ABBADON - David Spurgeon - guitar,voc / Link Summers - guitar. (Contributed by Robin Overall) Robin writes: "The original band consisted of Darrel Roberts-lead vocal / John Quilian-drums / David Spurgeon-guitar / Rene Guerero-bass / and David Barrett-keyboards. Later on, Rene's brother Omar Guerero took over drum duties. The music was mostly original with a few obscure covers thrown in."
ABNER BURNET AND THE BURNOUTS - (Contributed by David Sumners) DS writes: "1970-1975. I spent some time on the River Walk playing at Casey’s B-B-Q with Abner Burnet and the Burnouts. That band recorded an album at the old ZAZ Studios with Abner on vocal and guitar, Joe Kerr on keyboards, Paul Burnet on lead guitar, Cindy Gephardt on drums ( Chris Gephardt of Flash, little sister)and myself on bass. I spent many hour at what we called the old “ Brewery” which is now an art museum downtown , listening to Ralph Straub go maniac on his hot rodded Hammond organ. I also toured a lot with Greg Forest,singer /song writer and the fore runner of the Texas Tune Stranglers both here in the Texas Hill Country and Northern California. Greg still plays to this day out of Kerrville with bassist Ronnie Leatherman of the 13th Floor Elevators and a member of the Texas Music Hall of Fame."
ACE PANCAKES - (Contributed by LIZ) liz writes: "A band that I did not see mentioned on your website was a group called Ace Pancakes. They did a lot of Little Feat (ie. Dixie Chicken, etc.). I saw them in the late 70s at the Village Inn and Cooter Brown's."
AFRICA - (Contibuted by Chuck Balcar) CB writes: "Frankie Collins joined a band called Africa that I was in right after he got out of prison (Mike Clancy, Bobby Darilek on drums and Rick Garcia on bass. He then fronted Watermelon band with Gary E and Ricky Z. and which at times included David Dobbs and Danny Cowan and later Jimmy Spacek all on lead guitar. He is now "Frankie Hollywood" and plays harmonica blues on the east side of San Antonio."
ALEXIUS - (Contributed by Mike Taylor) MT writes: "It was a rock band I played bass for, based out of Churchill High School. We were a Sam Kinsey band, & played our share of gigs, at the Teen Canteen, in addition to numerous parties and clubs. We formed in late 1976, and played up until around mid 1978. The groups was made up of Rick Nelson - lead guitar,(dad was a football coach at Trinity Univ.), Bill "Butch" Morriss - guitar and his brother David - drums (family owned Arrow Glass Co.), Roe "Sam" Haney - lead vocals, and myself - bass. I have not heard from any of them, since about 1980 and have no idea, if any of them are still involved in music. Reading your column, brought back some great memories....seems like a lifetime ago."
AMARETTO - (Contributed by Skip Mascorro) SM writes: "Amaretto was my next band involvement, an interesting "cross country" style turn for me. The line up included the affable John Michael Ramirez ( Caldwell Music & River City Music). Is there a musician anywhere in the San Antonio area that can't call him "friend". John, Peter Carey, a drummer named Paul and then later young Billy Carey, and a sweet and fun front lady named Beth Williams made up Amaretto. I was overjoyed to have my alarm go off ten years later in El Paso one morning and hear Beth getting air play on a local country station. I understand Beth has become quite a Texas songwriting diva and resides someplace in the Hill Country." (Contributed by David Sumners) DS writes: "Amaretto 1976. Beth Williams was the featured vocalist. Often playing without drums, this combo had different players from John Michael Ramirez and Greg Forest on guitar, myself on bass (and others I’m sure ) and sometimes a drummer. The details are a bit hazy on this one. Mostly gigged at the Town Crier."
AMYR - (Contributed by Steve Denney) SD writes: " ('78-80) Steve Denney (guitar), Mark Stone (keys), Henry Carrera (bass), John Carrera (guitar), Andy Toth (drums). A jazz / fusion band I put together while still in high school (Roosevelt) at the age of 17. Heavily influenced by Weather Report, Pat Metheny, AlDiMeola, etc etc. We did all original tunes, and recorded at Dune Recorders off of Bitters Rd. Turned down by every major record label in the U.S. - I still have the stack of rejection letters, and thought about including copies in our promo package under the heading "Critics Rave!" Played at a Sunken Gardens Battle of the Bands in 1980 (and probably baffled most of the crowd). Broke up shortly thereafter; there was just no market and nowhere to really play for this kind of music at the time. Henry, John, and Andy went on to play in a band called Manic Shuffle."
ANGEL - (Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D) Danny Cowan - guitar / Phil Moran - voc,harp / Ricky Wells - bass,voc / Brent Hoy - drums. Phil writes: "A really great group, hot, heavy, and tight..... Supertight! (Real good equipment too!). This band formed 3-4 months after the breakup of Aransas with the core members reforming as Angel. This is the band I quit to join...(you guessed it)...OVERLOAD. My only regret was that Danny, Ricky, & Brent were really pissed at me for leaving when things were going real good. Sorry!"
JOE ANTHONY - (Contributed by Steve Denney) SD writes: "OK, so he wasn't a musician, but this guy supported local bands like few other DJ's. KISS-FM / KMAC-AM was one of those great "underground free-form" stations that are waxed about nostalgically today. Joe, the "Godfather of Rock & Roll", had station manager Lou Roney's blessing to pretty much program whatever he wanted. I discovered so many bands listening to his shows - UFO, Garfield, Billy Thorpe, Chris deBurgh, Scorpions, Al Stewart, Judas Priest, Triumph - jeez, this guy was all over the map. They had a "KISS Homegrown Hour" that used to feature recordings by local bands (they even once played a cassette demo that my jazz-fusion band, Amyr, had recorded). I recently had the pleasure of meeting ex-Triumph guitarist Rik Emmett at an outdoor festival in Massachusetts that both our bands were playing at. When I told Rik I was from San Antonio originally, he remembered Joe and Lou right away, as they were responsible for breaking Triumph in the U.S. Rest in peace, Godfather!"
APOCALYPSE - (Contributed by Bobby Flores) BF writes: "I wondered if you'd ever heard of a dance-rock-top 40 band back in the 70's called Apocalypse? I did a gig with them and George Chambers together once, both bands at some big function in SA. They were a really tight band and sounded great. I remember the guitarist was a guy named George Morin or Marine? Great player." (Contributed by Vel Espinoza) VE writes: "Apocalypse used to play in San Antonio and Houston. Your write up on the band mentions a guitar player named George Morin. George Morin is a San Antonio jazz trumpet player (see Momentus). GM never played guitar so maybe it was another George that played with Apocalypse. Momentus used to play clubs in the east side of San Antonio (like Little Hut). They played NCO Clubs, too. I saw them play in Fort Worth once (circa 1975)." (Contributed by Brenda Hutchison) BH writes: "Apocalypse - in your band archives, there is a listing for them, but no-one remembers any names... The lead singer was Ambrose Fernandez, and the other band members were Benny? (bass), Anthony? (guitar) and Bones? (drums). They regularly played at Heaven Nightclub."
ARANSAS - (Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D) Danny Cowan- guitar / Matt Keating - bass / Brent Hoy - drums / Dave Braden - vocals (later replaced by Phil Moran - voc,harp), Paul Kandera - guitar,voc (joined later lineup). Phil writes: "Damn, we were good. This was my "Dream Band" until Paul Kandera left. We didn't make enough money, and Paul had to go to work installing sprinkler systems. I got tired of duking it out with other members and I also left after a while." Core members would reform as Angel (see listing)
ARCHIE BELL AND THE DRELLS - (Contributed by Monica Domingue) MD writes: "Archie Bell and the Drells' number one hit was "Tighten Up," which was recorded long before they once played where I once worked from 1973-1976, at Dean Scott's Village Inn (formerly a pizza parlor changed to an entertainment hall named after singer/entertainer, "Dean Scott"; now retired), here in Houston."
AUTOMATIC - Mike Lowell writes: This band was basically a renamed version of the great SA band SEABREEZE. This name change took place about a year prior to the band moving to the Houston area where they renamed themselves EAZE and made a few minor member changes. See the SEABREEZE listing for more info.
AZURITE - (Contributed by Bubba Henze) BH writes: "Steve Hines (lead guitar), Bubba Henze (rhythm guitar), Phillip Hines (bass) and Johnny Rodrigues (drums). Hard rock cover band. I was asked to join the band just before graduation in '75 from TR Roosevelt. The other members had been gigging in the Universal City area under the name Dead Rat. We changed the name to play the Teen Canteen and soon doing the same gigs as Heyoka, Razz and other local groups. Played several times at Charlie's Quarter Place and another pool joint named Bookers. After a year or so I began doing sound and lighting work for clubs and other bands. It's led to a career in stage lighting."
BEARDED FORTUNE COOKIE - Danny Cowan - guitar / ? / ? /? /
BEES MAKE HONEY - Jay Hoyer (the queen bee) -voc / Keith Owens - guitar / Steve Owens (honey luscious) - guitar / Marius (Bubba) Perron - bass,voc / Laurent Perron - drums,voc.
BEHEMOTH - (Contributed by Freddy Carrillo) FC writes: "Behemoth was the house band at B'Wana Dik's on the river walk back in the early 70s. Their drummer for a good time was Leonard Wong, former leader of the band "Timepiece"."
BERG'S MILL SYMPHONY - about 1979. no info yet
BITTERSWEET - Mike Lowell writes: Here was a band that I remember catching at The Canteen on many an evening around 71'-72'. It was a four piece with 2guitars, bass and drums. I remember that 2 of the guys were brothers, Rick and Ron Plumley on bass and drums. They did pretty descent versions of typical FM radio hits of the day. All in all respectable group of players. They all seemed to be nice guys as well. They had the typical look of a hard rock act at the time. I came to hear from Tommy Taylor that this lineup was actually an ill mis- named act. It turns out that a former band from several years earlier (69'-70') featuring Tommy and other name players had made a real name for themselves in the area as Bittersweet. This new lineup caused somewhat of a stir because they adopted the same name even though it was a totally different outfit. I hear the problem was resolved when this new lineup renamed themselves "Springfield West"
BLACK ROSE - See Photo HERE Scott Byers - guitar,voc / John David Martinez - congas, voc / Roger Santos - bass, voc / Mike Workman - keys, voc / Mike Kennedy - drums. (Later members would also include Rob Overall - guitar, voc.) (Thanks to Chris Holzhaus for data) Mike Lowell writes: This band was a huge draw and big money maker for any club featuring this act around 78'-80'. The music was generally based around the culture of Jackson Browne tunes and genre, which they played with great skill. A big hit with the ladies, the members put forth a charismatic charm without taking away from their dead-on musical talents. A year or so after the breakup, Cher would front a band of the same name - no relation. (Contributed by Robin Overall) Robin writes: "Original members were Scott Byers, John David Martinez, Roger Santos, Jeff Crissler, and Rusty Adams on drums. Later Jeff would be replaced by Robin Overall but would return to the band later and Rusty Adams would be replaced by Mike Kennedy. Mike Workman came later on. Made a 4 song EP which received local radio air play." (Contributed by Mike Workman) MW writes: "Feb82-Aug84: Blackrose started as a trio in 1980, or so. John David Martinez, Scott Byers and Jeff Crisler did lots of guitar work and harmony. I know the order but not the exact times when some of the guys joined up. Roger Santos joined on bass to make it four, and then Rusty Adams joined on drums to make it five. When Snapshot was at our peak, we started seeing flyers for Blackrose at Cooter Browns. In Feb80, I was looking for a gig and Blackrose hired me. Then we were six. I always described us as the original classic rock band. We did Jackson Browne, CSNY, Eagles, Joe Walsh, Steely Dan, Dan Fogelberg, just about anyone that was big - and good - in the 70s. We also had a bunch of originals - some 10-12 we performed nightly during stretches. Mike Kennedy came along after I was in the band a year when Rusty decided to get out. We had some great touring through OK, AK, and LA before coming back to the Austin/Houston/Corpus/SATX staple tour. John David was the next to quit after another year or so. The late John Donahoe replaced him for six months or so when the band broke up. I still feel that Blackrose's contribution to music in South Texas was significant. Our management was good for what we did, but didn't have the organization in place to take the next step." (Contributed by Hunter Harrison) HH writes: "John David Martinez (Black Rose) is playing in a faith and worship band in S.A. these days."
BLITZ - (Contributed by Albert) Albert writes: "70's Judas Priest sound alike band from houston had heavy rotation on Kmac at the time."
BLUE HARMONY - (Contributed by Brenda Hutchison) BH writes: "A jazz/disco/cover band called Blue Harmony - Patsy Torres was the lead singer, one of the musicians was named Hugo. They regularly played a club down on Fredricksburg Rd @ Zarazmora. I can't remember the name of the club."
BOBBY JENKINS AND THE JADES - (Contributed by Stephen Shelfer) no info yet.
BONEYARD - (Contributed by Robby McKenzie) RM writes: "Just wanted to fill in a few blanks. The original Boneyard consisted of Stan Singleton on drums(one of your contributors), Robby McKenzie on guitars (thats me), Alroy(Pete) Lyro on bass, and James(Mac) Mcmahan vocals. We played at some of the clubs you mentioned and others.... Cuchi Room on East Houston comes to mind. We did all original hard rock. I think I remember seeing you guys at the Folklife Festivals. Keep up the good work."
BOOGIE BLUED - ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) Garth Rankin - guitar,voc / Danny Cowan - guitar / Ricky Wells - bass,voc / Hal Wells - drums.
BOSS - (Contributed by Robin Overall) Robin writes: "It was me & Vince Coy-guitars,voc / Ralph Doelling -bass,voc / and Brian Goldberg-drums. We did some originals, lots of Bad Company and a 40 minute Beatles medley that was right before we (Vince and I ) played with you in OVERLOAD."
BROTHERHOOD - (Contributed by Bobby Flores) BF writes: "In my late teens I had a top-40 band called Brotherhood. It featured: Drums: Bill Heath / Bass: Jim Kalson / Keyboards: John Brandesky / Steel: Gib Wharton / Guitar: Bobby Hargarther & myself Vocals: Pam Kalson & I"
BUCKBOARD BOOGIE BOYS - (Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D) Claude Morgan - guitar,voc / Larry Patton - bass,guitar / Roger Santos - bass,voc / Little Larry Robertson - drums / Pete Karouth.(Contributed by Chris Holzhaus ) Chris writes: "On Buckboard Boogie Boys....you have Pete Karouth.....it was Ron Kunuth fiddle and vocals." (Contributed by Roger Johnson) Roger writes: "I followed Claude Morgan and the Buckboard Boogie Boys for about six months in '77 and saw them play about three nights a week during that period. This was the four piece lineup with Claude, Larry, Roger Santos (this is after Roger had played in Pat Wetmore's first band, Jasmine ca. '75) and Tom Stephens on drums. I sure do miss my attitude check with the band. Tom Stephens drums with what I think is Two Weeks Notice with Phil Arroyo. I saw them in some club on Broadway in April, 2000. By the way, Tommy Stephens (I think that's his name) plays with the band, too. He was the keyboard player for the last incarnation of Man Mountain and the Green Slime Boys (?)." (Contributed by Larry Patton) LP writes: "There was a Buckboard Boogie Boys before I came back to S.A. in 1975 but I don't know who they were. Ron Knuth, Larry Roberson, Albert Lowe Jr., David Zettner and myself had been playing with Hank Williams Jr. when he had his accident in August (he fell 200 ft. off of a mountain in Montana while on a hunting trip with some friends and was in the hospital there for eight (8) months, so we were working all around Arizona and New Mexico as "The Star Country String Band" until about November of 1975. We ended up in San Antonio and ran into Claude ( I had been playing with him off and on since we were in the army together 1967 - 1969). He had a bunch of dates booked at "J. Alfred Proofrocks" as the Buckboard Boogie Boys, ( I am not sure why, but he had no band ). We all started working together, finally Albert Lowe went back to Muscle Shoals, Alabama and David Zettner went to Austin, Texas so that left the four of us. 1975 - 1977 was Claude Morgan (vocals, guitar, trumpet), Larry Patton (vocals, bass, guitar), Ron Knuth (vocals, fiddle, squeeze box, guitar), Larry Roberson (drums) and sometimes Allen Chapman (bass). 1978 - 1979 the group started out as a trio with Claude Morgan (vocals, guitar, trumpet), Roger Santos (vocals, bass), Jimmy "The Bird" Rose (drums, vocals) joined again later by Larry Patton (vocals, guitar). This lineup recorded a live album at Fitzwilly's on Sept. 29th / 30th, 1978 entitled "Lucky To Be LIve" with a special guest appearance by "Little Jet and the Rockets". The tickets were a $10.00 t-shirt advertising the event (blue on Friday/red on Saturday) and you had to wear the t-shirt to get in (no exceptions). There was also a sign up sheet for all who attended and all the names were printed on the inside sleeve of the album. The album cover and photos were taken by the legendary Rock-N-Roll photographer Tom Wright. These albums were pressed on red vinyl and are now collectors items selling on the internet for $35.00 a piece. I think Claude may still have a few of them. I have mine. I have many fond memories of playing with The Buckboard Boogie Boys. The lineup with Claude, Larry Roberson, Ron Knuth and myself recorded a live album at a reunion concert in San Antonio on June 1st, 2000 at The Casbeers Night Club. It was great to see so many of the old regulars there, just like old times. If you missed it, there is a Cd in the works, but it is very hard to edit a Buckboard concert. If you were ever at one you will know what I mean."
BUDGIE - (Contributed by Tom Barrett) TB writes: "Budgie is still touring, new guitarist, John Thomas is recovering from illness. Check out the site at: http://www.budgie.uk.com " (Contributed by Tom Barrett) TB writes: "We may be coming up to the Dallas area with Pete Boot ('In For The Kill', 73-5 Budgie drummer,lion,ex Judas Priest) and Bill Sheffield ('Hey Baby' , 'Que Paso' writer). Could you please put up a link for us, the UK fest is called 'fillyourheadwithrock.com' . Featured this year is Susan Gibson (dixie chick writer), and some other notables including Trevor Burton (ex Move) he does a great Traffic set."
CACTUS PRIDE - See full photo and comments page HERE
CANARY - (Contributed by CJ Wilson) CJ writes: Canary...i never got to see them..but i believe they were a Texas act. I remember a friend of mine saying the drummer set his cymbals on fire with a lighter.
CASINO ROYALE - They wore real tall platform shoes.
CASTLE - (Contributed by Robin Overall) Darrel Roberts-lead vocalist,flute / Robin Overall-guitar,voc / Ralph Doelling-bass,voc / Mark Anderson-drums (also, later would be Alan Layton-drums & Brian Goldberg-drums.)
CATS CRADLE - (Contributed by David Holloway) DH writes: "Another group I remember was called "Cats Cradle". They played mostly at the "Garter" down on the river walk. Very small club-very tight group, consisting of a female lead singer, drums, bass, keyboard (Ricky Hernandez) , and guitar (Mike Sunjka). They played several songs from Jesus Christ Superstar." (Contributed by Michael Lucke) MLucke writes: "Suzy Jenson sang, Steve Spencer was the drummer, Ricky Hernandez played organ, Mike Szunka was on guitar, and Bob whose last name I have forgotten played bass. They played nightly at the Garter on the river, and played everything from Leon Russell (Of Thee I Sing), Frank Zappa's Peaches en Regalia, some early Allman Bros., the medley from side two of the Beatles' Abbey Road, plus some jazz guitar from folks like Wes Montgomery. Oh, you can throw in some Stones, Joe Cocker, and Steve Winwood, too. A really entertaining bar band." (Contributed by Steve Spencer) SS writes: "The bass player for Cat's Cradle was Robert Schulman. Last I knew, he was a practising Attorney at Law in San Antonio. I played drums in this group. It was a great time...The Garter was THE hot club for live music from 1968-1974. I can remember nights when we got a crowd so going that they were literally dancing on tops of the tables. We also had the opportunity to meet most of the top groups of the time that came to San Antonio for concerts. I fondly remember "Chicago" coming to the Garter every time they came to town. Chicago's drummer, Danny Seraphine would sit in and have a ball. Afterwards, we would all go to Mi Tierra to have some great Mexican food. While I played in numerous good bands at the Garter, no group that I ever played with had the charisma and the ability to relate to an audience more than Cat's Cradle."
CECIL AND SYLVIA - (Contributed by Scoop) S writes: "I haven't read through every entry yet, but I don't recall seeing any mention of Cecil Thomason and/or Cecil and Sylvia. He was friends with Pat Wetmore and David Hill."
CELEBRATION OF THE GNU - (Contributed by BJMMJB) writes: "Ran into a friend, guitarist Jeff Doyle,and he told me to check out your website. Boy did the memories start coming back. Here is some more trivia for you. Ralph Straub was in a band in the early 70's called "Celebration of the Gnu". That was about the time "Flash" was popular in San Antonio. The band was a 3 piece with Ralph playing keys and touch bass. The drummer's first name was Clarence or "Clance" but I can't remember his last name. The guitar player was Arthur Barrow who later went on to play with his mentor Frank Zappa and did a couple albums with him. After Arthur left, Ralph and Clance started a 2 piece band similar to "Lee Michaels". Ralph bought a Hammond organ that had been in a flood and reworked the whole electronics of it and I remember it being the baddest sounding B3 organ around. He was truly a genius when it came to electronics. All these guys went to Alamo heights high school. It's amazing how many musicians came out of that school during that era."
CHAD - (Contributed by Ray Wilburn) RW writes: "I was with a funk group around San Antonio named "Chad" members were Harold Green-keys, Gregory Givens-guitar, Josev Castano-guitar, Leonard Wilrich-bass guitar, Marvin Middleton-vocals, and William Smith vocals and percussion."
CHEAP TRICK - Mike Lowell writes: While doing a Wed night gig at the Knave Club in SA with my band PANTOMIME, members of Cheap Trick came in to bar hop and look for a little R&R after their show downtown at the Municipal Auditorium earlier in the night. The lead singer "Robin" and drummer just wanted to relax and enjoy some local music. It can be intimating to try and play your set when you know that national class musicians are in the crowd. When our break time came we went over and chatted with them. By this time, a large crowd had surrounded them after having been recognized or ratted out by the club owners. They were very polite and talkative although it was obvious that they were tired from a long hard day. I was charmed by the fact that they were basically down to earth nice guys who would have preferred to stay anonymous for the evening. Many big stars have egos but not these guys. I grew to like the band after having met them and wish them continued success.
CHRIS HOLZHAUS BAND - (Contributed by David Sumners) DS writes: "Chris Holzhaus Band 1979. What a power house. Chris on lead and vocals plus Vince Coy on lead. Man, it was like Rick Derringer and Johnny Winter blazing away. Those guys just smoked ‘em. We had a great drummer, a very young ( 19 I think) Mike Kennedy, who now plays drums for George Strait, and myself on bass. Mike was the drummer on Chris’s unreleased instrumental “Stick Up“ featuring David McDavid which was recorded at a local studio down on Broadway. Anybody remember that one ? Mike Taylor produced the Butt Hole Surfers there. “Stick Up” was an Average White Band type tune that just punched you in the guts. Most of our gigs were at some of the little clubs up and down the Austin Highway."
CLEAR - See full photo and comments page HERE
CLEARFOLK - (Contributed by Pat Hood) Rick Carver - guitar,voc / Pat Hood - bass,voc / Drums - ? / 2nd guitar - ? . (Contributed by Hunter Harrison) HH writes: "Clearfolk drummer: Steve "T-Bone" Bland, Bass: Steve Miller (I think)" (Contributed by Steve Miller) SM writes: "Clearfolk Update: I was not a member of this band." (Contributed by Robin Klause Bland) RKB writes: "Hi...I was there... 30 years ago... Clearfolk began between Rick Carver, and Steve "T-Bone" Bland, James Lampley, who Pat Hood later replaced, (Pre-Heyoka days - Hey Pat! Miss 'ya dude and your "Wooden Birds"!) and Mark Weber while the guys were still in school. Not to long after I met the guys out of Churchill, Rick was opening for and playing Shawn Phillips, blowin' folks away with his voice. The Group was managed by Karl Wigaman (Now residing in Grapevine and designs computer network systems for major companies); T-Bone left Clearfolk and moved on to pursue a music degree, and played with allot of guys, and allot of styles (Jazz, Country, Classical and Rock; played with Jumbo, Oh So Good, Frenchie Burke, aka Leon Bourque & Bobby Beal, to just name a few. (Currently he works as a stand-in drummer on short notice for just about anyone who needs a drummer in a pinch.). When Byron Spears joined Clearfolk and took over as drummer, Pat Hood was added and Clearfolk's popularity grew because their vocal harmonies were so tight. Toward the end of our high school days, this guy named Steven Allen Griffiths shows up from New Jersey and is enthralled with these "kids" (10 years his junior). The 1st time he saw them was at the Armadillo Races at Hemisphere....We hooked up 2 weeks later, at the Rhapsody Street Club and he came "home" to meet the band. (Rhapsody Street was owned by a guy named Bill and who was stylin' at the time with a Rod Stewart haircut). Griffiths (aka HairBall!!) came out specifically to see the group... Gene Coleman was playing the club regular, leading up a band called "Pale White Horse" (for real!), which was the predecessor to Overload. PWH kinda went belly-up and that opened the gig up for Clearfolk. That started the idea in Griffiths' head for Beggar's' Banquets in Helotes. Out at Villareal's Ice House the show went on with the mission to give original musicians a venue to play their stuff that the club scene clientele just would not pay for or allow to be heard, and there were lots of really great guys out there trying to make it...So, for 3 days in August, over a six year period, the culmination of the previous year's work of promoting and networking came together. with Griffiths leading the vision, Victor Rapanotti (R.I.P.) caught the spirit and provided sound for five of the six years. My Mom, RuthE, and I provided time, office administration, printing food shelter and what ever it took to make the show work, with the help of a lot of other people. It was always about sharing the good stuff, the fellowship and given every body a chance to play what they had created. A lot of people did not understand the spirit of the Banquets, and that was the ultimate demise of them, that and cash flow when the unscrupulous took the gate meant for the players. We booked Too Smooth, Sweetwood Brothers, Ruby Falls Blues Band, Nasty Habit, Heyoka, Overload, (Gene Coleman currently owns Alamo Sound in Garland, TX...and that's a whole 'nother story as to how, after 20 years, he walked into me by chance while I was working at Kinko's and what he's doing!), and "Wild Man" Ray Liberto, and lots & lots of other guys...some showed up to play, some did not. It's now 30 years later and this past March 2004, I married my friend, T-Bone. Griffiths, now known as HairBall!! is in the Sarasota/St. Pete area of Florida, is widely respected for his technical expertise in Community Theater, acts, gigs solo & has recorded with group called "Scheister". Yes, the guys and I still stay in touch. Mark Weber currently plays drums with the Mo-Dels, and Byron found the Lord, gave up drugs and is the music minister at Faith Outreach International (he's got Christopher Cross' old sound board from "the day"!)...and boy does God's House rock with joy! Rick Carver continues to attempt to record privately while fighting health issues. These guys were my "brothers", up late into the night at my mom's, jammin' and writin' ... we are tied in spirit, and more."
PATSY COLEMAN / BUBBA BROWN - (Contributed by Larry Patton) LP writes: "Bubba Brown was a respected songwriter from San Antonio after having one of his songs recorded by Roger Miller, he had several songs recorded by major artists after that. One of the most laid back souls on the planet. Patsy Coleman was a dead ringer vocally for Linda Ronstadt. The two of them had a band together and also lived together for many years around S.A. They had most of the best country players in the area in their band at one time or another. They had the house band gig at The Town Crier Club for a long time and were a big draw in the area all thru the 70's and into the 80's."
THE COSMIC ARMADILLOS - (Contributed by Lee Adams) Robert Adams-bass,voc / Lee Roy Adams-Drums,voc / Jeff McCarley-lead guitar /Val Hernendez-Guitar,voc. Lee writes: "This band was an early seventies group (73 -75'). Even though we were minors we played a lot of nightclubs in S.A. as well as outlying towns. The music was a mixture of southern rock and country (which was popular in that time) with some original music. The band was tight and we had lots of fun."
CROSSOVER - (Contributed by Rick Linn) Dickie Loos - voc, guitar,fiddle, pedal steel / Rick Linn - keys, guitar, voc /Duane Klaus - lead guitar / James Brandesky - voc,bass, guitar / Alan Zidek - voc, Hammond organ /Tooter Ripps - voc, guitar / Pat Estrada - voc / PhilKelman - bass / John Damaini - drums, voc / ScottWilliams - voc, drums'75 to '82. RL writes: "This lineup was the longest running edition of Crossover. Crossover was a large band with the ability to play many different musical styles to include R&B, MOR and country, but specialized in contemporary rock and pop, covering many LynardSkynard, Rolling Stones, Eagles, Motown and Van Halen tunes faithfully note for note, but could also play the old country dance hall tunes with the authentic sound of Bob Wills. The band almost exclusively played the South Texas dance hall circuit, attracting 1,000 or more attendance at dances every Friday and Saturday nights for its entire run. Locally,Crossover played regularly at the old Randy's on Bandera Rd and Blue Bonnet Palace. There were only a select few bands that music lovers and dances would support in that circuit and Crossover was one of those few. This band featured Dickie Loos, who could play just about any instrument that has ever been made. This was the ultimate party band playing in a dance hall setting. Several other musicians passed through the Crossover years, most notably Vince Villastrigo,who replace Rick when he moved to Houston. After his Crossover stint, Vince went on to a successful music career on the East Coast. Other notable musicians passing through the band were Melody Ackerman on guitar (man, can she play!) and Peggy Keener (wife of Small World's Kyle Keener) on lead vocals. Peggy had a beautiful voice. Crossover parted ways in '82 primarily due to several of the members graduating from college and going their separate ways. Dickie and Scott went on to form Firefox, which became a very successful party/bar band in the mid-late 80's."
CROSSROADS SOUTH - (Contributed by Lin Thomson) LT writes: "Were you familiar with Crossroads South? I think they were out of Fort Worth. We're talking late '70s to early '80s. A good cover band - they had a real tight version of "Waiting for the Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago". I first saw them at a fraternity kegger up at SWTSU in San Marcos in 1978, then in San Antonio at the Razzle Dazzle and the Rock Saloon. I didn't see them listed on your websight (which is very possible given the task of chronicling the Texas music scene)."
CROSSTOWN TRAFFIC - (Contributed by Ron Frei) RF writes: "Another SA band was Crosstown Traffic 1973-1974. We'd practice in a garage on the east side of SA on Edgar street. I remember hauling a Marshall half stack in the back seat of my 1968 Camaro. I lived on the northside, thats how I got the bands name (apologies to Hendrix). Wrote a song back then called "Edgar Street Blues". We'd have all day concerts in this guys back yard. Had a stage and everything."
CRYSTAL WINTER - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
DAVE DELUXE AND THE SNEAKERS - (Contributed by David Sumners) DS writes: "Dave Deluxe and the Sneakers 1979. An offshoot of Snapshot featuring David Hill on lead vocals and guitar, Don Earl Harding on vocals and guitar, Bill “Bear” Middleton on vocals and lead guitar, Kurt Kammack on vocals and drums, and myself on bass. This was truly a singers band, four part harmonies that would just blow you away."
THE DELL-KINGS - (Contributed by Steve Denney) SD writes: "Led by ace tenor saxman Frank Rodarte. A smoking R&B combo; '50s and '60s rock and R&B, with lots of Tex-Mex and Latin funk. Went through many incarnations over the years. The one I was in (around '79-80) included Frank Rodarte (sax/vocals), Butch Denney (guitar/vocals), Steve Denney (bass/vocals), Victor Montez (guitar/vocals), Bruce (keys), and a rotating cast of drummers. Great band to cut my musical teeth in; played lots of good old R&B stuff like Fats Domino, Lloyd Price, Little Richard. Frank had worked a lot with the Garibay brothers (Los Blues and other bands), and I got to meet a lot of really good musicians from that circle - West Side Horns Rocky Morales, Al Luna, many others. Favorite story: We played a Low Rider Festival at the Convention Center once, and happened to meet Dusty Hill from ZZ Top, who actually had a car entered in the show. Butch asked Dusty, "So what are the chances of making it big in rock & roll?" and Dusty replied, "There aren't any. You got a joint?"
DENIM - (Contributed by Jimmy Rose) JR writes: "Just a little info, after I left San Antonio. I moved to Austin and played with Denim, Bill Browder, Ricky Mullins, Layton DePenning, David Moerbe. After we broke up Ricky went to work with Stevie Ray."
DER TREMOLOIDS - (Contributed by Steve Denney) SD writes: "Butch Denney (guitar/vocals), Kurt Otto (keys/vocals), Mike Taylor (bass), Barry Littleton (sax), Mark Anderson (drums). Shockingly good cover band that mixed in lots of intricately-arranged originals, with a warped (and very funny) Zappa-esque sense of humor. Never saw them play a gig during which at least one person (usually clutching a Lone Star Longneck) didn't say something to the effect of, "What the &^$&$ IS this crap?" I always thought of that as a compliment. Great original tunes like "Mineral Wizard", "Flagrant Violation of my Teenage Love", "Barry Rides Again", "Do the Motor Mount", and the ever-popular "Ballad of Lungy Rodriguez and Patty O'Schwartz."
DIESEL - (Contributed by Hunter Harrison) HH writes: "Had some friends in a band called Diesel that played around in the 1972-1975 time frame. Deisel: Drums: John Nutt, Guitar: Greg Van den Dries,Bass: Steve Miller, 2nd guitar: (can't remember the name)" (Contributed by Steve Miller) SM writes: "Diesel: Here is the correct band member list: Byron Spears (guitar),Steve Kelfer (guitar and vocals), John Nutt (drums), and Steve Miller (bass). We played in our high school years from 73 to 75, from being a Canteen regular to high school dances and everything you can think of in between. Byron and Steve K. are still very much in the music arena. After 20 years we recently all managed to make contact with each other." .
DUSTY ROADS - (Contributed by Fernando) F writes: "I was into jazz although I played guitar and pedal steel during the 'country rock' era with a group called Dusty Roads (Larry Kuentz- guitar /vocals, Charlie Kuhnel Bass/vocals, Fernando Esparza guitar/pedal steel guitar/ vocals, Vincent Rakowitz drums) we played at places like Gasoline Alley, the Place Next Door, but mostly did more with the military base clubs. I knew Vincent Coy, Kenny Pease and those Edison guys through Charlie, Larry, and Rak. David Wilson would later play drums too. CJ Troilo would sometimes sit in."
EGDON HEATH - (Contributed by Phil Moran) PM writes: "Just a quikkie, (Chris) Geppart band (aka Christopher Cross). 'Egdon Heath' , sort of a Mr. Moose , Oh So Good Band, in between line-up. Bet I'm the only one who 'members this one!"
EXCALIBUR - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
FLASH CADILLAC - (Contributed by Hunter Harrison)
FOXFIRE - (Contributed by Bobby Stoner) BS writes: "I grew up in Woodsboro, about five miles from Refugio. In the mid-70's a group from Victoria called Foxfire showed up. Some of the members painted their faces. They played a kickass version of "Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be. They freaked the farmers out. We would pull up chairs in front of the band and snort Rush and go crazy. They later changed their name to Chase. I think Bill, the singer, died in Houston a few years ago. Their guitarist was David DeLuna. He was amazing."
FREEDOM EXPRESS - (Contributed by Jim Ryan) Jim Ryan - bass / Butch Denney - guitars / Kurt Otto - keys / Bill Goodman - drums. Jim writes: "Butch was the first guitar player in my band of the early 70's called Freedom Express. We worked the basses and did some private parties and weddings. We played for several years with Kurt Otto on Keys and Bill Goodman on drums. Their were a few female vocalists that came and left and also a short association with Steve Perron (Children) that ended with his untimely death. With Butch and Kurt in the band it was always a party and we had some great times. As the bandleader I was a little stiff for some of their crazy antics but usually rolled with the flow. We had a regular weekend once a month in Laredo at the AFB. There were many insane fantasy trips to boys town were such spirits as Pappa X, Doldo and El Rayo X were born. Butch went on to play with Joker Moon after leaving and Kurt formed his own band for a while before settling in as a MO-DEL for years. I play a few gigs a month with the MO-DEL's now but am mostly retired form the scene."
GATZROCK - (contributed by Lin Thomson) LT writes: "Early 70's outfit called "Gatzrock". They were fronted by John Gataz (guitar), Gene Hartman (bass), Mark Rocko (drums), and himself - Rick Sanchez (vocals). Mike Lowell adds" Both Gene Hartman and John Gataz were also one time members of an earlier outfit called MEADOW which did the Canteen and birthday parties and such. Those guys were decent players."
GIANT SMILING DOG - see entire photo and comment collection HERE
GRACKEL - ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) Brad Bird - gtr,voc / Reese Henry - gtr / Joe ?? - Bass / Rico Sardelli - Drums / Phil Moran - voc,harp. Circa 77'
GREEZY WHEELS - Mike Lowell writes: These guys were a riot. They were one of these Texas bands who I've never been able to categorize. They weren't really country but they weren't rock. Maybe the term 'dance hall' might help. They were the same type of band as Shiva's head band, St. Elmos Fire, The Lost Planet Airmen, maybe even Augie Meyers. The band wore flannel, long beards, had a fiddle player and generally made the audience feel good. A typical Austin style band in the late 70's. Fun to watch and listen to. A great date band. (Contributed by CJ Wilson) CJ writes: Greezy Wheels...i played this place in Kilgore, TX and they had some kind of mural with their logo spread across it. I never saw them, but always wondered about them.
GUNSMOKE - (Contributed by Steve Denney) SD writes: "I knew Jim Orr, who was in a version of Sandcastle. He was a year or two ahead of me at Roosevelt. I recall he had a power trio during his school days called Gunsmoke, with Mark Woodruff on guitar. They did heavy stuff like Rush and Joe Walsh." (Contributed by Jim Orr) JO writes: "In 1975 I was playing bass guitar for a country band called Bobby Baker and the Long necks. Guitar player Pete Barns and I wanted to break away and play both country and rock. We meet with a drummer by the name of Ken Curtis. Because Ken had the same name as the actor on the TV show Gun smoke we decided to name the band Gun Smoke. It lasted one week and we when back to Bobby Baker and the longneck but added some rock n roll to the song list. I kept the Ideal and started The Gun Smoke band with High School buddies Mark Woodruff on guitar and John Bradley on Drums, along with Paul Morison on piano and Kimberly Green on Guitar and Fidel. We played the country dance halls as a five-piece country / rock band and Three piece as a rock and roll band in clubs like the Knave and Players Reteat.We would play orange bloom special by Charley Daniels striate into Working man by Rush. We played Led Zeppelin and Hank Williams with equal enthusiasm. Later Paul Morrison was replaced by John Barrett.The hi light of the Gun Smoke band was the 1979 Ballet of the Bands at the sunken garden theater San Antonio Texas. Latter members included Mark Stover guitar, Kevin Leman drums, and Danny Lopes bass. We were a progressive Country / Rock n roll cover band that eventually recorded an original hard rock song call "one on one" at Zazz recording studios in 1979. The Gun Smoke Band is still available for privet parties, and light yard work. Rock n Roll Brother Mike, love your Web site."
HEAVEN - ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) David Deason - guitar,voc / Ricky Wells - bass / Gary Eisenberg - drums / Gary Hacker then Gary Manson - keys. The band came from the southside SA (McCreeless) area. Mike Lowell writes: David Deason had one of the main standout singing voices on the scene around 71'-72'. The fact that they were high schoolers at the time kept the profile unknown. The band was only fair musically, and did a mix of popular tunes and unknown tunes making them iffy as a dance band. That said, I could spend hours listening to David sing just on that merit. Nice guys. Most of the backup members went on to other southside bands in future years after David moved from the area. (Contibuted by Chuck Balcar) CB writes: "Did you remember Gary Manson? He lived behind McCreles and looked likle ringo.Deason, Eisenberg, Zienert, David Hacker (who Gary Manson replaced on keyboards when Hacker moved to SF, Calif) and I all went to Connell where we bought Kustom amps. Hacker learned keyboards (He played a Kustom) from that afore mentioned Danny Meyer."
HEATHERBLACK - (Contributed by Monica Domingue) MD writes: "Chris Cross (Geppert) came to Houston in 1974 to join "HeatherBlack," the band Doug Lavery played in (along with Wayne Brooks, keyboards; Gaylon Latimer, aka Gaylon Ladd, vocals/guitar; and a big fellow named Jimmy, bass) before joining Dean Scott. And, Tommy Christian (guitar) played with the original HeatherBlack too. HeatherBlack was the house band at another Village Inn Pizza Parlor (downtown Houston). As Andy Salmon (or more like Solomon ?) stated, he later joined Dean Scott (along with Doug Lavery, drums/back-up vocals; Bobby Brown, guitar; and I believe Luis Cabaza was their keyboard player during Andy's tenure with them), before re-connecting with Chris, then in HeatherBlack (along with Clay Hemphill, keyboards; and obviously Rob Muerer, whom I don't remember). "
HEIRONYMOUS - (Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D) Phil Bepko - voc,tambourine / Chuck Fletcher - voc / Rob Overall - guitar,voc / Vince Coy - guitar / Sam Davis - bass / Gene Coleman - drums. Phil writes: The evolutionary outcome from the melding of CASTLE and HOMER in 74', with the same (2 voc / 2 guitar) personnel combination. Unlike HOMER, HEIRONYMOUS performed primarily cover tunes, mostly overblown, pompous songs like "The Wizard" by Uriah Heep. The main show piece was a 30 minute musical opera played start to finish. Driven by the locomotive drums of Gene Coleman, and fronted by the very capable and seamless vocal blending of Bepko and Fletcher, the band entered the scene at number one as a crowd draw. Sam Davis , newly transplanted from the Dallas area, fit into the SA styled group very naturally. (Last I heard, he was working in the copy photo dept of U.S.A.A.). Mike Lowell writes: "Sam Davis was a room-mate of mine during his HEYOKA years and would get a degree in electronics working as a tech at various music stores, then marry and settle down. All members except Davis and Bepko would someday become OVERLOAD alumni in one lineup or another in future years. In 1997 Heironymous had a one time reunion recording session in SA featuring the original lineup members and received a writeup in a local music paper." (Contributed by Robin Overall) Robin writes: "Heironymous, the original band played about 70% original music (not overblown Uriah Heep), mainly songs written by Phil Bepko and myself. I don't remember if you mentioned Skip Petit on drums and that Gene was on bass. The band (then funded by the U.S. Office of Education) toured all over the SW playing mainly colleges performing the rock opera "Dr. Heironymous" written primarily by Phil Bepko. The original band had a reunion in 1996. Everyone was there....we all rehearsed for 3 days and then cut a 4 song CD at Rhapsody Street Studio (owned by Dubby Hankins) and there was even a magazine article done on the band reunion. Vince Coy did become a born again Christian ......and is still very active as a Christian musician in Austin where he now lives. Still an incredible guitarist." (Contributed by Gloria Jauregui) GJ writes: "I believe Heironymous was named after a music professor at UTSA named Dr. Heironymous. You can verify it with Phil Bepko since I think it was he that had her as a professor. I attended one of her wonderful pipe organ concerts at UTSA."
HEIRONYMOUS MKII - ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) Phil writes: "The 75' departure of Bepko and Fletcher left a yawning chasm in the vocals and sex appeal of the band. The only solution was to hire fiery, young, r&r outlaw Phil Moran! Sam Davis also split, and returned to Dallas. For reasons still unknown, Gene Coleman switched to bass from drums, and with a thumping, percussive style, covered the job surprisingly well. Drums were taken over by a young Roosevelt HS grad named Ricco Sardelli. Most memorable gigs were as opening act for NAVASOTA, EDGAR WINTER, & the TOO SMOOTH premier, all at the Marbach Saloon in SA." Mike Lowell writes: Later on, Ricco Sardelli would leave and be replaced by an out of state drummer named Skip Petit. Phil Moran would leave the band due to his claim of personality conflicts between members. His departure would leave the band to suffer a slow decline and eventually breakup. The members would all migrate to other bands around the area.
HEYOKA - see entire photo and comment collection HERE
HICKORY - (Contributed by Frank Longobardi) Frank writes: "The acoustic group Mellow took on a name change - Hickory, probably around 1975. Members at that time were Frank Longobardi - Vocals, Percussion. Geoff Lupton - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards. Raul Saenz - Acoustic Guitar, (we did get a little background vocal out of him for a couple of songs). And added, Mark Yamaguchi - Bass, Background Vocals. Others added later: Buster Adams - Acoustic Guitar, Vocals. (Took Raul's place) Michael Kelley - Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Vocals. (Took Buster's place). Hickory went on to play for 2 to 3 years before trying to move up to the dance club scene. We hired our 1st drummer - Stanley Singleton & played for the 1st time @ Smokies Saloon on Fredricksburg Rd & Medical Center Dr. Line-up @ Smokies: Frank Longobardi, Geoff Lupton, Mark Yamaguchi, Mike Kelley, & Stan Singleton.Around 1979 to 1980, the band changed names to RENEGADE (Same guys, except Geoff Lupton left & Larry Hall took his place). See RENEGADE for more..."
HOME COOKING - (Contributed by Kelly Villastrigo) Kelly writes: "Home Cookin..... I think Beth Hooker was a member...maybe Steve Zipper as well...I am not sure" (Contributed by Chris Holzhaus) Chris writes: "Homecooking lineup as follows: David Lucke-sax / Steve Lucke-guitar (he passed away several years ago) / Ricky Hernandez-keyboard / Pat Wellberg-bass (im not real sure on this) / cant remember who the drummer was...ill try to pull it up from my feeble mind." (Contributed by Phil Dalmolin) PD writes: "Kort Ogden played bass and Steve Spencer played drums." (Contributed by Linda Sriro) LS writes: "Linda Lovell was the singer for 'Home Cooking' after Wink Kelso left the band. Susie Jenson also sang with Linda for awhile. Steve Lucke on guitar and David Lucke doubled as keyboard player and sax player till Vance Villastrigo joined as keyboardist. Along with Kort Ogden and Steve Spencer was Tommy Miller on sax and George Gardner on conga. Somewhere there is a KRTU video of one of their radio programs in 1976. Linda Lovell who now goes by Linda Sriro is still singing professionally and David Lucke is playing down on the Riverwalk. Occasionally they jam together at Swigs."
HOT TO GO - Raymond Rameriz -bass,voc / Dave Mulford-guitar, vocals /Charlie Young-drums, vocals. (Contributed by "unknown sender") Ray, Dave & Charlie were the core members of Hot To Go from late 1977-late 1980. Mike Lowell writes: Here was a fun loving trio who would rock at the local clubs on occasion but was generally big on area air bases. They were a popular act with Dean Bells's Onstage booking agency. The song list was generally popular rock songs of the time such as ZZ and others which were appropriate to a trio format. The band was not particularly overwhelming but they were no slouches. On a good night they could rock your socks. The main focal point was a giant of a man, Raymond, on lead vocals and bass.
JASMINE - ( Contributed by Roger Johnson ) Pat Wetmore, Roger Santos, David Hill ?? / Others ??.
JAY DOMINQUEZ AND STONEY RIDGE - (Contributed by Brenda Hutchison) BH writes: "A country band called Jay Dominguez and Stoney Ridge, which had Mike Kennedy on drums, who has been George Strait's drummer for 25 years or more."
JIVA JIVE - (Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D) Phil writes: Jiva Jive was the consummate "Frat Party Band" on Sam Kinsey's T.A.M.A. roster around 72'. In fact, they would have been cast perfectly as the band in the basement of the "Animal House". Chuck Berry's "No particular place to go" and CCR's "Green River" exemplify the decidedly narrow cross section of their song list. Nothing flashy, nothing fancy, just good dance music and GOOD, CLEAN, FUN. (In the back seat, with a drunk cheerleader, of course). On telecaster guitar and vocals was Bubba (Marius) Perron, Rusty Miller on lead guitar, Laurent Perron on drums and main vocals, and Steve Trowbridge on bass. Mike Lowell writes: These days, Rusty Miller is a lounge club performer and club owner partner with Wayne Harper. Marius Perron is a recording engineer with a long list of credits. ( Contributed by Bob Galindo ) Bob writes: "For a very short time, I was in Jiva Jive with the Perron Brothers. Bass player was STEVE BAXTER (he was an Alamo heights guy and played in surf bands with David Mcdavid). Bubba Perron fired us because "we were no fun" and "did not party". (Contributed by Cliff Oliver) Cliff writes: "I replaced Chris Holzhaus in Jiva Jive ...."
JIVE BOMBERS - (Contributed by Kurt Linhof) Kurt writes: "The Jive Bombers (1975-6) did urban blues with a fever, with a little jazz/funk tone to it. We were: Chris Holzhaus - vocals and guitar, Jim Newhouse - drums, Kurt Linhof - bass, Ricky Hernandez - keys. Hot band, went nowhere. I couldn't see straight, and Chris and Jimmy went off to tour with Delbert. We put the Jive Bombers together in Houston but only played there and Austin, occasionally splitting the bill with Eric Johnson's band, the Electromagnets."
JOKER MOON - David Hill - guitar,voc / Don Earl Harding / Jimmy Fuller - guitar / Chris Holzhaus - guitar,voc / Jimmy Rose - drums,voc / Mike Marechal - bass /Will Belamy / Merilee Webber. ( Thanks to Chris Holzhaus and Ron Rose for name data ) Mike Lowell writes: This was a popular local band around San Antonio who specialized in music by Poco and Loggins and Messina and others of that blend. Superior vocals and a distinctive song list were the standout features. David was a classmate of mine a year ahead of me at Lee HS. David and I later played in a band called PALE WHITE HORSE. (Addition by Chris Holzhaus) Chris writes: "I remember another member of Joker Moon... shit! ...he was one of the main dudes... wrote alot of their songs. His name was Don Harding.....he passed away some 15 years ago." Mike Lowell writes: I got a recent email from guitarist Keith Hinshaw. Keith once played with the SA bands "Blue Valley Mill" and "Sativa" in the early 70's. He tells me how his current band in Quincy, ILL now calls themselves "The Joker Moon Band". Mostly out of tribute. Here is what he wrote. (Contributed by Keith Hinshaw) Keith writes: "I went back to my native St. Louis, Mo. where I managed to play steadily for the next 30 years! I played with various club touring and lounge acts, none of which would be familiar to you. My highlights would be openers for Ian Gillian from Deep Purple, Rick Derringer a couple of times, Ozark Mountain Daredevils(a lot) and others. Sparing you a long story (you're welcome), I ended up in Quincy.Il. where I have been since 1989. I put together a band here and said I wanted a band that had the same qualities as my favorites from my teen years - "Joker Moon". I wanted tight harmonies and no cheap tunes. I built them up so much that my band mates said "why don't you just call it that?". After 23 years and 1200 miles, I named it "The Joker Moon Band" as a tribute, not a rip. If they read this I hope they believe it. I was on Yahoo last week and typed in "Joker Moon". It took me to your site and I was jazzed". (Contributed by Ron Rose) Ron writes: "In '73, David, Jimmy and Jimmy formed a short lived group with Chris Holzhaus, then settled in with Don Earl Harding (now deceased), Will Belamy, Merilee Webber and Mike Marchel to form the first incarnation of Joker Moon." (Contributed by Stray Dog) Stray writes: "Somewhere there should be a Joker Moon demo tape put together for WB records. It is two track but had a good mix though the acoustics are a bit hollow for the drums, recorded in an old wooden house. I believe Will Write still has his bicycle shop in North side SA. Merilee Webber still sings and resides in LA, she and Don were lovers and lived together for awhile. The late Don Earl Harding was the spirit of Joker Moon and he spun out early but inspired a generation of local pickers including Steve Earl. Joker Moon performances defined the quintessential evening at the Bijou. Played great originals, but among my favorite Joker Moon was their cover of "Out to Sea". I often see that old Joker Moon a-laughin' down from up above--its a crescent moon lying on its back and looking like a great big grin--it makes me smile and think of Don Earl Harding and the magic that once was." (Contributed by John Fonte) JWF writes: "Don "Hog" Harding: I first met Don doing a session at Texas Sound Studios with Rex Foster in 1969-70. They were playing acoustic together. At the time he worked at a music store in Central park mall. He could play the strings off a guitar. Later (much later) he was a member of Joker Moon, which also included Jimmy Day on pedal steel and Cass Webb on vocals. My friend Alan Voight used to do sound for them at the Longneck Saloon. They could really "grease up" the country sound that was becoming "Austinized" in the mid-late 70's" (Contributed by Woody Roberts) WR writes: "I was close to Joker Moon and took their demo to WB in NYC '75. They often played Bijou in 70s. Last saw Don Earl Harding late seventies. Believe it was 83 - 85 that he died of a terrible disease in Waco hospital. (on ...his most popular bar-drunk sing-along was "HUACO spells Waco". possible i am mistaken and he died in 79. Was told by a friend, last words were: "The magic is gone...". So true." (Contributed by David Sumners) DS writes: "Joker Moon 1976. The last incarnation of this band featured Marilee Weber, vocals, Don Earl Harding , vocals and guitar, Jimmy Rose on drums and myself on bass. We played just a few gigs, at the old Bijou on San Pedro and we did one of the first KRTU “ Live in the Studio” show broadcasts."
KRACKERJACK - (Contributed by Chris Holzhaus ) CH writes: "Stevie Vaughn / Tommy Shannon / Robin Seiler / Uncle John Turner / Bruce Bolin. "Here is a rare nugget...the original band "Krackerjack", played the Pussy Cat in the early 70's." Mike Lowell responds: This band was a regular around the Texas area scene, I heard radio spots all the time about appearances. This was before Stevie became Stevie "Ray" Vaughn who headed his own band. Even that band was years before his breakout fame. KrackerJack also featured Tommy Shannon who also did a stint with Johnny Winters and later would rejoin SRV when he went solo. I once read an interview where Stevie talked about these years and his massive substance abuse habits of the time. He lived under the belief that to be a real blues man you had to live the life style. (Note: During his solo fame years, he underwent treatment and swore off the life style for good). This band gave him the experience and contacts to move on to greater heights in the years to come. ( Contributed by Tommy Taylor ) Tommy writes: " The original group was: Uncle John Turner, Tommy Shannon, Bruce Bolin for sure. However the MAIN GUY...Mike Kindred of course! (The original Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble and also Triple Threat Revue) ("Cold Shot"). He wrote or co-wrote ALL THE SONGS for Krackerjack! DUH! Original guitarist was Jesse Taylor from Lubbock (Joe Ely). Jesse was replaced by John Stahaely (Chain Gang, Shepherd's Bush, Pumpkin, Spirit, Jo Jo Gunne, Gypsee Eyes, Paul Rodgers...) There used to be this bartender at the New Orleans Club, named Tommy McAllister, that used to come up and dance naked on stage with them and play trombone...Yikes! He was later a band director for the Austin Independent School District! He used to teach your kids Trombone folks! They used to call him "The Boogie Man". They had this one tune called "DONTCHA BOOGIE" that he would always come out naked on. He later wore a cape with nothing underneath, after the first few times, as I recall, to avoid problems with the law if any arose. He was a great cat and very nice to me when I was a kid! I used to play the New Orleans Club when I was 13. Tommy died back in the 80's I believe of a heart attack. All those guys at the New Orleans were great, even Ron Coleman! "You guys would be a pretty good band if you'd just get your shit outta here." (Currently at Roger Beasley Volvo.) OK that's all! If you want anymore read my book! Ha Ha!" (Contributed by David Jones) DJ writes: "I can't remember all the names. But I saw them many times in Waco at The "Abraxis Club" on the Old Dallas Highway. I do know that the reason we all went to see them the first time was because we all had "Johnny Winters First Album". That was the name of Johnny Winter first record and we knew that the drummer and bass player on Winter's album was playing in Krackerjack. Tommy Shannon on bass and Uncle John Turner ( He is the guy on the right with the bandanna) on drums. Sometimes. Most of the time. This kid was there playing some great blues licks. I didn't know it was Stevie Ray until years later when a book about him came out and a photo of Krackerjack including SRV was in it saying this was one of the first good bands Stevie ever played."
THE LATIN BREED - San Antonio, Jimmy Edwards.
LEGACY - (Contributed by John Smyrl) JS writes: "I was just looking at your website and noticed your picture of the band "Legacy". They were called "The 1900 Storm" prior to changing their name to "Legacy" in the mid 1970's. They used to play the clubs all over Galveston County and the Houston area. I enjoyed your website and will check it out again sometime. I used to go watch a lot of the old Texas bands, Moving Sidewalks, Fever Tree, Neil Ford, 13th Floor Elevator, The Clique, Homer, We The People, and many, many, many more."
LIBERTY - (Contributed by Sherry Steward) Houston Band circa 75'-76'. SS writes: "Know anything about the band Liberty? They also played around Houston. I think Peter was their sound guy or manager. I knew Peter really well, but not alot about the band. I know they lived in League City & first names were Rick, Mike, Tom & Ernie & that's only because I have a picture."
LIC - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
LIGHTNING - (Contributed by Kris Arnold) KA writes: "Back in the mid-70's I enjoyed a Dallas band that would come to Austin and play at Mother Earth's when Mother Earth's was on Riverside. The name of the band was "Lightening". I have often wondered what became of them, who they were, etc." (Contributed by Hunter Harrison) Hunter writes: "Lightning (already mentioned briefly in your list) was a kick-ass hard rock band from Dallas that played all over South Texas in the late 70's and early 80's. I saw them in Dallas and Waco. They played a club called Mother Blues in Dallas regularly. The guitar player played a Les Paul with a Marshall amp (I think) with a ton of crunch and the guy had a bucket full of licks. I learned a lot just from watching him play. I went up and talked to him for a while one night and asked him if he would give me some lessons, and he said he would. I never followed through on it though (stupid me). That guy was awesome. The singer had a great personality and pretty good voice. I remember two original songs from the early days - "Could of been me" and "You two can't have a body like mine!". They were a great show from start to finish every time I saw them. Lots of personality. This band would have been right at home in a biker bar or a rock club."
LOS BEATNIX - (Contributed by Steve Wisnoski) SW writes: "I didn't notice a band entry for "Los Beatnix", an amalgamation of eclectic sonic improv, the core band, I think, was Kurt Otto, David Katacolos, Tommy Miller, Gene Fetchey, Rob Abernathy, usually about 8-10 players. I was grateful to be included in some of these drug crazed inspired mantras that would drone on for hours on end. Objective...TOTAL CHAOS. The gathering was usually in someones garage and never performed live to my knowledge. It went on for years in the early 70's."
MAD SALAD - (Contributed by Sherry Steward) SS writes: "I came across a pic of a band called Mad Salad ( where do they come up with these names?). They played at the Cactus Club (in Houston), but don't know anything else."
MAN MOUNTAIN AND THE GREEN SLIME BOYS - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
MANTICORE - (Contributed by Ed Dorman) ED writes: "I graduated from Lee in '74 and played guitar/sang in a band called Manticore. We didn't gig much. Drummer was an Alamo Heights guy. The other Manticore guitar and bass guys were Lee grads. And we had a stand up singer that was about 12 years older than the rest of us that was a pretty good Jagger-style showman. We played at the Rogue Pub on San Pedro and about half a dozen private parties. I remember playing one Battle of the Bands at the Teen Canteen. I think Hieronymous might of played that and maybe one of your bands. Must have been spring 1974. It has been a real kick finding your website. All those old names ...." (Added by Ed Dorman) ED writes: "Other Manticore personnel: Guitarist from Lee - Kenny Kaufman. Bassist from Lee - Kris Klemcke. Singer - Rodger Chambers. Drummer from Alamo Heights - Jeff Sugarman."
MAXXINE GAS - (Contributed by Dickie Tafolla) DT writes: "I was in a small band called Maxxine Gas that was devoted to originals. We played at Midnight Special and Players alot.
MEADOW - Phil Moran -bass,voc / Mike Lowell -guitar,voc / Brian Goldberg -drums. (70'-74' Over time, members also included: Eddie Burke,Terry Lewis,Gene Hartman-bass / Doug Roseland - guitar / Steve Stout "Brillo", Mark Overstreet -drums)
MELLOW - (Contributed by Geoff Lupton) Frank Longobardi - voc & percussion / Geoff Lupton - voc & acoustic gtr ( later bass and keys / Raul Saenz-acoustic gtr / Jay Schumacher -voc&acoustic gtr. Geoff writes: "Back in 1971, Frank and I graduated from good ol' Southwest High School, and started off into college and jobs. We met up with Jay about a year later while bagging groceries at the Lackland Commissary, and started jamming with some other guys who played bass and piano. That jam didn't last long, and at some point Jay suggested we go with acoustic music, instead of rock. So we worked up a set of America, CSN & Y, Seals and Crofts, and, of course, The Beatles. We debuted at the Chaparral Rec Center in the "Coffee House Lounge" (not the big main stage) I think in early 1973. Within a year we had gone from 3 vocals, 2 guitars and some percussion picked up by 2 mics run through the club's Fender Column system, to buying our own Shure PE series mics, Barcus Berry Acoustic pickups for our guitars, and a Peavey Standard 4-channel PA head and 2 columns (w/ 2-12's and a 3/4" horn driver each!). We also played some private gigs, and started playing at Fargo's Pizza out on Ever's Rd., and at Steak and Ale on Loop 410, and the Town Crier, the I Don't Know Yet, the Backway Inn, and others. We also spent time writing original tunes, a lot of which we worked into our act. We took 3rd place at a college talent show in San Marcos with 3 original tunes. We also played an exciting show at the Lila C for some youth convention that probably numbered over a thousand kids. Sometime in 1975, Jay joined the Navy, and was replaced by RAUL SAENZ on acoustic lead. Raul was a protege of Robert Llanos, with a real attacking style on the acoustic. He also introduced us to some different music. Some of our America and CSN&Y three-part stuff fell by the wayside, as Raul didn't really sing, but we picked up some Doobie Brothers, Grateful Dead, and even Led Zeppelin! (remember Led Zep III? Houses of the Holy?Some cool acoustic stuff...). I also started to bring out my Rhodes and Roland String Ensemble. Late in 1975, early '76, Jay came back, and we worked as a 4-piece for a while. At this point, I started to play bass also on some songs, but we usually worked out some nice triple guitar parts for some of the songs. By late 1976, Raul graduated from dental school, and started his practice, so he decided to quit the band. Jay went back into the Navy, so we called it quits for MELLOW, and only some great memories, and a few tapes of live shows, and originals done in my "home studio" survive."
MESQUITE - (Contributed by Larry Hall) Larry writes: "Mesquite started originally (1977) with John Hogan, (guitar) Lynn Barclay, (female vocals), Carl Weddington (C.W.) (bass) Dennis...? memory fade... (drummer) and myself. Along the way, we picked up Craig Crowder, (killer country singer) Elwood J. Dupuis (accordionist and keyboard player), and Curt Cummack (drummer) Claude Morgan played with us for about six months after the B.B. Boogieboys split up. Roger Santos joined us on bass after C.W. left. Allan Chapman (a local, who was a Nashville studio bassist) played with us after Roger left. I was perpetually amazed by how drunk the man could get and never miss a note. We had to put a chair onstage because he couldn't stand up. Great show, eh? Jerri Sebera joined us for a while after Lynn left. Around New Years 1981, we threw a Mesquite going away party at Smokies and dissolved the band.We played pretty much what you had to play at the time in San Antonio. (if you wanted to work) Every thing from Merle and Patsy Cline to Fleetwood Mac, to some Stones, and Joe Jackson. We did a few originals, and did one record which I wrote one side of. When Mesquite split, I joined Renegade for about 3 months."
MOMENTUS - (Contributed by Gary Botello) GB writes: "I moved to San Antonio from New Jersey in 1973. The first band in San Antonio that I played with (sat in with them at the "Garter") was "Momentus". This band included Levine Elias (keyboards/touch bass), Jan Halsema (Saxes/flutes), Jack Gillan (Drums), and George Morin (Trumpet/Vocals). I was only 19 at the time and really learned a lot by playing with these monsters! After going on the road for a time, backing a theater group called, "The Kenwood Players", we returned to San Antonio. I then did a short stint with "Changes" before forming a band with keyboard player Richard Chavez, called "Messiah", which later turned into "Sugarjammer."
MONSANTO - San Antonio, Gloria, James and Javier Valadez.
MOONLIGHT DELIGHT - Beth Hooker-voc / Mary Pollock - voc / Mike Workman-keys,voc / Vance Villastrigo -keys / Cliff Oliver - guitar / David Sumner. Mike Lowell writes: About all I know is that this was one of Beth Hookers first bands around 79'. This was also the first band that keyboard man Mike Workman played with locally after moving to the area. Apparently, he was fresh from playing in The Dickie Betts band. (Contributed by Kelly Villastrigo) Kelly writes: "My brother is Vance Villastrigo, who's band Moonlight Delight you mentioned ..Vance is in NJ now and still banging the keys... He was with Frankie and the Burn, and may still be with them. I know he does alot of studio work. He did Tour with Blood Sweat and Tears....well, the lead singer from that group, but was billed the same a few years ago. He was with another group in San Antonio.. The Trio was Woodlawn Trio. They did alot of Studio 21??? The Trinity Jazz Station show....and played at Good Time Charlies alot. If I remember right, there were about 6 or 7 members to Moonlight Delight." (Contributed by Cliff Oliver) Cliff writes: "Moonlight Delight WAS Beth Hooker's first band ..ha,ha... her and Mary Pollock were great vocals... now, this was mostly Alamo Heights guys except for Beth and Mary (MacArthur). It was Vance Villastrigo, David Sumners,& me. In two yrs we went through 21 drummers ....we were a bit hokey, but it was fun...this was my second time through the music scene..." (Contributed by David Sumners) DS writes: "Moonlight Delight 1975. That band was before it’s time, I got to tell you. Featuring Beth Hooker and Mary Jane Pollock on lead vocals, Cliff Oliver on lead guitar, Vance Villastrigo on keyboards, my self on bass, MANY drummers and either one or two horn players. This band had it all and what an eclectic repertoire we had, playing everything from Little Feat, Traffic, Bob Marly, Dan Hix and the Hot Licks, Manhattan Transfer, Asleep at the Wheel and of course the usual Eagles stuff. That band could rock and it could swing.. We mostly played at the Village Inn up on San Pedro."
MORNING - (Contributed by Lee Adams) Lee writes: "Do you remember a band called Morning? The leader of the band was named Bud Lukie (I'm not sure if I spelled his last name correctly). I think the band is still around. Bud has a successful Dental practice and the last time I spoke to him he told me he still gigs every once in a while. I don't remember any other members names. They were a very good local band in the late seventies. They had a hit song that played on the local stations call "When the Moon goes down on Medina Lake... I'll be going down on you" I use to go watch them play at a club called the Bull Moose in S.A. Damn that was a long time ago." (Contributed by Kenny Kaufman) KK writes: "I think the band Morning also had Rick Garahan and John Donahoe." (Contributed by John Halloran) JH writes: "Morning - Bud Luecke, Jimmy Donahue, Billy Donahue, John Isaacks, Jim Isaacks, Rick Garrahan. There were some others who floated in and out of the group. Here is some trivia for you - the guys from Blackrose, Morning and Stardust (original) were, and still are, friends. From time to time, for a variety of parties, whatever, Bud will call on them, as well as Ron Rose and Sylvia Kirk to sit in.." (Contributed by Keith Holt) KH writes: "I remember that Morning used to play pretty regularly out at the Blue Bonnet Palace in the late 70's. Their signature song was Radar Love. Seems like I recall that Bud would end up taking off his shirt when they played it."
MOTHER GOOSE - Joe Estes - guitar,voc / Greg Hall - drums,voc / Willie Melon - bass / Jay Urbano - voc, percussion. ( Thanks to Chris Holzhaus for data ) Mike Lowell writes: This band was tight and aggressive. Not overly musically gifted but far from a group of slouches. They played popular rock tunes of the the time (72') and were around the scene for about a year. I enjoyed watching them and they played like they meant business. The various members would continue on in others bands for years to come after they split up. (see Ruby Falls Blues Band, Renegade, United )
MOURNING DOVE - Steve Owens - guitar,voc / Keith Owens - guitar,voc / Kenny Sotoodeh - bass / Larry Sotoodeh - drums,voc. Mike Lowell writes: A (72') local cover band featuring two sets of brothers. This band played tight and were some of the first to use Marshall stacks giving them an ominous image on stage. The songs were strict top 40 FM and this always kept the dance floor full. Steve and Keith would go on to play in a number of local bands for years to come (see BEES MAKE HONEY & MO-DELS). Kenny and Larry would later join in the formation of another hot area band called SEABREEZE (see SEABREEZE/EAZE).
MR MOOSE - (Thanks to Rob Meurer for data) Cliff Oliver - guitar,voc / Dubby Hankins - bass,voc / Rob Meurer - drums. (Contributed by Cliff Oliver) Cliff writes: "I did not play bass in Mr. Moose, Dubby did, and I did not leave for law school, but to finish my accounting degree. Meurer was worth 1,000 laughs a nite. BTW, Mr Moose never held a practice."
NAVASOTA - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
NEWCOMB, JOHN - Mike Lowell writes: During the summer of 72 my band MEADOW played an early evening gig every Wed at Johns's tennis camp located in New Braunfel, Tx. We set up on the outdoor patio at the main club house and provided entertainment for the guests and members of his tennis resort. Many an evening we would hang around in John's trailer and chat with John as he would personally write out a check for the bands fee. Nice guy with lots of class. I really didn't know much about his fame at the time but would come to learn more of him as years went by.
NITZINGER, JOHN - (Contributed by Roger Johnson) Roger writes: "Nitzinger was a great power trio and one of the loudest groups I can remember. I saw them at the old King Arthur's Court on New Year's Eve, 1974. I think my hearing problem originated there. Great band. Last I heard John Nitzinger was living in the Dallas area and working in community theater." (Contributed by Wayne Pianta) WP writes: "John Nitzinger is still making a living playing music full time. He can be found in the DFW area on a regular basis. In Ft Worth, he plays 6th St. Grill on a regular basis. I just saw him there in January. In fact, 6th St Grill held a benefit concert for Nitzinger on a Sunday in January 2005 because almost all of his performance gear, except his Les Paul, was recently stolen out of his van. This was a day long blues fest with many great local players and bands performing. The band is still great, but John really shines."
NUFFS-ENUFF - (Contributed by Marty Garza) MG writes: "Nuffs-Enuff was a hard working all original brand of Texas roadhouse blues-rock. The SA music scene in 1977 really did not have much in the way of original music at that time. And when Nuffs-Enuff (not to be confused with the LA band Nuff Z Nuff which came later) came on the scene it created quite a stir with its on stage antics and Rick Luis - the self described Clown Prince of Rock n Roll. Propelled by the straight ahead blues inspired rock songs of Sammy Toifl, this group of Robert E. Lee High school misfits hit it hard for about a two and a half year run. Playing mostly clubs on San Pedro and Austin Highway, they were a mainstay at the Bijou and Player's retreat, they played some pretty rough spots in Blanco and Boerne Texas and there was always a loyal Bandido presence at their gigs. Mostly due to promoter/manager Jon White and his contacts at stone city attractions, we would often have members of bands from the Joe Anthony/Lou Roney Kiss era come to our gigs. Most notably I remember partying with members of Triumph and Blackfoot in their heyday. Ricky Medlocke who is now with Lynyrd Skynyrd also comes to mind as a real genuine fellow. John White did such a good job of promoting us on a tour to Harlingen's Six Shooter Junction, that we sold out 3 shows and to our surprise (and delight), we were accosted by bra tossing females. As it turned out, "the deep voice" of Stone City Attractions had plastered the valley with radio spots declaring "Mothers, keep your daughters locked inside, cause the bad boys of rock n roll are com'in to the valley.!" This band showed alot of promise, consisting of Sammy Toifl guitar/vocals, Billy Bond, drums/vocals, Marty Garza bass/vocals, Rick Luis, guitar/vocals. In those days Heyoka was king and a phenomenal cover band, we played a few large dancehall gigs with them as their warm up act. We also played at one of the Sunken Garden Battle of the Bands as a trio, after Wicked Step and before Heyoka. Fun Times..."
OVERLOAD - see entire photo and comment collection HERE .
PABLO DE LA CRUZ - (Contributed by Phil Arroyo) PA writes: "It consisted of Jay Hoyer, Jerry Frank (formerly of The Laughing Kind) on keys, Jeff Mays (formerly with Mammouth) on drums and myself. The band was named after Jay's great-grandfather. Prior to that, I was a member of the final alumni version of "The Laughing Kind" along with Jerry Frank, Jay Hoyer, Rob Meueur and Mike Long (of Zilches fame) on bass." (Contributed by Geoffrey Mayes) GM writes: "Awesome site! I can't believe Phil Arroyo misspelled my name in the Pablo De La Cruz section. We did record some original stuff that Phil wrote in Pablo De La Cruz and the demo tapes got some local play. Phil was an awesome musician and writer. Glad to hear that he's still playing and I hope he is still writing." (Contributed by Gary Oleson) GO writes: "Jay Hoyer, Jerry Franck, Phil Arroyo, Geoff Mayes, & Gary Oleson --- my brother Steve was in "Alice & Wonderland".
PABLOS GROVE - see entire photo and comment collection HERE
PALE WHITE HORSE - David Hill - voc,guitar / Mike Lowell - guitar,voc / Sam Davis - bass,voc / Gene Coleman - drums. Mike Lowell writes: This was a short lived band (75') that formed to play music in the Dan Fogelberg, Eagles semi acoustic rock vein. The band was vocally rich thanks to the sweet and powerful voice of David Hill. Unfortunately, all the other members were raised on rock and making sweet music in the genre of Poco did not come naturally. Conflicts between Hill and Coleman would eventually doom the band. After the split, Coleman / Lowell would form OVERLOAD, Sam Davis would join HEYOKA, and David Hill would return to acoustic or solo work.
PANTOMIME - Phil Moran - voc,harp / Mike Lowell - guitar,voc / Gary Friedrich - guitar,keys,voc / Ed Tooke - bass ( later replaced by Mike Taylor ) / Jody Moore - drums ( later replaced by Greg Abbott ). Mike Lowell writes: This band was formed by Moran / Lowell with the idea of filling a musical notch left vacated by other local bands at the time (77'). The band's repertoire consisted of tunes running the spectrum from Steely Dan, Bowie, to Todd Rundgren. With the talented addition of Gary on guitar & keys, this vision soon took shape. The band stayed local, playing the area clubs and alternated between empty clubs to packed houses. The choice of music was always separate from the pack and the band played tight and with conviction. The band lasted for about 1-1/2 yrs and had a small but loyal fan base. Some of the core members would later reform as SPIDER ZERO.
PATCHWORK - (Contributed by Sonnie Bodine) SB writes: "I just stumbled onto your website during one of my endless searches for an album put out in the early 1970's by a short lived group named Patchwork. Since I have had no luck for years finding this album, I thought perhaps your faithful followers might have a clue for me. I remember that some of the songs were "Kelly", which was written (I think...and this memory is going back 35 years, so who knows) by someone with the last name of Williams and was popular on the radio at the time, "High Mountain Lady" by (again, I THINK) someone named Jay Wise...spelling could be any number of ways, and "Down in the Easy Chair" (by Dylan?). I was friends with Allen Damron at the time and the group played sometimes at the Chequered Flag. I know "Kelly" was on the radio a lot in...say 1971-72? The likeliest group to remember would be the Allen Damron/Jerry Jeff Walker/Kerrville Festival group. My album got destroyed and when I tried to borrow Allen's during one of my infrequent visits back to Austin, he had only the jacket and not the album. Bummer."
PATSY COLEMAN AND BEAVER CREEK - (Contributed by David Sumners) DS writes: "Patsy Coleman and Beaver Creek 1977. Great little laid back C&W band with some great players. Patsy was a very smooth singer and laid back lady and Bubba wrote some great songs . Some of the players were both Little Larry Roberson on drums as well as Jimmy Rose (from Joker Moon), Billy “Bear “ Middleton on lead guitar and myself on bass. We were mostly the house band at either the Shadows or the Town Crier."
PERRONS, MARIUS (BUBBA) AND LAURENT - Mike Lowell writes: Now here is a couple of guys who can truly be listed as veterans of the SA music scene. Time after time, band after band these brothers would reappear in a new band every 2yrs or so and lead the pack as a local club draw. The philosophy of "keep it commercial, keep it simple" seemed to rule the day. How did they pull it off? Damned if I know, but they did, time after time. Laurent was there on drums keeping the band grounded and provided the soul and the loins share of vocal duties. Marius (then known as Bubba) could always be counted on to reinvent his musical abilities by appearing on a new instrument in each new band. Bass, then guitar, then keys & vocals. Not to mention providing the technical wizard stuff. I watched the progress from Lemon Rhindstone to Eastwood Review to Jiva Jive to Bee's Make Honey to Stardust to The Max. What a legacy! For the last 20 yrs or so Marius has made quite a mark as a recording engineer, author, inventor, & teacher. A typical web search shows tons of credits and accomplishments and these days has his own studio. (Contributed by Marius Perron) Marius writes: "Back in the seventies I started doing the recording studio thing. Started at a studio called ZAZ on the west side of town. Then UAR on the north side. Then Emerald. Then Mike Morales's "Studio M". Last year I went ahead and bought my own gear and started my own studio. I had a lot of clients built up from the previous years of work." Mike Lowell writes: Marius filled me in on some current news about activities at his studio and the musicians involved. Click HERE to read his Studio News page. (Contributed by Jody Moore) JM writes: "A note or two about Marius (then known as "Bubba") Perron and Stardust, who taught me multi-track recording at UAR and later at Emerald Studios."
PEYOTE - (Contributed by Frank Longobardi) Frank writes: "One of the best Acoustic/Rock bands I ever heard! (Up there with Dansir, Blackrose, Hickory, & others) They used to play the Chelsea Street Pub circuit in the 70's. They did alot of Eagles, Badorff & Rodney, CSNY, & much much more! Don't know any players names, but they were made up of 2 acoustic guitars, 1 electric guitar, & a bass player. Precision acoustic music at it's best!!"
PLUM LOCO - John Michael Ramirez, Mike Kropp, Roger Santos, Billy Carey - see photo HERE .
QUARTETT - ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) Kurt Otto - keys,guitar/ Mike Taylor - bass / Kevin "kid" Conway - drums / Barry Littleton - sax,keys. Phil writes: The darlings of the high-brow, artistically inclined, elitist of SA's best. Ram rodded by the inimitable Kurt Otto, Quartett was a powerful, eclectic musical force that has yet to be superseded in the SA area. If Keith Emerson and Frank Zappa simultaneously raped J.S Bach, the result might resemble or produce music somewhat akin to this band. ** In Memorium: Those of us fortunate enough to be called friend by Barry K. Littleton, have, and always will, miss his wit, humor, and benevolent generosity. We are all diminished by his passing. See the link HERE . (Contributed by Dan Ryan) DR writes: "I noticed that there was a listing for the band Quartett, but not for the original band - Quartet - which was comprised of me (Dan Ryan) on guitar & vocals, Kurt Otto (keyboards & vocals), Mike Taylor(bass), and Bob Howard (drums). Barry Littleton joined that original band toward the end of our run but we continued to call it Quartet, which name we actually like better when we had five members. We did a lot of the Sunken Gardens shows as opening act, and we were a fixture on Saturday afternoons at Justin Arreche's club, the Garter, on the Riverwalk (which wasn't even named the Riverwalk then.) Speaking of the Garter, you don't have listed probably the most influential band of that time, Six Part Invention, which consisted of Suzie Jensen (vocals), Rickie Hernandez (keys), Mike Szunka (guitar), Bob Schulman (bass), Jan Halsema (reeds) and Steve Spencer (drums). They had the "sit-down" gig at the Garter for several years and were the mainstay of Riverwalk night life during the time they were there. Every musician worth their chops spent time at the Garter listening to them and stealing unrepentantly."
RAIN - Chuck Fletcher - voc,harp / Bill Geddes - guitar / ? - bass / Jimmy Rose - drums,voc. (other members also included Link Summers -guitar) Mike Lowell writes: I remember this band as a tight outfit who always seemed to be having a blast performing. A 3 piece with stand up lead vocalist. Chuck Fletcher's vocals were a standout feature and was my first exposure to this great singer. The guitarist blew some serious chops and carried the band even though the bass and drummer were fine players in there own right. One song of note was a speeded up, rocked up version of Traffic's "Mr Fantasy". I was saddened to hear of the guitarist O.D. death causing the band to split. Chuck Fletcher went on to join Phil Bepko & Gene Coleman and others to form the power group Heironymous. I later had the privilege to work with Chuck in the 2nd version of Overload. (Contributed by Jimmy Rose) JR writes: "I was reading the info you had for Rain and you didn't have the guitar players names listed. We had two guitarist One was Bill Geddes who past away and Link Summers played 2nd guitar. The bass player was Mark Gilliam an army brat who lived at Fort Sam (Great bass player)."
RAMPANT - (Contributed by Ernest Cruz) EC writes: "This band was a little bit heavier doing Riot, Thin Lizzy, U.F.O., etc.. This was about in 1979. This band was so precise in covering songs and they were getting some recognition however I believe there were some personality problems which led to their breakup. The only guys I've seen from these bands lately have been Alonso, Mike and Daniel. Alonso went on to play with some well known Tejano artists, Mike went on to play with Winterkat, Michael Morales and various other bands and Daniel put a band together with his little sister Nancy and were called Sweet Desire which isn't together anymore. This is about all I have on these two fine bands that I followed around in the seventies. If anyone has any more information on these two great bands I'd sure like to hear about it."
RAT MADNESS - (Contributed by Jody Moore) JM writes: "Rat Madness (Jack Bennett, Ed Tooke and the Hine's Brothers) Wayman McBide's and Johnny Rodriguez' stint with The Cofield Brothers Band (my next-door neighbors growin' up)."
RAVEN R - (Contributed by Andy Gamez) AG writes: "Hey Mike! I read all your pages about local bands here in San Antonio and would like to contribute info about my band, Raven R. that played from '76 through '79. The musicians that played are still actively performing here in SA; their backgrounds and playing info are very interesting resumes to read about."
RAZZ - Mike Lowell writes: This was a band that was around the scene for 2 years or so(77-79'). At first they were nothing special but eventually became a hot outfit. Most tunes were well done rock based covers, there might have been several original tunes as well. They were at their peak as a four piece during the KNAVE days on Austin Hwy around 78'. (Contributed by Jody Moore) JM writes: " David Montgomery was later the vocalist with RAZZ (previously with Barrier), a ZZ-Top like power-trip that included Robert Salinas and his classic vintage Orange stacks with HiWatt amps. One of my all-time favorite rigs to hear, as well as look at." (Contributed by Henry Botello) HB writes: "RAZZ - Original members were... Manuel Castillo-L-Singer /Robert Salinas L-guitar (& his Orange Stacks) / Bill Guyer-Drums / Marc Botello-Bass (my brother) / Ruben Castaneda-R-guitar. GREAT ROCK BAND. Robert did a great Led Zeplin / HeartBreaker that would make Jimmy Page sweat. I hear Robert is still in the S.A. Live Music Scene these days." (Contributed by Ernest Cruz) EC writes: "Robert Salinas of Razz is still performing here in San Antonio in a band called Madhouse; not the original Madhouse though." (Contributed by Steve Wisnoski) SW adds: "When I played with Excaliber and Razz we used to do some shows with different groups, Heyoka, Nitzinger, Navasota."
RAZZLE - (Contributed by Pete Williams) PW writes: "I wanted to send info about my old band Razzle. We were very well known in our area and we were always trying to break into San Antonio. Razzle formed in 1971 and lasted until about 1977. We were based in New Braunfels. We played dances and clubs such as Waters Edge in McQueeney, 747 in New Braunfels, Chit Chat at Canyon Lake. In 1976 we proudly passed an audition with Teen Canteen, and figured we had made our start in San Antonio. But immediately after that, our lead singer and lead guitarist quit, leaving us in a bad situation. This happened often. Original Members were me (Pete Williams) on lead guitar, Mario Guerrerro on guitar, Robert Fisher on bass, and Mike Rojo on drums. In those early days we covered songs by ZZ Top, Bloodrock, Fleetwood Mac, Aerosmith, and some Beatles. By 1974 we were a 3-man power trio band (Robert had left) and Mario went on bass. During 1975 - 76 we were joined by Larry Beavers, an amazing lead player, and Alan Beavers on vocal, making us a five piece band. Charlie Young played a few gigs with us before he was hired by Hot To Go, in San Antonio. Mike Rojo passed away a few years ago, at age 54. He was one of my best friends and had been Best Man at my wedding. Mario, also still a friend, has a photography studio. I work in advertising and web design and play bass in the Rick Cavender Band. I'm not sure what Robert Fisher is up to these days."
ROCKY ATHAS - (Contributed by Hunter Harrison) HH writes: See Rocky Athas write-up here: http://www.bluearmadillo.com/pages/artists/rocky_athas.shtml
ROCKSAN - (Contributed by Geoff Lupton) Adeana, Lead vocals/ Bill Caisse, Vocals lead guitar/ Ernie Kreth, Vocals, bass/ Geoff Lupton, Vocals, Keys, Guitar/ "Ace" Slayer, Vocals, Drums, later members included Cathy Murguia, Mark Yamaguchi, Kenny Bullock, Brent Fields, Keith Kryszak and Kenny Gobar. Geoff has contributed an in-depth history of how it all began. Click HERE to read.
RUBY FALLS BLUES BAND - ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) Jay Urbano - voc,percussion / Greg Hall - drums,voc / Joe Estes - guitar,voc / Cecil Yancey - bass. Mike Lowell writes: Another group based around a hard core R & Blues foundation. Watching these guys work was a pleasure as they knew and demonstrated true roots. Good band that appealed to the R&B crowd.
SANDCASTLE - Mike Lowell writes: " Mike O'Brien - voc,guitar / Mike Lowell - guitar,bass,voc / Amy Bowden - voc,keys / Kenny Walker - guitar,voc / JR Hawkins - drums / Larry Heller (later Jim Orr)- bass,voc / John Hogan - sound. This was a band that started off as a night club band playing variety music but would later evolve into a full fledged rock club act. The blend of music generally ranged from Fleetwood Mac to Kansas. With an extremely large song list, the band could play a rock show then turn around and play country at weddings on the same night. Which ever style the band played, the musical chops were in place to pull it off. The band featured two extremely powerful vocalists in O'Brien and Bowden. Add this with the fact that all members sang, and the potential pool of music was unlimited. The band was a favorite with booking agents and from the period between 78'-81' the band worked heavily, enabling all members to not work day jobs. Over this period of time there were many personnel changes with bass players and drummers, but the core of O'Brien / Bowden / Lowell remained intact. The band finally called it quits in early 81' due to the fact that key members O'Brien & Bowden parted ways. Amy moved to Virginia, JR moved to Atlanta, and Heller would form a popular acoustic act around town. I would form renegade along with John Hogan and which O'Brien also joined a year later." Mike Lowell adds: "Sadly, Jim Orr passed away in July of 2003. His final act in life was as part of the band in the SALT production play 'Jesus Christ Superstar'. Miss ya Jim...." (Contributed by Michael McDaris) MM writes: " Hi Mike, my name is Mike McDaris and I have been playing in and around San Antonio for many years and I found your website and really enjoyed it. From about 1975 to 1977 I played in an acoustical group around San Antonio called Flatbush Junction and we were all in the Air Force, we played the Chelsie St Pub’s and local clubs and a lot of private parties but being in the military the members started leaving so in about 1977 or 1978 I was asked to join a group called Sandcastle with Mike O’Brien and at that time we had a female singer named Sherri. She left shortly after I joined. I knew a good female singer named Trish Tynan so I asked her if she would like to join and she did. Then I am guessing it was sometime in 1979 Amy Bowden joined the group and we played all over the state of Texas mostly at military installations and local clubs in SA. I stayed with the group until 1979 when I received orders to go overseas, it was a sad time in my life. I returned in the fall of 1984 and found Trish Tynan and we did an acoustic duet for about 8 years. I then laid low for a while and in approximately 1998 helped form a group called the Blanco Valley Regulators ( Steve Honeck, Jim Venverloh, Dobie Benson and myself), we later changed the name to The Separators and we played all around San Antonio for about 6 or 7 years. We were then approached by two young ladies (Cathie Gilbert & KR Nicholson) who are mentioned in your website (not by name) being in a group in the 80’s called The Worx and they asked us if they could join the band. We all agreed except the drummer so he went his way and we re-named the band The Worx and for the past couple of years have been playing in San Antonio with Scott Gerard as our drummer. This Friday Apr 18th we open for Eddie Money at the Oyster Bake with Scott. Scott left the band in November of last year and started playing with Jokester and as of this week is no longer a member of that band. We are looking forward to playing the OB with Scott."
SATIVA - Jim Graham - guitar / Kevin Cruett - drums / Bill Jolly - bass / Weymon McBride - guitar / unknown vocalist . ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) Phil writes: SATIVA (72') played hot and heavy, mostly original tunes. Prime examples of notable tunes were "Look Around" and " Lucy". The Cruett / Jolly rhythm section was especially strong and charismatic. Most of the guys were from military families in Universal City at Randolph AFB. Although the band was tight and entertaining to watch, their name must have been a bit crippling for getting gigs with the local booking agents such as Sam Kinsey. Mike Lowell writes: Bill Jolly would eventually go on to play in other bands in the SA area gaining a reputation as a bass player to be reckoned with. A fine group even if the life of the band was only a year or so. ( Contributed by Keith Hinshaw ) Keith writes: "I replaced Weymon Mcbride in "Sativa". It was the same lineup as your listing except with myself and the singer you couldn't remember.Which was Randy Reese. You were right that Bill Jolly and Kevin Cruett were a killer rhythm section, and Jim Graham was a tasty lead player and an imaginative songwriter."
SATIVA MKII - ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) Jim Graham - guitar / Jack Bennett - drums / Ed Tooke - bass / Phil Moran -voc,harp. Phil writes: After the breakup of the original lineup, Jim Graham decided to recruit new members and reform the band. He joined up with the Tooke / Bennett rhythm section which proved to have the right stuff. Next he took advantage of the talents of roommate Phil Moran for the vocal work and a new version of SATIVA was born. We played a bunch of parties,"woodsies", and VFW dances and made good money. Yet we never played in clubs or did bookings with Sam Kinsey. Altogether the band lasted only 7 or 8 months, but it was a BLAST! Mike Lowell writes: Phil would later join up with the band CRYSTAL WINTER after the demise of the band.
SEABREEZE / EEZE /AUTOMATIC - Micky Garza - guitar,voc / Glen Sotoodeh - guitars / Frank ? (replaced by Kenny Sotoodeh)-bass / Larry Sotoodeh - drums,voc. Mike Lowell writes: This band was HOT. They were one of the tightest and musically powerful groups on the local scene. I don't think they were extremely popular in the SA area so they spent a lot of time on the road around Texas and in Houston. What a power house! I first saw them in a battle of the bands and they totally blew away the other bands. The band featured power guitarist Glen Sotoodeh and his brother Larry (see MOURNING DOVE) on drums. On bass was a guy named Frank who was later replaced by Kenny Sotoodeh (see MOURNING DOVE). The main vocalist and 2nd guitarist was a little dynamo called Micky Garza. Briefly renaming themselves AUTOMATIC while still in SA, the band later moved to the Houston area and renamed themselves EAZE. After the move, Glen was replaced by a Billy Gibbons guitar lesson pupil named Rob. They remained a popular regional road band for the next 3 yrs or so. I made an attempt to form a new band with Glen around 79' but it never got off the ground after several months of practice. Glen was pressured by his dad to attend med school and give up music. I was really disappointed. (Contributed by Scott Christian Berg) SCB writes: "Well, I don't know if you knew Larry, but he actually got into manufacturing drumsticks and practice pads for a time. I heard he did pretty well at it for a while. Not sure what he is up to now. I never did know what happened to Kenny. But Glen...I could have sworn (and I could have him mixed up with one of the others) that he ended up going to Med School in Mexico or the Caribbean or something (kinda) crazy like that." (Contributed by Ed Dorman) ED writes: "I also would like to make an entry for Seabreeze (later EEZE... they took off the "Seabr" when personnel changed) and correct some things in that story. I was production engineer for EEZE and when I quit, the band then became Automatic. I'll try to get that info to you over the next week or so." (Added by Ed Dorman) ED writes: "Seabreeze bass player's name was Frank Bianchi. EEZE guitarist who studied under Gibbons was Robbie Ausmus." (Contributed by Bubba Henze) BH writes: "Saw them at Bookers in Universal City and they were the tightest band around. Their covers of songs by Trapeze and Wishbone Ash were better than the originals in my opinion. My first introduction to Marshall 50 watt half-stack. Perfect for a small club."
SINISTER FOX - Mike Lowell writes: I remember these guys from the Canteen in the early 70's. A young but very enthusiastic group of guys. I think they were a five piece and believe they were around in one form or another for a number of years. (Contributed by Jody Moore) JM writes: "Sinister Fox, I subbed on drums for awhile." (Contributed by Hunter Harrison) HH writes: "Sinister Fox: Guitar: Jeff Crisler, Bass: Greg Van den Dries
SIZZORTAIL - (Contributed by CJ Wilson) circa '73-'77 (many different members,mostly drummers...big surprise, eh?) C.J Wilson-guitar,voc /Joe Lascowski-Guitar / Blu Abernathy-Voc /Randy Fowlkes-Drums /Stretch Head &Randy Sloan-Bass. Another incarnation of Sizzortail:C.J. Wilson /Robert Williams-Guitar /Blu Abernathy-voc /Jayne Brady-bass /David Edde-drums.
THE SKUNKS - Mike Lowell writes: "Austin Band. Here was one the primer punk bands out of Texas at the start of the movement while rest of the Texas Scene was caught up in the Cosmic Cowboy era. Austin Chronicle writer Margaret Moser has written extensively about these guys. These guys were the act to see for years and were a welcome sight when everyone else was trying to be renegade cowboys. Thank goodness for these guys." (Contributed by Danny Shihtzu) DS writes: "My name is Danny Shihtzu (alias). I am/was the drummer for the Skunks. I started playing in Beeville Texas in a band called the Afternoon Tea (a Kinks song, not a drug reference until later :). We got our start playing at a county fair in Refugio Texas in the summer of 1968. I remember we were playing on the back of a flat-bed trailer that was tilted backwards in the mud. My drums kept sliding further and further towards the edge. I remember a fire truck getting stuck in the mud. We kept getting interrupted by the cake walk in front of us. The older crowd didn't like us too much but I think the kids did; I remember a hot older girl buying us beer afterwards and going to a party and being threatened by football players. It was always rough in Refugio for us...... The lineup was myself on drums, Danny Swinney (later of Too Smooth and 14K, now with Pete Benz and Suede) on bass, Brian Wooten (later of Too Smooth now with Trace Adkins) on lead guitar, Eddie 'Wolfman' Walls, Manuel Segovia on rhythm guitar and Jimmy Dougherty on organ. We prided ourselves on playing unknown (and occasionally very unpopular) songs like 'Trouble Coming Everyday' (Mothers of Invention), 'My Friend Jack' (the Smoke), 'Tin Soldier' and 'E to D' (Small Faces), 'Fire' (Arthur Brown - pre-Hendrix) and the interminable 'Interstellar Overdrive' (Pink Floyd) as well as Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Stones, Kinks, Yardbirds, Elevators etc. that everyone else played. We had a lot of fun but the band was short-lived. Variations of me and Danny and Brian with others continued for a few years afterwards. As I mentioned earlier, I was a founding member of the Skunks. The original members were me on drums, Jesse Sublett on bass/vocals and Eddie Munoz on guitar. Eddie left and joined the Plimsouls in L.A. and was replaced by Jon Dee Graham, one of Austin's great guitarists and songwriters. Jesse wrote a number of classic songs that still go over well 25+ years later. He later played with Rolling Stone Mick Taylor among others while he lived in LA. He's also a writer, has published several books, the last of which 'Never the Same Again', contains an in-depth story of the Skunks. Jon Dee later played with the True Believers, Alejandro Escovedo, John Cale and many other people. I put him the same league with Brian Wooten - two totally different styles but equally dramatic and effective. He can handle any situation and is never at a loss in his improvisations. I left the business and move to NYC for 17 years. I came back to Austin after nearly getting killed in 9/11. I live a very, very, very quiet neighborhood where nothing bad every happens. I expect to die of boredom any day now... We were inducted into the Texas Rock and Roll Hall of fame this year - kinda like getting your diploma 30 years late. We were one of the first so-called 'punk' bands in Austin (and Texas). We had a lot of success in Austin and played all over the US - made our own records and CDs and sold them at shows and in local record stores - had a big FM hit in Austin called 'Push Me Around' from the 'Live at Rauls' album in 1979. It was a lot of hard work because Austin was all Willie Nelson at the time and a lot of people in the business hated the very idea of us blowing the lid off of Austins phony cosmic-cowboy image but we did it anyway. Too Smooth were in the same situation...... We opened for the Clash, the Ramones, SRV, Blondie, Squeeze, Savoy Brown, the Dictators and, yes, Krokus (in San Antonio, of course) etc. and had the pleasure of Patti Smith, Elvis Costello, NIck Lowe and Dave Edmunds, Mick Jones, Eric Johnson, Joe Ely and others I can't remember sit in with us. We were the first Texas band to play at CBGBs and Maxs Kansas City among other even less glamorous places. We were the first band to play at the Continental Club, bringing the 'new wave' scene to South Austin. We played a reunion gig at the Continental Club last Saturday. It went over very well. I guess I played my ass off because I have a new blister in place I've never had one before. Still at it at 54.........who would have ever thought it? The Skunks had our moments - it was either all or nothing. Sometimes we were great, sometimes not so. It's difficult playing 90 mph these days but I'm doing my best to keep up though I mainly play bop at home - saves money on sticks..."
SMITH BROTHERS - Jay Urbano, Cecil Yancey, Rene Lopez, Robbie G, Joe Estes (also Greg Hall). Mike Lowell writes: The Smith Brothers are pretty much a SA blues institution. This band name has been around the scene about 15 years or so (I'm guessing). The core members and even the same lineup in some cases have been together much longer than that. This is in many ways the same band in the MOTHER GOOSE, RUBY FALLS, etc... listings.
SOUND CELLAR - (Contributed by Rick Toothman) RT writes: "I was in a band called Sound Cellar in the early 70's with three of the three Brandesky brothers. It was probably the most pleasurable time in music I ever spent. I cannot express enough of my sorrow at James' passing. I knew he battled the cancer for some time and I was actually in Haifa, Israel when I found out about it. Needless to say, he is missed by all who knew him."
SPECIAL BLEND - (Contributed by CJ Wilson) C.J. Wilson-guitar,voc /Jayne Brady-Bass,voc /David Prouty-Keyboard,guitar,voc / Mike Macy-Guitar,voc / David Edde-drums. Circa '77-80 (toured Texas using Texas Artists Productions (Charlie Hatchett).
SPECTRES - (Contributed by Ric Swanson) RS writes: "While attending Alamo Heights High School in the mid-late 70's, I met twin brothers Jeff And Jerry Doyle (guitar and drums). The twins had been playing around town with various people and when they discovered that I could sing, we started a band with Mike Orbelo ('The Kids' future bassist) called 'Spectres'. Jeff and Jerry's dad bought us a PA and a van and we played all over town: Johnny B. Goode's, Cooter Brown's, The Knave, Skip Willy's, Villareal's Ice House, many other clubs that I can't remember, as well as a fair stint of military gigs (The Skylark Club, remember THAT place?). We played the standard cover 'rock' fare of the day: LOTS of Sammy Hagar (because I was a spitting image), ZZTop, Led Zep, Ted Nugent, etc. We had a couple of (pretty cheezy) original tunes....one of my first tunes called 'Anyone's Son' that was all about a guy going off to war (something I knew NOTHING about @ 17...but I digress). Anyway...Steve Cureton was our full time sound man and we tore it up though most of 1979-81. The band broke up in 1981, I got married, enrolled at UTSA pursuing a Physics degree and had a kid."
SPIDER ZERO - (Contributed by Okie-d) PM writes: "Kurt Otto[guit.,voc.] , Phil Moran [voc.,hrp.], Kevin Conway [drms.,voc.] Mike Taylor[bs.]. Who would pass up the opportunity to front for three-fourths of the legendary QUARTET? NOT ME!! that's for damn sure! from the ground up, a relentless "make 'em sweat" DANCE band. to call our repertoire "eclectic" would be an understatement of the first magnitude. classic r&b to Alice cooper, and beyond was fair game,just so long as it GROOVED. Not too difficult with "kid"Conway behind the kit. That guy could make a nun boogie to a funeral dirge. Talk about the "good foot"!!!"
SPOOK JULIUS - (Contributed by Robin Overall) Robin Overall- guitar,voc / Ralph Doelling-bass,voc / Mark Anderson-drums. Robin writes: "A Sam Kinsey band. Played 50% original material. Covers were mainly Cream, Hendrix, Traffic, and some Beatles."
STARDUST - Phil Bepko - voc,guitar / Jimmy Fuller - guitar / Marius Perron - keys,touch bass,voc / Laurent Perron - drums,voc. Mike Lowell writes: This band was a big draw at the local clubs around 75-77. Due to the Perrons magical powers in the secrets to packing clubs, they pulled large crowds in with the most economical of band lineups. Playing simple ultra commercial songs combined with studio backup tapes to beef up the extra musical parts, they pulled it off bigtime. Bubba played keyboards and touch bass in this band and also manned the tape machines. Laurent and Phil Bepko handled the lions share of vocal duties and Fuller played a burning guitar backed up by Bepko on acoustic guitar. Thanks in part to the technology employed, they pulled off lush versions of the songs they covered such as Cars and Eagles. The band pulled together a LP of unique original songs called "Yellow Jacket" during their stay on the scene. The Perron's original songs where mostly cute novelty songs while Bepko's songs had heart, soul and dignity. The band had great fun and the crowds truly loved the band. (Contributed by Scoop) S writes: Just found your website today and have spent the last hour or so not working - your list of clubs and bands have taken me back to the '70s. A time when, if I wanted to talk to my brother or one of my cousins, all I had to do was to head to The Village Inn when Stardust was playing. Try explaining the beauty of a medley containing "Hava Nagila" and "Rancho Grande" to a 26-year-old today."
STARSTRUK - (Contributed by Bubba Henze) BH writes: "Eli (???) (vocals), Allen White (drums), David (???) (guitar), Jeff Smiith (guitar). Hard rock cover band that could play Legs Diamond tunes better than them. They played The Knave and Players Retreat often. Eli had a real knack for getting the ladies attention. I worked roadie for them setting band gear and running lights. We had the most bad ass pyro pots in town (blew the ceiling tiles up one night at The Knave!).I also remembered the 2nd guitar player's name in Starstruk, David Meyers. I checked my old photo albums and I've got a few shots of them performing at the Players Retreat. We had a band house with a practice room in the garage several blocks away. Used hundreds of egg cartons and packing blankets to insulate the sound. Sounded like a muffled pissed-off dinosaur from outside. "
STEPCHILD - (Contributed by Skip Mascorro) SM writes: "My next gig was with a band called Stepchild that had an active four year run until 1978. It's members included Craig Kennedy on clavinet & C-3 Hammond/ vocals, Jim Easterling on drums, Jeff Crocker lead vocals, Joe Ernest on rhythm and vocals and myself, Skip Mascorro, on bass/vocals. We had so many lead guitar players that I can't remember them all...Mark, Ronnie, and eventually a return of my good friend Britt Mitchell. Stepchild was a busy band in the regional club scene but was a real hit with high and the fraternities. Dean Bell kept us busy at every military base in the state passing the American Peddlers on the road at every turn. Another hot club of the era was the Warehouse Club tucked away off of Radium near the airport. Stepchild were regulars there. Doing the covers that were hot at the time and with pretty decent vocals, and what I guess was a pretty good stage persona, we developed a strong following. Joe Ernest was an advertising sales rep for KTSA and eventually station manager. Crocker was a hell of a vocalist. He could sing opera if he wanted to..blues, whaling rock..ballads...he was an imposing front man and little rough around the edges. Stepchild played out in 1978 and I'm sure that many musicians will concur that disco impacted us all. Easterling is a teacher, Kennedy runs a communications retail outfit, Earnest I haven't heard from but I understand is no longer at KTSA-KTFM...Crocker did Vegas for years and toured with a country band...the only guitar player in the Stepchild string that I still am in touch with is Brit Mitchell."
ST. ELMOS FIRE / WHEATFIELD - Mike Lowell writes: A band circa late 70's. I once caught this act at some club in San Marcos and then later in the Dallas area. The mix of music was somewhat hard to define as it wasn't really rock nor folk nor country. A mix of all three I suppose, but very entertaining all the same. My girlfriend at the time absolutely loved them and I was impressed by the bands good vibes. Mike Lowell adds: A fellow from a very fine Dallas area TV station and supporter of the arts (support your local PBS station http://www.KERA.ORG ) was kind enough to write in with some additional info about what became of the band and what they are up to these days. Here is what he had to say. (Contributed by Bob Perrenot) BP writes: "A band from Houston in the late seventies. I saw them frequently at the Too Bitter in San Marcos. The classically trained bass player Keith Grimwood (his wife at the time was lead singer) and one of the guitarists Ezra Idlet are now 'Trout Fishing in America'. They are very successful in the folk and kids music genres and perform all over the world. See the link at: http://www.troutmusic.com ." (Contributed by Connie Mims) Connie writes: "I would like to correct some misinformation about St. Elmo's Fire, though: The band evolved in 1976 from the band 'Wheatfield' and dissolved in 1979. Band members were Ezra Idlet, Craig Calvert, Keith Grimwood, Damian Hevia and Connie Mims. Connie Mims was never married to Keith Grimwood, though, as Bob from Dallas mentions. Wheatfield has just completed a reunion tour of Texas in January 2005 and has released a CD of its original recordings,including live audio cuts from our appearance on the first year of Austin City Limits. Interested trivia fans can go to these sites for more info: http://www.wheatfieldband.com AND http://www.conniemims.com Thanks! Connie Mims, former singer, songwriter and founding member of Wheatfield and St. Elmo's Fire. Houston, TX"
STRAW DOGS - (Contributed by Eric Schwartz) ES writes: " I played in the original make-up of "Straw Dogs". We started in the summer of 1971 with Tony Ortiz on drums (we used his mother's garage for practice), Mike Gold on lead, Dennis ? on vocals and me, Eric Schwartz on bass. I left to play in a band in Austin I formed called "Nasty Habit" with Alan Leisenheimer (guitar), Gary Dry (drums) and Stan Gilbert (guitar). Straw dogs played a lot of gigs quickly that summer. Later personnel I'm not familiar. Tony and Mike are probably still around San Antonio. I saw Dennis in Houston about 1981. I play in the Baltimore /Washington DC area. Nothing here compares to that Texas sound." ( Contributed by Rick Linn ) RL writes: "In '78, Daymond Speed (bass, voc) and Steve Lessing (guitar, voc) joined Dennis and Tony to keep the Straw Dogs in business. Dennis eventually left and the Dogs went to a three man lineup with Steve taking over lead vocals. Steve was an emerging presence on the SA music scene with his unique finger picking guitar style and searing vocals. Rick Linn joined the group on keys and vocals to expand the group's sound for what turned out to be the Dogs last gig at the Southcross Villa Apts clubhouse in the spring of '79. Steve was tragically killed in an auto accident 3 days later which also spelled the final ending of the STRAW DOGS. Tony and Daymond went on to form a new group (Spring Water) that specialized in Country music. Yes folks, Tony actually went Country (for a while anyway)!!!" (Contributed by David Alcocer) DA writes: "Hey mike, this is Dave Alcocer, long time no viddy! I was in Straw Dogs from about 72 to 74, before I joined Heyoka in 75. We actually recorded one of the first rock 45s played on kmac and kiss. Joe Anthony just took it from me and played it on the spot! Boy were we floored! Diki Del Castillo was our bass player during that time. Sam kinsey had the teen canteen student center where there were battle of the bands. we had great times there, alot of the bands that are listed here played the place."
STUDERBAKER HAWK - Roger Kort (aka Porky)-vocals,harp / Mike Lowell -guitar,voc / Bob Donaldson -guitar / Johnny Bender-bass,voc / Ronnie Bender-(Later replaced by Brian Goldberg, then by Randy Looney) -drums. (Contributed by Roger Kort) RK writes: "The band was originally call 'Pork and Beans' and was doing pretty good, but to get more jobs on the military bases our agent Dean Bell said we would do better if we changed our name. The real name was Studerbaker Hock inspired by the Frank Zappa album 'Just another band from L.A.'. Pork and Beans (aka STUDERBAKER HAWK) was: Bob Donaldson lead guitar, Ducie Seamagn on keyboards, Roger Kort on vocal, Ronnie Bender on drums, and Johnny Bender on bass 1971 thru 1974."
SUGARJAMMER - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
SWEET SAVAGE - (Contributed by Jerry Gutierrez) JG writes: "Please list Sweet Savage as a memorable band around the mid 70"s. Jerry and Jeff doyle ,they had a keyboardist who played bass on keys (no bass player). That was cool."
TEXAS - Mike Lowell writes: This band was the top dog in the north Texas area for years in the late 70's. I know they traveled as far south as Austin and into the states north of Texas. I once caught their act at some large club in Tulsa. They had a huge light rig and a massive PA setup and traveled in a 18 wheeler. In those days very few bands had that kind of setup. I remember the lead guitarist was a tall skinny guy who had big hair aka David Bowie. The band did mostly cover material and one song would tie into each other so that each set was a non-stop dance fest. I can't remember if I was impressed musically or not but was impressed by the size of the crowd that followed them around. If your band ventured into their territory, you would be expected to measure up against them. A tough job indeed. (Contributed by CJ Wilson) CJ writes: There was a band called Texas that played here in OKC quite a bit...i remember first playing the After the Goldrush bar here in OKC and some guy was yelling at us to play Born to Run because Texas did it. I saw them once and liked them. They had a singer/guitarist who patterned himself after Bowie a little, and the guitarist kind of looked like Mick Ronson...they did Strawberry Fields Forever complete with taped sound fx like on the record. They opened with Born To Run. This is when most people weren't acquainted with Springsteen yet (at least in this area). (Contributed by Cindy P) Cindy writes: "I remember seeing TEXAS around Fort Worth in the 70's but I would like to know for sure if they were originally COURTSHIP -another band from that time period. I can't remember where I heard that but have believed it to be true for 30-something years now. Can't someone enlighten me?" (Contributed by George Callins) GC writes: "I knew a band called Texas back in the day and you don't give the personnel line-up. Was Frankie Gilcken in THIS band you have listed or was that a another band? He was from Philly." (Contributed by Vicky Hill) VH writes: "I remember seeing a band called Texas during the 70's. One song I remember was 'Burger King Blues', does this ring a bell for anyone else?"
TEXAS BLUES COMMISSION - (Contributed by Mystery Man) MM writes: "I think Gary Fredrichs played in some bands with Ricky Wells (bassist). WAY BACK I think there was a band called Texas Blues Commission that had Danny Cowan, David "Sheepdog" Darilek and maybe Steve Earl (but I am not sure). This maybe later became 'Tulsa County'."
TEXAS HOMEGROWN - (Contributed by Mystery Man) MM writes: "Texas Homegrown featured bassist David Martin, lead Jimmy Spacek, a drummer named Mike and singer named Lawrence Netwig(?) or something like that."
TIMEPIECE - (Contributed by Freddy Carrillo) FC writes: "Timepiece was led by drummer, Leonard Wong. Timepiece featured Charlie Bogges on vocals and lead guitar. John Boggess was on keys and vocals. On Bass was David Trujillo and myself on saxes, flute, lead and background vocals. After Leonard moved on to Behemoth, Timepiece went through a few changes and in 1975, settled into the local band "Horizon" which is still active today."
TINA TURNER - Mike Lowell writes: I once had the chance to play the warm up slot at her show with my band OVERLOAD at the Municipal Auditorium in San Antonio in 1975. She had just split from Ike and was touring alone without the promoters knowledge. Backstage was a real soap opera. Her manager was this 300 pound 6'6 black guy who stood in the hall arguing with the promoter for a least 30 minutes about the fact that IKE wasn't included. There was lots of yelling and screaming and we were afraid to come out of our dressing room which was down the hall from Tina's. We were so thrilled to be able to do this show that we just went on and did our thing. Our band Overload was about 3 months old and this was the biggest thing to happen to us. I had borrowed a Marshall 100w stack from a buddy named Larry McGuffin and spent the night trying to control it. The band played in top form and we felt really good about the set. It did not occur to me until years later that a Tina Turner show was not our target audience. Tina's band moseyed on stage after we finished and spent about 20 minutes just tuning up and milling around. This was in front of a live audience. It was really cheesy looking. All I can guess is that it was not safe to be backstage with all the fighting and threats between the manager and promoter. Finally she came out and the show was a total professional turnaround. Lots of flash and organized dance. A totally different woman from the ragged out lady I saw get off the band bus earlier. Without her makeup and outfits she is a very ordinary looking lady. She is not very tall, only coming up to my chin level. I do remember her as being very nice and sweet and humble. She knew that it was a big thrill for us and she was really nice to us.
TOO SMOOTH - see entire photo and comment collection HERE
TOUCHSTONE - (Contributed by Robin Overall) Robin writes: "This was one of singer / songwriter Suzie Jensen's best bands around 1970. This was the first time San Antonio got to see the great bassist Bill Rowe who I think later moved to Houston and played in some of the jazz / rock fusion bands there. I don't remember the other members names." (Contributed by John Fonte) JF writes: "First configuration lineup: Louis Siedlecki-vocals / Suzi Jensen-vocalist extroidinaire / David Poehlmann-guitar / Leon Oehlers-drums / JW Fonte-student bassist. I was the bassist for Touchstone from it's origin until the Summer I got drafted in 1970. I escaped to Florida, beat the draft (but later joined USAF in 1977) and kept playing music in Tampa until returning to Texas in 1973, whereupon I fell in with a group that became regulars at a funky bar named CRAZY DARRELL'S at the old Fred Road shopping center. Galen's group Homer and Touchstone opened a disastrous Sunken Gardens BLUE CHEER show and we later played there as openers for the MC5. In those days it was hard to get on concerts, but somehow we kept the pressure on and while I was still bassist we opened for Zappa at the Muni Auditorium in the months preceding my getting hooked by the draft. I still maintain contact with Leon Oehlers and occasionally with Louis Siedlecki but have lost contact with David Poehlmann and Suzi Jensen. One particularly fond memory is the night we returned to the Jam Factory and really had it on. Another weird memory was the beginning of our run at The Spook House and we had to deal with a bunch of Bandido's who thought it was a "Free Gig". Texas was good to me and I met the best people in my musical endeavors."
ULTRA - Galen Niles - guitar / Larry McGuffin - guitar / Don Evans / Scott Stephen - Bass. Mike Lowell writes: After the breakup of the band HOMER, Galen Niles went into a period of semi retirement. A buddy of mine named Larry McGuffin, who was a current Niles guitar pupil, kept telling me how he was slowly managing to talk Galen into forming a group. Over time this came to be with the formation of the group ULTRA. I caught this act at a small club off Austin Hwy one night and the guys blew me away. It was a return to Homer style twin lead guitars, original tunes, and a no nonsense musical direction. This act aimed at higher goals than remaining a club act. I never had a chance to see them again but heard they had made a recording. (Contributed by Scott Stephans) SS writes: "I'm Scott Stephens. I'm not sure you would remember me, but we used to play the Teen Canteen in SA for years. I played in Jury with Dickie James, John Liberto, and Tome Schleuning. After that, Tom Schleuning and myself teamed up with Galen Niles, Don Evans, and Larry McGuffin to form Ultra. John Ramirez and myself were also business partners in Meteor Music. It's actually kind of funny as to what happened a couple years ago. Galen gets a call out of the blue from some guy with Monster Records (www.monsterrecords.com) out of Chicago (now in San Antonio). This guy somehow ran across a demo 33LP that we had recorded at UAR in the mid 70's. Bob Bruce engineered it. It just had a white sleeve, no cover photos, no text, and was recorded only on one side. In fact, we used to laugh and say it was actually "whiter" than the Beatles White album. Anyway, this guy wants the masters to re-release the thing. We also gave him some other recordings that were only on tape and never pressed. Amazingly, we've sold over 800 copies of the damned thing! I have to tell you... the American consumer never ceases to amaze me. Galen now has the franchise and manages the Thrifty Nickel in Corpus Christi, Larry works at a pawn shop here in town, Don is a night manager for a motel on Loop 410, Tom works for a radio station in LA, and I co-own a factory in Taiwan that produces the Stephanhouser (www.stephanhouser.com) saxophone. We sell and distribute them here in the US and most of the European countries." (Contributed by Sam Wakefield) SW writes: "Ultra (featuring Galen Niles) allegedly was the opening act for the Sex Pistols show at Randy's Rodeo. Can anyone confirm this? Galen taught many SA luminaries the basics of guitar playing." (Contributed by Scott Stephens) SS writes: "This is in response to Sam Wakefield's question concerning Ultra opening up for the Sex Pistols. Yes,Ultra and the Vamps did indeed open for the Sex Pistols at Randy's Rodeo. Without question, that was the most over the top gig I ever played in my life. You can't imagine. An aside.. I had just flown in from some meetings in San Francisco. I was still in my pinstripe suit, French cuffed shirt, and tie (trust me, I don't dress like this all of the time). My wife picks me up at the airport and wants to go to the mall to by some birthday gifts for my 14 year old daughter. She had just gotten off work also and was still in her suit too. While we were at the GAP, there was a kid standing in line behind us that had an old torn Sex Pistols tee shirt on. I turned around to him and said "Man I really like that shirt, where did you get it"? He said "thanks" and told me where he bought it. I then made one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I told him that I was the bass player in one of the bands the opened up for the Sex Pistols here in San Antonio. This kid looked me up and down and started laughing uncontrollably. He thought I had to be the biggest damn liar on the planet! Actually, I have to tell you, I started laughing myself. There was simply no way that some 50 year old guy in a bankers pinstripe suit was ever gong to convince the kid that I not only played bass in the band that opened for the Sex Pistols but partied hardy with them backstage! I told my wife on the way home that it might be time to start thinking about nursing homes!!!!!"
UNITED - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
U.S. KIDS - (Contributed by CJ Wilson) CJ writes: US Kids....i had always heard a lot about these guys...saw a pic of them..one of the members had these real tall platform tennis shoes (i was always looking for semi-outrageous stuff to wear so i noticed these things...things i wouldn't be caught dead in now probably!)
STEVIE RAY VAUGHN - Mike Lowell writes: Stevie was a regular club artist around the Texas scene long before he reached massive fame. In the early 1980's I saw him at a club called Maggies on San Pedro Ave in SA. I paid $2 at the door and his band Double Trouble had drawn an average crowd for a semi local performer. On this evening, the band was a trio featuring Stevie, Tommy Shannon (formerly with Johnny Winters) on bass (wearing his trademark beret), and Chris Layton on drums. The band was rocking and the dance floor was full. Stevie was a great guitarist but did not strike me as any more special than local guys like Holzhaus or even Paul Kandera on a good night. Also, he was nowhere near the awesome power of Eric Johnson who was also a local pre-fame club artist at the time. Commonly seen around San Antonio and Austin. I guess I was a little jaded by all the great talent in the local area. Still, Stevie was playing great that night and I had a great time. He was using his brown beat up Strat through a single Fender twin reverb and a pedal or two. A simple guitar setup. All he did was turn that twin all the way up and rip. Every so often he would hit a pedal but most of time he was simply blowing with the amp wide open. I went up to him on his break and commented that the band sounded great tonight. He told me that he had not had a chance to play SA in a while and that he would be going back to Dallas after the gig. He said he had been down in Corpus the night before. I asked him how he manages to do those string stretches with such heavy gauge strings. He said "you get used to it after awhile and besides, it's the only way to get a thick tone out of the strat". We chatted a bit more then said "good talking to ya", then he went and got a drink at the bar. I hung out for the remainder of the night just enjoying the action. A pretty typical night out seeing local talent. Little did I know at the time what was about to happen with his fame and all. Mike Lowell writes: Chris Holzhaus wrote to tell me of an earlier and longer term lineup in the years before called "The Triple Threat Review". ( Contributed by Chris Holzhaus ) Chris writes: "WC Clark was on bass in them days...also Johnny Reno from Big D was on sax". (Contributed by CJ Wilson) CJ writes: "I once opened for Stevie Ray Vaughan in '87 at OKC Zoo Amphitheater. The band i was in for the SRV show was called Blue Tuesday. I have a couple pictures of us together, and several autographs. There was a write-up in the Daily Oklahoman about the show and i got my name mentioned in the article saying i had 'steamy solos', so that was nice..(it WAS kinda hot up there!) He wanted to buy my old Marshall. He was real nice." (Contributed by Randy Galliher) Randy writes: "I saw Stevie Ray Vaughn at the San Antonio Speedway circa 1982. Kiss FM (99.9) had a special concert where you could get in for a buck. Most of the bands were not too memorable. Stevie Ray started playing and I had to get up front to see him up close. I was amazed by his guitar style. About a year later he started making 'big'." (Contributed by Martin Medina) MM writes: "Yeah, he used to play Maggie's a lot, but back then it was called Reed's Red Derby. I remember seeing him with a female vocalist (Luann Barton, or Marcia Ball maybe?) - I thought she was Stevie Ray Vaughn!!! I too stood up front and was totally amazed. I saw him during a break and mumbled something about how great he was, he just smiled and said thanks." (Contributed by Steven Haynes) SH writes: "When I was about 12, My mom would sneak me into a club called Reeds RED Derby (now Maggies) to see a group warm up for a female piano player named Nabiko. It was the Triple Threat Trio (SRV). Just a little trivia, my dad later played regularly with Easy Money at that club when it became Maggies." (Contributed by Hunter Harrison) HH writes: "I saw SRV and Double Trouble play one night at Skipwilly's (former Teen Canteen) Me and my friend were the only two people (other than the staff) in the place! A four hour gig just for us! They played like there was a whole room full of people there. Those were the good old days."
VIOLA CRAYOLA - (Contributed by Phil Moran) Viola brothers - guitar and drums (Ron). Bill Jolly-bass / others?. This was a great band in the vein of jazz instrumental outfits. At the time they were aiming for the crown held by such bands and as Quartett and other of this fusion genre. Might have been contenders if not for the unfortunate untimely death of the two brothers in an auto accident. Amazing band. (Contributed by Charlie Palmer) CP writes: "I went to school in San Antonio with the Viola brothers, so here's some additional info for your entry on Viola Crayola. They recorded one album in New York on a label called Fautna. The album was titled 'Music: Breathing of Statues.' It's apparently a rare and sought after L.P. by some record collectors. It occasionally is listed among psychedelic albums, but mostly just wild instrumental stuff. The band was Tony (Anthony) Viola on guitar, Ron Viola on drums and Bill Jolly on bass. I didn't find out until years later about them being killed in a car/train wreck in San Antonio in August 1974." (Contributed by Steve Denney) SD writes: "'Music: Breathing of Statues' was quite an album - rock/fusion-type instrumentals with a whacked-out sense of humor. After Tony Viola (guitar) was killed in a car/train accident, his brother Ronnie (drums) continued the group, adding Kurt Otto (guitar/keys) and Barry Littleton (sax/keys). Bill Jolly (bass) left and was replaced by Butch Denney. I remember a gig they played at a place called the "S.A. Museum of Modern Art" near SAC, probably around '78. Barry had his treated Mellotron full of industrial sound effects. They played very heavy, jazz-rock stuff with lots of improvisation and nice little performance-art touches (like Butch spraying flames across the stage with a cigarette lighter and a can of WD-40). Half of the crowd was wildly enthusiastic; the other half was bewildered and terrified." (Contributed by Steve Wisnoski) SW writes: "2 readers has said both the brothers were killed in the tragic train accident. I went to SAC with Ron Viola about the time this happened, and as I remember Ron was the sole survivor as he wasn't in the vehicle. I was a great fan, and respected Ron a great deal. Later on, my roomate and I were graced with a few visits to our place in Monte Vista, and had a swell time drinkin beer and acting goofy. I remember that they recorded the album, 'Breathing of Statues', as winners of a national jazz magazine's contest." (Added by Charlie Palmer) CP writes: "Your other contributors are right. As I understand it, the accident killed Tony, his girlfriend Beverly Camp (credited with layout on the album) and Tony and Ron's mother. Ron was not in the car. The album is now available as an import CD from Radioactive Records. I got if for less than $15 online. Great stuff!
VIZION - (Contributed by Albert) Albert writes: "Vizion from Houston. Late 70's with a cute female vocalist Jan Houston"
THE WATER BROTHERS - see photo HERE ( Contributed by Chris Holzhaus ) Don Evans - drums, main vocals / Bucky Payne - drums / Ricky (Kopf?) (Coff?) - bass / Don Rogers - guitar / Bob Galindo - guitar. Played around town (70'-72') at clubs and places like Teen Canteen. Mike Lowell writes: I seem to remember them as a trio. All had shoulder length blond hair and gave off a respectable stage persona. Played tight and aggressive. (Contributed by Rob Meurer ) Rob writes: "I know the names of some of the Water Brothers. Bucky Payne, Don Rogers, Ricky Coff (sp?). I think that's right". (Contributed by Bob Galindo ) Bob writes: "Yes, I was a brother for a very short period of time. Bucky Payne on drums , and then Don Evans on drums and vocals (for a while - Bucky later returned to drums), Ricky Kopf (sp?) on bass and ?? Rogers on guitar (can't remember his first name)". (Contributed by Richard Contreras) RC writes: "Instead of the name Don Rogers it was John Rogers, who also was an artist in residence for the Texas Institute. During the water Brothers fame and that of the Children crowd."
WATER MELON BAND - ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) Frankie Collins - voc,harp / David Dobbs - guitar / Ricky Zienert - bass (later replaced by Ricky Wells) / Gary Eisenberg - drums. Phil writes: San Antonio's hardcore Boogie & blues band hailing from the south side (McCreless,Goliad Rd area). Traditional R&B with some original Boogie tunes. Collins was (is) a great Chicago style harp man. (Contributed by Mystery Man) MM writes: "One thing I remember about the Texas Watermelon Band was the show they put on when they were six members. Danny Cowan joined Davis Dobbs and they played a lot of Allman Brothers with harmony leads. They had a conga player named Mike Muniz too."
KENNY WAYNE - (Contributed by J.Hart) JH writes: "A Legendary Texas International Critically Acclaimed Recording Artist /Rockin' Blues Singer/Musician/Songwriter/Super Showman & Entertainer who is "Un" fortunately little known (especially since 1993). He could most certainly use your help in getting out the real honest to God truth. THE ORIGINAL & REAL KENNY WAYNE" A True Texas Rockin' Bluescian! After looking at more of the great pictures on your most excellent web site and seeing that you also use 60's and 70's pixs of Texas Rock Bands and album covers as well as Blues, I thought that you might enjoy peepin' these old photos of "The Original & Real Kenny Wayne" too. Especially the ones with K.W. and Dave Davies (Co-founding member/lead guitarist/vocalist of "The Kinks"), "Kenny Wayne & The Kamotions" with "The Legendary" Norman Petty (Buddy Holly's Mgr./Producer/Co-Songwriter) at his "Legendary Norman Petty Recording Studio" in Clovis, NM. when "K.W. & The K's" recorded there in 1974. There's also a pix of Country artist Joe Stampley (formerly of the popular 60's/70's recording group "Joe Stampley & The Uniques") with Kenny Wayne sittin' in with him and singin' together on stage at "The World's Biggest Honky Tonk - Billy Bob's Texas" and an album cover pix from 1971 of the $500.00 (mint) collectable item vinyl L.P. on Candy Records (Not the Italian Bootleg which looks the same but on the bootleg's record label it reads Acid Sound) and a 1970's promotional pix of "KENNY WAYNE & THE KAMOTIONS" that shows a 15 1/2 year old "Chuck" Roscoe Beck (who's now a world renowned Bass Guitarist that Fender Guitars has made and named "The Roscoe Beck Signature 5 String Bass Guitar Series" in his honor!) and who's also the Bass player/co-producer/co-songwriter) in "The Eric Johnson Band" and "Robben Ford & Blue Line." If you want to add any (or all) of these very rare (many never before seen) classic photos to your "Ultra Extra Kool Mike's Texas Bands Web Site" for the whole wide world to see, then please feel free to do so. I think that you and your readers will enjoy them as much as we do.Kindest Regards, J. Hart, Fan Club President Of 'THE ORIGINAL & REAL KENNY WAYNE'" (Contributed by Kenny Wayne) KW writes: "I want to personally thank you on the great work that you've already done. By helping keep my name alive and by spreading the real factual truth with all of those many pictures that J. Hart has sent you; Hopefully they'll be seen by those that have never heard of me while surfing onto your fantastic web site. You are making me finally look like that I was and still am somebody! By all means please keep up the great work, looks great!!!" (Be sure to visit some of Kenny's websites at: http://hometown.aol.com/kwayne01/myhomepage/profile.html and http://hometown.aol.com/kwayne01/index.html ).
WEST WIND - (Contributed by Doug Ryniker) DR writes: "I worked with John Ramirez and George Gallegos in West Wind."
WEASEL - (Contributed by Thad Bonduris) TB writes: "The SA band I'm writing to you about was named WEASEL. It was: Me--guitar & vox, Bill Goodman--drums (he's always had Goodman Sign Art in SA), Buddy Dyches-lead vox (he's now an attorney somewhere near Pleasanton), And here's the "FAMOUS" ones: Danny Cowan--guitar, (formerly w/ Augie Meyers),Randy Toman--bass & Vox (The Toman Bros.) The band was short lived (ca'71--'72), as Randy got drafted & the band broke up after we tried Dubby Hankins for a short while on bass. Didn't work---and it sure wasn't his bass playing or vocal ability! ...Chris Geppert even showed up to a gig , we just broke up instead. Russell (Randy's brother, as you know) was so young that Danny & I were his early "guitar Heroes". The gigs were the usual fare at the time: military bases, a few private parties, Sunken Gardens, scuzzy bars like the Grizzly Bear, and even opening up for The Supremes (sans D.Ross) at a military base in Del Rio, on a flatbed trailer in an airplane hangar--and it was a coat & tie event! The Palm Courts in Del Rio knew us well by then, and I think a couple of us brought organic "souvenirs" back home (watch who's glass you drink out of, eh?). Anyway, that's pretty much the story of Weasel."
WHISKY JACK - ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) David Spurgeon - gtr,voc / Joey Peacock - drums / Vance Ried - Bass / Mark Donahugh - Keys / Phil Moran - voc / (also: Roger Santos - fender Rhodes). (Contributed by Ron Frei) RF writes: "I was lead Guitar for several Bands from about 1970 to 1975. I saw mention of Whiskey Jack. I do not recognize the names you have listed, but started the band in 1972 with Manny Galindo (drums & guitar), Doug Brackenridge (rhythm guitar, vocals & drums) and Curt Fenton (Bass and vocals). Many and Doug would switch for a couple of songs during the night. I played lead (oh how I loved Les Pauls and Marshalls). We played a lot at the Teen Canteen and other places around SA. Sam Kinsey liked booking us at Lackland AFB here. It was usually a bunch of soldiers, and maybe one chick, who danced with everybody. By nights end everybody was plastered and hooting and hollaring. Made the band feel like we were playing in the Hemisphere Arena! Manny lives in Norman,OK, works for the government. Doug was killed in a Harley accident this year. Curt has vanished."
WHISKY TRAIN - (Contributed by Skip Mascorro) SM writes: "Whiskey Train lived in an old home that was subdivided into apartments on Huisache Street near San Antonio College. Late night jam sessions were common, both neighbors and police pretty tolerant. Chuck Fletcher and Butch Denning were regulars. Pat Dunn, Pat Arnold (Union Jack) and Bert Frick were frequents. Our land lord, "Red", well into his 70's was an old Chicago blues musician and occasionally would drop in to pick and to see if anyone had a "matchbox". The Electric Machine was where we would hang out, the guys there for some reason liked us, buying our equipment on time..it was a great home for baby musicians such as ourselves and where you felt you were in the loop."
WET WILLIE - Mike Lowell writes: My band OVERLOAD once had the chance to play the warm up slot for this national act at the Civic Center in Corpus Christi, Texas in 75'. Our band was in top form musically and we were feeling confident. During the sound check when Wet Willie started playing, it became apparent that this would be their show. The sight and presence of such inspiring talent from these boys from Atlanta was a beauty to behold. They looked and played the part of seasoned pros and as with most true talent, were basically down home, humble, normal, nice guys. Back stage, the boy's did an hour long jam and rehearsal behind the closed dressing room door as we would stand to listen from the hallway. They had catered food, drink and all the perks except a distinct lack of female company. I found this unusual for a national act. I think I did see a wife or two milling around however. Just a bunch of home loving talented r&b masters on the road. We played our set and felt proud in that we gave it our best. We then contented ourselves with sitting down in the audience to enjoy these masters at work. A fine show and a great day was had by all in our band.
WICKED STEP - (Contributed by Stan Singleton) Stan writes: "I played a few times with these guys back in the seventies when I played drums for "Boneyard". They were a good band, and even better people. They were Old-School Hard Rock, which I love then as well as now. They played a good tight set, and really put their hearts into it. They had a female drummer way before it was stylish. I remember she had this really cool red Ludwig set. She was a good player, for a man or woman. She came up to me and complimented me on my playing one night, and we became friends. I really appreciated her comment because she was a damn good player, and a nice person. Watching , and meeting the people in "Wicked Step" was one of the many fond memories I have of my early playing days. I got into the Martial Arts back in the 80's, and have owned Southwest Karate Institute in San Antonio since 1989. If anyone wants to contact me, they can get to my website at www.southwestkarate.com." (Contributed by Peter Gutierrez) PG writes: "My big brother is Jerry Gutierrez. He was the bass player for Wicked Step. He and his then girlfriend drummer Cathy (or Kathy?) Murguia (really not sure how her last name was spelled) formed the rhythm section with a guy named Fernando on lead guitar. Other members came and went with singers named Spanky and Mike and an on-and-off rhythm guitar player named Robert. They used to practice out in our garage in the late 70's. I've since moved away from SA and am living in Europe, but I know my brother Jerry is still playing. I don't know the name of his current band." (Contributed by Jerry Gutierrez) JG writes: "I was one of the original members of Wicked Step (along with Cathy Murguia aka Cat Musslewhite) most recently of Innocent Bystander in the 80's). My brother ,who lives in Belgium e-mailed me about your site. He was excited to see his older brothers band from the 70's mentioned amongst your band trivia. Just wanted to thank you for including us on your site. The band was started by myself and Cathy (my girlfriend at the time) around 1974. Other original members were, Fernando Hernandez (guitar), Mike Better (vocals), myself on bass and Cat on drums. Some later members included, Robert Ponce (guitar), Ray Mcumba (guitar), Marty Ramirez (vocals) from time to time. I see Fernando and Cat around. Fernando has had some success with christian heavy metal music overseas and still does studio work for friends in the area. Cathys last project was Innocent Bystander, to my knowledge.my most recent project after having played for 5 years in a progressive country band called The Bounty Hunters and touring central Texas, was in a group called The Bandana Blues band which consisted of myself on bass, Danny Cowan on guitar, Robbie G. on vocals and harmonica, and John Matthews on drums, around 1998. Your site brought back good memories of gigs we had done with friends like Gene Coleman and the guys in Force and Heyoka."
WUMBLIES - Mike Lowell writes: "Here is a band that we used to hear about all the time when I was on the road with Overload. While traveling through New Mexico, Kansas, & Colorado all we heard about was these guys. I got sick of hearing about them. I never did get to hear them but at a later time Gene Coleman told me he finally ran into them and they were as great as we had heard. I guess they were sort of the midwest's version of Too Smooth in Texas. I was never quite sure where they were from. Maybe west Texas or New Mexico. (Contributed by Mark from DarkHeart band -EL Paso) Mark writes: "You may be referring to Wumblies from Albuquerque ( I think). Richard Castillo (who has passed away) used to have a little wind up monkey cracking cymbals together mounted on his kit somewhere. (Contributed by Mike CLaytor) MC writes: "Noticed you had an entry for Wumblies! These guys played the midwest circuit and were based out of Albuquerque and later Denver. They were playing fairly often in the Amarillo TX area around '74-75. We always made a point of catching their act whenever we could. Awesome, awesome band. Known for being one of the best unsigned bands in the country at the time. Randy Castillo was a great drummer! He went on to play with Lita Ford, Ozzy and Motley Crue and passed away (cancer) in 2002."
YESTERDAY AND TODAY - Mike Lowell writes: My band OVERLOAD had been doing a gig at a local club in 76'. The place was wall to wall. Downtown that evening Y&T was playing the auditorium as they were a hot national rock act at the time. After the concert the boys showed up at our gig for some R&R. During a chat with them during our break, the subject came up for them doing a surprise sit in for a couple songs. The crowd caught wind of the rumor and started pounding tables and chanting. In the end, the boys declined leaving us to try returning to the stage facing a crowd that wanted to hear them. Worse things have happened I guess. Anyway, a nice bunch of rockers. Thanks for stopping by.
ZAPATA - Another long time band from San Antonio's west side. Great band.
ZENITH - Steve Camp - guitar,voc / Chris Klempke - bass / Tommy Stephens - drums,voc. Mike Lowell writes: This was a tight trio of rockers who appeared as a welcome addition to the local scene in a short period in 76' when there was a shortage of rock bands in the area. The Austin cosmic cowboy trend had dried up good rock bands in the area and attending a gig from these guys was a treat. They were tight and played covers from Queen and Aerosmith and was just what the doctor ordered. In the coming months, power groups like OVERLOAD, TOO SMOOTH, & HEYOKA started appearing and made competing tough as the cosmic cowboy thing faded. In the months before forming Overload I spent as much time as I could watching these guys. Steve Camp was a classmate of mine at LEE HS and fellow competitor guitarist (as was David Hill & Ron Rose). Steve played a mean guitar. I hear the band suffered some personal setbacks among members and eventually disbanded.