the dusty vinyl trove that is the 60's indiana band szene life blood. Bingo! 

Virgil Murray's Tomorrow's Yesterday:

Virgil Murray - Guitar - lead singer

Paul Fields - bass

Ron Smith - keyboards

Bill Jordon - horns
Jerry Vickery - drums

I Still Care
Summer Dreamin'

Virgil went on to win a Grand ol' Opry contest in 1975 and recorded some county music as Duane Murray. Still at it today and has a strong fan base. Seems Paul, and Bill have all passed away.

Tomorrow's Yesterday "I Still Care" is a strong dance floor filler and a memorable tune written by Virgil and others....who is L. Huff and E. McGuire? Recorded in Detroit and released a Kool Kat label and thankfully Tommy Wills Airtown label also.

Special thanks to Joyce for the promo pic and putting up with my questions. Thanks to Virgil for the thumbs up on the post!

Chalets - Black & Blues - Anderson

Dateline 1964, Anderson, Indiana - the Chalets stick their toes into the music szene. Armories, VFW's, teen clubs, and school dances kept many bands working and doing well. Info about the vast majority of these bands is scarce, but that's why we do this!

The Chalets were:
Bob McDonald - guitar - lead vocals
Greg Kopko - lead guitar
Dave Robinson - drums
Rick Lundgren - bass

The Chalets don't come up often in the legends of 60's Indiana bands, although they are rumored to have competed and performed well in the Indiana State Fair battle of the Bands. I have to find that article.........

But as always it seems, the band members go their separate ways and the band is lost to time. Bob had other plans.

 1967, Bob McDonald regroups and forms the Black and Blues.

Bob McDonald - guitar - lead vocals
Craig Davis - lead guitar
Kim Kopko - drums
Gary Redick - bass

Yep, another Kopko, what's the odds of that? Kim is the brother of Chalets member Greg. The Black & Blues played in Anderson and hit the east and west coasts touring. And thankfully, they left two 45's for our listening pleasure!

Come To Me / Bye Bye Baby (Nov. '67?)

Candy Castles / Mid Summer Night's Dream (1968)

I'll go out on a limb and say the Bye Bye Baby was a Chalets tune since it is credited to both Greg and Bob. The remainder are penned by Bob. There may also be some connection between Kim and Steve Miller (Fly like an Eagle, etc) that needs exploring.

Olivers - Le Scene - unreleased LP and more!

Great, where do I start? I asked that question in February 2007, when I started this blog. I had no idea where it would lead, or if I could even do it for any period of time, or more frightening, if anyone would look or listen.
Welcome to post #200! Starting year #8!

Today I present a special video I cobbled together. The Olivers are no strangers to the Indiana 60's fans or of this blog, and many have witnessed the band as they performed at the legendary club Le Scene in Fountain Square, Indianapolis. Luckily some wonderful soul photoed the band! For the first time anywhere, here are some interior photos of Le Scene, with the Olivers!
And that music, you ask.....
In late '68, the Olivers ventured to Minnesota to record their original songs. The deal was made, photos taken, but the record was never pressed and sold, but thankfully an acetate made it out of the studio. The Olivers had NEVER heard their own recordings until that acetate (one of a kind!) had surfaced. Seven songs (of  twelve recorded) survive, and in very safe hands! What you hear is a clip that was presented for sale, that i forwarded to the band members, and asked......is this you? Incredibly, the answer was YES!

So enjoy the music, look back into Le Scene, and keep the 60's flame burning!

Sons of Soul - Ft. Wayne

Lots of "Sons" out there in Indiana garageland. Sons of Sound, Suns of Summer, Surf Suns, and now the "Sons of Soul". Photo sent by friend of the blog Wil Babcock (Jersey Chains). Other than most of who's who, we don't have much to go on here! Hailing from Ft. Wayne, circa 1966 - '67.

L-R (front then back)
Kenny Ellis - organ
Jerry Hertog - drums
Danny Yabarra - bass
Mike Taylor - singer
???? - lead guitar
John Brincefield - rhythm guitar

Applause to the guys for giving it a go, and any ideas about the lead throat - give us some help!

Don't forget to join us next week for our 7th anniversary posting!

SMAK - Indianapolis

Sometimes the most obscure bands yield the most interesting stories. SMAK is one of those bands. Look at the photo, bass player in kabuki makeup and that 'fro! Drummer with the kit a bit low, and dig the guitar player with, well, the look and late 60's hippie gear. (I'm a guitar geek and I love that axe!) *Note - Gene e*mailed and told me that he was NOT wearing make-up, he's just a natural night-owl! At least he laughed!*

Introducing SMAK:
Darrel Rose - drums
Dan Agriostathes - guitar
Gene Cothron - Bass

Darrel showed up earlier in the blog -the Emperors - to which Gene responded "Darrel Rose was the drummer for Smak, later on. Later still, he opened the D.Rose chain of video stores in and around Indy."  And that opened the door to SMAK. Gene didn't mention that he also was part of SMAK, but later he confessed that he was guilty. Dan was previously in "Dan & the Del Tones" and later "squidd" (which is another interesting story).

Showtime! Darrel said I could use the tunes, which may or may not have been released, details are fuzzy! The recordings were made at Ohmit's Studio, East 10th St. in Indy.

Side 1
Side 2

Listen and enjoy the un-named tunes from the band. Look for a follow-up soon!
Thanks Darrel for the tunes and photo!