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AS I REMEMBER .........
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- THE 12 AM - need
info.. anyone know anything bout this band???
- 47 TIMES IT'S OWN WEIGHT -(Contributed by
John Fonte) JF writes: (jazz)-lp
was Cumulo Nimbus
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- ABBADON - BAND
MEMBERS: 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."
- ACQUIESCENCE - (Contributed
by Steve Denney) SD writes:
"('80-81) Steve Denney (guitar / vocals), John Hagerty (keys
/ vocals), Joe Konnyu (bass / vocals), Jim Eiland (drums / vocals).
"Progressive" rock band, mixing originals with mostly
obscure covers (Bubble Puppy, Ten Years After). Recorded some
tunes at B.O.S.S. (Bobby O'Neill Sound Studio), which used to
be next to Good Time Charlie's on Blanco Rd. Joe left and was
replaced by Ron McKenzie, then Jim left, and the band morphed
into Marauder."
- JOE AERO AND BLACKJACK - (Contributed by Mike Workman) MW
writes: "May87-Aug87: Joe Aero & Blackjack featured
Joe Arredondo on bass. Bobby Flores was on guitar, Phil Dalmolin
on drums. I joined the band on the road through South Texas.
May88-Aug88: Joe Aero & Blackjack again, this time Bobby
Flores quit about June and Renee took over on guitar. Phil was
still with the band."
- 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."
- ALICE AND WONDERLAND - (Contributed by Dave Holloway) DH writes: "A rock opera written
by Wink Kelso and Richard Rosen. The band itself was composed
of Phil Arroyo and Mike Sunjka - guitarists, Ricky Hernandez
-keyboard, Mike Taylor -bass, TC Buckman -drums. Terrific show,
I still listen to a tape made close to the end of the shows run."
(Contributed by Deana Drake) DD writes: "Hi, Mike. On your band
trivia page, Wink Kelso's and Richard Rosen's "Alice *and*
Wonderland" is listed as "Alice *in* Wonderland (in error). Thought I might let you know.
" (Contributed by Phil Arroyo)
PA writes: "In the late 80's
I was recruited by Wink Kelso for his rock opera called "Alice
& Wonderland". It was rejuvenated specifically to raise
funds for a local church that was going through some hard times.
The ensemble was a who's-who list unlike anything I had ever
been a part of up to that time. The cast consisted of singers
who like me had been recruited especially for the project. People
like Paula Thompson, Angie Reed-Moore, Mike Kropp, Gary Freidrich,
John David Martinez, Tommy Stephens, some people from the local
cabaret, Ricky Hernandez, Suzy Jenkins, Pat Wellburg, David McDavid
etc,etc...about 15 or so in all. Well, the show went over so
well, we were asked to perform on Sundays at the Josephine Street
Diner which we did for about 3 months and finally took the show
to Austin where we ran Friday's & Sat's each week for another
3 months before closing. While there, we were put up at the what
was then, the new Radison Hotel. The cast had the entire top
floor and I gotta tell you, It was like being a rock star. We
were famous there. Everyone knew us from the show & treated
us like kings. The after show parties were classics as well.
You know, iced down bathtubs filled with everything. It was amazing!"
(Contributed by Rachel Beissner)
RB writes: "This Show has been
produced a few times since its original run. Here's yet another
update. Firelight Theater recently merged with The Magik Children's
Theatre which will now operate under the name of "The Magik
Theater". This will allow them to continue productions of
children's Theatre but also open up opportunities to stage adult
theater using the historic Beethoven Hall Theatre located on
the Hemisfair grounds on South Alamo. This last spring, Firelight
with Richard Rosen directing and John Minton producing, brought
back the production of "Alice: A Rock Opera" for the
older audience. Running concurrently was the children's show,
"Alice In Wonderland". Having been a groupie of the
original 1973 production, I can attest that the entertainment
& music held up wonderfully over the past 30 years. Firelight
had to hire two young singers outside of their own troupe to
fill a couple of rolls. In the lead as "Alice" was
belter, 14 year old Hannah Cochran. The other "outsider"
was my daughter, local singer/songwriter, Ashlee Rose, then 13
years old. Both Hannah & Ashlee Rose are now Freshman attending
NESA which is San Antonio's magnet school for the arts. The two
shows played a total of about 50 shows over Feb & Mar 2003
and I never ever tired of it. I would snap up a CD of this music
if it were ever made available. Until then, I guard with my life
the cassette tapes I have." ML adds:
Check out the artwork poster HERE.
- ALLEGED - (Contributed
by Ray Wilburn) RW writes:
"2003 I was with the group "Alleged" here in San
Antonio which consists of Randy Toman jr. guitar/vocals, Art
Carrejo bass ,and Chris Lopez vocals but i've since left to start
an as yet un-titled band."
- 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."
- AMERICAN PEDDLERS - BAND
MEMBERS: Glenn Smith - guitar,voc / Aaron Barker - bass,voc
/ Joe Tora - keys,voc / Greg Hall (also various drummers) - drums,voc.
ML writes: Be
sure to visit Aarons website at: http://www.aaronbarker.com (Contributed
by Bob Gentry) Bob writes:
"I'm sure you met some of the guys in the American Peddlers.
Are you aware of what happened to Aaron Barker, the bassist and
lead vocalist? He has made the move to Nashville, gone country,
and written songs like "Love Without End, Amen" for
George Strait. Don't know where any of the others went to though...."
ML adds: Last I heard....Joe Tora
moved back to the northeast, New York I think. Glenn Smith works
around Texas as a concert promoter under the name 'Glenn Smith
Presents' (I think that's the name!). Greg Hall went back with
his former band mates The Smith Brothers. And we know what Aaron
is up to......." (Contributed by Kevin
Cook) KC writes: "I
was surfing the web and came across your site. I was glad to
see The American Peddlers mentioned. After Joe Torra left the
band, I was enlisted to fill in for him for about a year before
the band disbanded. I made the connection from playing with The
Boyd Brothers of Bandera and Bill Butler of Hondo. I was was
fortunate to play with the band on the road right after Aaron
had "Baby Blue" recorded by George Strait and with
Glen Smith's booking ability, we were able to play many big shows
around the country including opening for Alabama in front of
10,000 in Richmond, VA. While I played with the band, we had
Gerald Boyd on guitar and after he left for Nashville, Bill Caisse.
After The Peddlers disbanded, I played with Bill several months
on The Chelsea Street Pub circuit. I have since lost contact
with all the players except an occasional note from Aaron. I
went back to college and received my Bachelors degree and now
teach for the state of Texas. The band I play with now (3rd Degree)
is made of musicians retired from the road playing for fun and
a little money on weekends. Although I still play with 3rd Degree,
I am concentrating on my recording studio and start-up independent
record label. http://coyotedream.com
." (Contributed by Martini)
M writes: "Glenn Smith (once
an American Peddler) is one of the largest band promoters in
Southern United States. He books top of the line performers in
the country and rock genres from Garth Brooks to Brittany Spears.
He also books classic bands out for their comeback tours like
Styx, Foreigner, Heart, etc... He and his wife Linda have built
a huge promotion company, but still base out of San Antonio."
(Contributed by Willie) W
writes: "The American Peddlers used to play out at
Fort Hood and my little group of friends would go to see them
every time they were here. We even traveled to San Antonio Lackland
Airforce base to see them put on a show at the outside pavilion.
We knew the original members very well and we were all friends
with them for so long, I even named my son after two members
in the original band. I would say they had a major impact on
my life. We lost track of them for years and one day i was sitting
at home watchin CMT and there was this man singin solo, with
a flag imposed in the background, i was mesmerized, kept staring
at him and listening and saying to myself 'i know this man'.
At the end, i saw his name and about fell off the couch!!! It
was Aaron. I miss them so much and am glad that I did a search
for American Peddlers and came across your website. Thank you
so much for having this on here." (Contributed
by Bill Caisse) BC writes: "I
was the guitarist in not only the Alice rock opera, but the guitarist
for the American Peddlers from 1984 -1988, and then also for
Aaron Barker as a solo artist through 1993. Currently living
back in Texas, after three years in Nashville. Happily working
at Apple Computer, and playing guitar for The Klocks." (Contributed by Scott Gerard) SG
writes: "I have alot of great memories playing drums
for the "American Peddlers" and the times we were out
on the road. The lineup at that time was Aaron Barker (Lead Vocals,
Bass), Glen Smith (Guitar, Vocals), Joe Torra (Keyboards, Vocals)
and myself. Our sound man was Lee Mack and he did a fantastic
job for us at that time. The Peddlers always seemed to pack a
house wherever they played. From what I know, Glen Smith is a
well known promoter (Garth Brooks, Goo Goo Dolls, to name a few)
and was nominated for promoter of the year at the CMA awards
last year. He currently resides in Bulverde and I see him around
town every once in a while. Aaron Barker has definitely left
his mark as one of the finest songwriters of our time and currently
lives in Nashville. Joe Torra currently lives in Pittsfield,
Massachusetts and owns a clothing store called "Diedra's
Great Clothing" (named after his wife). Bill Caisse replaced
Glen Smith (due to Glen pursued his promoting business full-time),
however the band never seemed to be able to do much after that.
The band went bankrupt shortly after that and the Peddlers soon
disappeared but the memories live on. I still live in San Antonio
and I plan on continuing my musical endeavors until I can't anymore.
It's great to see some of the old Peddler fans when I play gigs
around town." (Contributed by Steve
Wisnoski) SW adds: "I
also was a member of American peddlers close to the end after
Bill Caisse." (Contributed by Bubba
Henze) BH writes: "I
worked for them as a lighting director for about a year in '82.
Glenn and Joe already had the promotions thing going and a production
company called South Texas Sound and Lights. When we weren't
working Peddlers gigs, they would book the crew and gear on regional
shows like Dr. Hook or Reba McIntire. My most memorial experience
was the Airman's Club on Lackland AFB in '82. Aaron had finished
writing and recording Survive, which was basically all about
the whole Air Force recruitment and training experience (the
Peddlers had been playing airman's clubs for many years). One
song was called Lackland Laser. It referred to the flashlights
with the orange cones the airman were had to carry on their walk
to the club. That night when the band played it for the first
time, to a packed house of maybe 800 "pingers", the
whole crowd turned on their flashlights and swept them in unison
to the music. It was unbelievable! Joe called me on the intercom
from the stage and told me to kill the stage lights. The Air
Force had it's own light show going on that night!" (Contributed by James Nichols) JN writes: "I enjoyed reading about
this group's history and as I was a part of it, I thought that
I would add to the story. The American Peddlers were formed in
1970 with three servicemen ( Jim Nichols, Ken Joiner and Monk
Porter) and one civilian (Randy Mason). They started playing
on the bases as well as the Pendulm, Timber Wolf, and several
other local clubs. In late 1970, most of the members were either
transferred or moved with the exception of bassist Jim Nichols.
He recruited Jim Morrison (no, not THE Jim Morrison,) Ronnie
Black and Joe Torra and kept the band alive. This group played
all the military bases in the San Antonio area as well as Laredo,
etc. Jim left the group in mid 1971 when he was transferred to
Japan, and formed the Country Peddlers and performed there for
four years. He then returned to the states, became a civilian
and moved back to Ohio. He currently lives in South Carolina
and is still playing and writing with his group, Dystansy. Thanks."
- 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 ) BAND
MEMBERS: 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!"
- ANGEL FIRE - (Contributed
by Bobby Flores) BF writes:
"I don't know if I mentioned my last band to you, Angel
Fire. We played the "A" circuit in Texas from '88 through
'96 and worked mostly in the Dallas area. Played Borrowed Money
(Dallas) and Crystal Chandelier clubs (Lancaster), the Texas
Star in Denton and the Santa Fe Junction in San Angelo. I was
joined by my brother Greg Flores and sister Sandra Flores and
we did mostly top-40 country and dance rock too. We came very
close to two different major label deals, with Warner and M.C.A.
Our band had two or three different drummers and bass players,
etc. Here's a list of who performed with us: Drums: Phil Dalmolin,
Tad Parker, Brian Pfeffer Bass: Jim Kalson, Joe Cooper, Alan
Chapman Keyboards: Scott Honsberger, Rick Ramirez Steel: Chuck
Back, Jerry Blanton, Randy Reinhard Acoustic guitar: Greg Flores,
Dale Sandling I played guitar, fiddle & steel."
- 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)."
- ARANSAS - (
Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) BAND
MEMBERS: 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 Dave Lara) DL writes: "I noticed on your website
that a few Texas bands were mentioned but not listed."
- ARGYLES - (
Contributed by Chris Holzhaus ) BAND
MEMBERS: Steve Perron - guitar,voc / Luis Cabaza - keys
/ Ben Trieber - bass / Steve Andersen - drums / Chris Holzhaus
- guitar,voc. Chris writes: "A
weird mixture of Keystone, MacArthur, Jefferson, Cole and Alamo
Heights grads...played t.a.g. ( teenage activity group) at Ft.
Sam Houston as well as the TEEN CANTEEN in wonderland and THE
DUMP on Austin hwy. ...they landed one Texas area hit produced
by the world famous record producer Huey P. Meaux (Sir Douglas
Quintet, BJ Thomas) the label was Crazy Cajun/Pic-One >A.side
was " White Lightnin' " B.side was "Farmer John"
(I'm in love with your daughter). The band later became"
CHILDREN "and moved to LA in 67. Luis Cabaza recently returned
to San Antonio from playing many years with Natalie Cole and
the Gap Band (I dropped a bomb on you) and to marry his current
wife Brenda (his High School sweetheart). Steve Perron and Ben
Trieber both passed away accidentally within 3 years apart. Steve
Andersen lives somewhere in San Antonio ...and you know where
Chris is!" (Contributed by 60sMan)
6man writes: "Ben Treiber died
in about 1969 (about 3 years before Stevie Perron), Benny was
a bass player for the Argyles. The Argyles formed the Minds Eye
club mentioned in your website - yes it was across from Terrell
Plaza on Austin Highway.Next door, there used to be a 50s type
of drive called the Big Orange named after an orange drink they
served with burgers etc. They had a canopy for parking and the
very end was informally reserved for a group of hoodlums called
the Big Orange Boys. The Big Orange boys latter shot Benny Trieber
in the leg over a bad dope deal. The Argyles formed in 1965 and
the Minds Eye opened in 1966."
- ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL - ML writes: "One of the all time
greats to come out of Texas. Kings of the Texas Swing sound."
- AUGIE MEYERS - Augie is a fixture
around the SA area. For a period of about 15 yrs after his chart
topping hey day with the Sir Douglas Quintet, Augie fronted his
own band around the area featuring a revolving door of local
musicians. It was not unusual to run into him at the music store
or at the grocery store during this period. I never took the
opportunity to talk with him as I found his age and large size
to be rather intimating. What would I have in common to talk
with him about? Around the mid-eighties, Augie re-teamed with
Doug Sahm and formed the TEXAS TORNADOES. They revived their
careers and became stars again. They are currently big in the
Tejas market and Europe and have held steady for 15 yrs now.
ML writes: Visit
Clay Meyers website for photos of Augie and others: http://www.claymeyers.com/claymeyers.htm/ (Contributed by Kurt Otto) KO
writes: "I talked to this old guy at Hermes. I was
buying a guitar strap. He asked do you play guitar? I said yes.
Rhythm or lead? Mostly rhythm. He saw my casbeers shirt and he
asked if augie meyers ever played there. I said sure, I said
I was an augie disciple then he said he used to have a TV show
in the 50's called Children's Theater, his name was Johnny Lane.He
said how these 14 year old kids named augie meyers and doug sahm
used to come to his show. Also, he mentioned another 14 year
old kid named denny mathis. My jaw dropped. I couldn't believe
my luck to get in a conversation with him. Claude says he remembers
the show, it was before my time I'm afraid."
- AUTOMATIC - ML
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.
- THE AVENGERS - (Contributed
by Dave Lara) DL writes:
"Styled after the Ventures."
- AZRAEL - (Contributed
by Robert Fields) RF writes:
"I came across your page while in the hunt for some info
on "TheWellSouls". Anyway I saw the band listings page
and freaked at some of the clubs and bands that I remember going
to/ seeing way back when. I myself was in a band called "Azrael".
The first version started in 89' with Joe Hudson on vocals, Rene
Medellin on drums, Joe Villalobos on guitar, and myself: Robert
Fields on bass. We did originals in the "progressive metal"
style and even managed a few covers from Journey, Loudness and
Ozzy. The second form of the band went from 91' to 93' with David
Hamm on vocals, Carlos Martinez on guitar, Brian Taylor on drums
and again myself on bass. The band came to an end due to the
death of David. He was only 23 and died while sleeping due to
carbon monoxide poisoning. I remember playing places like Wacky's,
Tacoland, Eddie's, Crystal Palace (I think it was off of Military?),
some club off of N.Main across from SAC & right next to Hogwild;
can't remember the name. Oh, then there was Pazute's and the
infamous Sneakers. Anyway, since then I've played in country
bands, tejano bands, oldies bands, and currently I'm playing
with Paris By Night (original rock) and DesDemona (with ex-Violet
Trip singer Erica). Thanks for keeping up a page like this....very
cool."
- 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."
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- BADFINGER - ML
writes: My band RENEGADE had the chance to do the warm
up slot for this band at a large club off West Ave in SA around
1983. Badfinger had long since faded in glory but they sounded
great as ever doing all the famous hits. The original bass player
was now on lead guitar and the only member of the original group
from the 60's. They pulled in a large crowd and it was generally
a great night for everybody. Both bands shared a large dressing
room backstage and the guys held us in awe with their stories
of how they use to hang out with the Beatles and the wild times
they had in their heyday. Nice bunch of fellows." (Contributed by Steve Denney) SD
writes: "I also remember the show you mentioned that
Renegade played at The Rock Saloon, opening for Badfinger. I
was there. I seem to recall that the tickets said that Shawn
Sahm’s band Prezence was going to open, but for whatever
reason they weren’t there, and Renegade opened instead.
You guys sounded good and did a great job warming up the crowd
that day! It pains me to tell you that I am about 99% sure that
the guy who claimed to be in the original Badfinger was probably
talking through his hat. The real original bass player was a
guy named Tom Evans (who hanged himself in ’83). I saw Tom
in ’79 (at the Armadillo!) and he was definitely not on
the stage at that show in S.A. Around the time of this show (July
’82), the remaining original Badfinger members were bitterly
infighting, and there were several bands called Badfinger on
the road at this time. Some of them with NO original members.
I remember being so disappointed because I had really been looking
forward to that show. The bizarre thing is that the band that
played had really done their homework, and actually sounded pretty
good. They were the best Badfinger cover band I probably ever
heard!" ML adds: "In all
honesty.. I can't say that what Steve Denney says is not true.
I just don't know. I was there in the warmup band but it was
such a busy confused day and I was not a Badfinger historian
at the time... I am just not sure who It was that I was talking
to backstage from Badfinger. I certainly was not going to insult
the Badfinger guys by asking 'who are you again?'. It's sad for
me if it was all a bogus band after all this time. At any rate,
it was still a thrill for me to have been a member of the warmup
band that night for whatever Badfinger lineup it was. Maybe more
folks can shed some light on this."
- BAD NEWZ - (Contributed
by Debra Fiedler) DF writes:
"Preston and John Bracy fronted this band... we use to practice
next door to them and we did a gig with them at Sheps."
- JULIE BAILEY AND THE TEXAS GEMS
- (Contributed by Mike Workman)
MW writes: "Aug84-Sep85: I
played in various bands: Most consistent with Julie Bailey &
the Texas Gems [Brett Lowey, J.R on bass, Will on drums], Frank
Chamberlain & Black Mountain."
- BAKER STREET CASE - (Contributed
by David McDonald) DM writes:
"Baker Street Case was a band that played the canteen 67-68.
My memory of them was that they had new Kustom amps and a new
double tom Ludwig drum set."
- THE BATHTUB RING - (Contributed
by Ralph Fritz) RA writes:
"The Bathtub Ring consisted for most of its existence of
Richard Tondre and Ralph Fritz. Other members over many years,
included Grant Heller, Pat Hughes, David Kersh and several others.
Tom Kinsey was recorder and sound man. We played many clubs included
Mike's site as well as Kelly's Pub on the River, Artist Colony
Club in Hemisfair Park, etc. (in)Famous for Alexis from Texas,
etc. we were basically a Kingston Trio sound-alike. Contact can
be made at bathtubring.com."
- BARRIER - (Contributed
by Jody Moore) JM writes:
"My first band, Barrier, (Rusty Howard, Larry Howe, Brian
Pogue, me and David Montgomery). We opened regularly for Heyoka
at Charlie's Quarter Place in Universal City and at Crazy Darryl's
on Fred' Rd. Our name was
unique in that it was in honor of our roadie, my best friend,
Jack Barrier (now a big-time jet-setting executive with Oracle)."
- BEEFEATERS - (Contributed
by Jimmie Randall) JR writes:
"I played bass with the Beefeaters (I still cringe at that
name!) in '68 and '69. We played at the Pusi-Kat almost all summer
in '68 during Hemisphere. What a grand time! I was nineteen and
out on my own for the first time. Wild in the streets! We also
played Teen Canteen and Love Street (Whatever happened to Brandi?)
Later, I played with Gary Myrick from Dallas and we played the
Jam Factory a few times opening for Leon Russell. Even later,
I moved to L.A. and joined Jo Gunne. We played Sunken Gardens
in '74. I wonder if any one has any pictures. I am getting quite
nostalgic these days. I have such great memories of my time in
San Antonio."
- BEARDED FORTUNE COOKIE - BAND MEMBERS: Danny Cowan - guitar /
? / ? /? /
- BEES MAKE HONEY - BAND
MEMBERS: Jay Hoyer (the queen bee) -voc / Keith Owens
- guitar / Steve Owens (honey luscious) - guitar / Marius (Bubba)
Perron - bass,voc / Laurent Perron - drums,voc.
- BEPKO, FLETCHER & ROSE / BEPKO,
SANTOS & ROSE (See Photos HERE) - (Contributed
by Bill Lieber) Bill writes:
"Ronny Rose, Phil Bepko and Roger Santos still play here
and I have the pleasure of sitting in with both bands. Still
there is some of the old clan. And, we're still kick'in. Every
time I see them play I get all chocked up." ML
writes: Be sure to check out the gallery. I have a pic
of BFR taken awhile back before Roger joined. Those guys are
real vets of the SA scene going back to numerous bands and lineups
in the past. They are still great. (Contributed
by Steve Denney) SD writes:
"They used to play every weekend at Gallagher's Steakhouse
off I-10 and Wurzbach. It was a small, fun, pub-type room and
they always had a good crowd. I would go by whenever I wasn't
working and they always let me sit in. A great bunch of guys;
very versatile musically, always professional to a T, and nice
people to boot."
- BERG'S MILL SYMPHONY - about
1980. no info yet.
- BITTERSWEET - ML
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".
- BLACKJACK - (Contributed
by Ernest Cruz) EC writes:
Blackjack, who hailed from the Southeast side of town, used to
rock my socks off. "The band was fronted by a cool and soulful
singer named Keith ?, Mike Mullins on bass, Alonso Avila on lead
guitar, Daniel Silva on lead & rhythm guitar and Bob Gonzales
on drums. This band played stuff like Trapeze, Deep Purple, Bad
Company and Queen. They also won a Battle of The Bands competition
at the Sunken Gardens Theater. I don't recall what broke them
up but after there break-up Keith left for New York City, Bob
pursued an all original band called Metalis, I don't know where
Daniel went but Mike and Alonso put another project together
recruiting Ralph Pacheco on second guitar, Manuel Castillo on
lead vocals and Mark ? on drums and became Rampant."
- BLACK ROSE - See
Photo HERE BAND MEMBERS:
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) ML writes: This
band was a huge draw and big money maker for any club featuring
this act around 80'-81'. 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 TUESDAY - (Contributed
by CJ Wilson) MEMBERS: C.J.
Wilson-guitar,voc / Steve 'Liz" Kinser-voc /Geoff Kinser-keyboard,guitar
/Tom Lienke-Bass (former member of the Lienke Brothers OKC) /Doc
Holliday-drums /Blair Montgomery-Saxophone (former member of
the Moondogs in OKC). '86-'87 Local r&b band i was in...this
band opened for SRV.
- BLUE VALLEY MILL - (
Contributed by Keith Hinshaw ) Keith writes: "I
was a brat at Randolph AFB from 1967-71. Some of us brats put
together a band called "Blue Valley Mill" and we were
hot at the "Teen Canteen" for awhile in '70-71, It
was myself on lead and vocals, Tom Koenig on rhythm, Speedy Moorhead
on bass, Bob Hric on keyboard and most lead vocals, and a succession
of off-base drummers. One drummer I remember was introduced to
us only as "Lightbulb", who we got through Allen Grimm
from KEXL_FM who managed us for a short time. We did mostly covers
by CSN&Y, Santana, Cocker,etc., and a couple of originals
by Bob, ("Iceberg Sea" & "Highway 35").
We were pretty good for our ages (18-20), but my heroes were
"Homer"," Pablo's Grove", and "Joker
Moon". I was surprised to see the names of Wink Kelso,Tommy
Davis,and Phil Arroyo (in these listings). Phil was very kind
to me as sort of a mentor. I remember times at "The Canteen"
that people up here (Illinois) don't believe when I say names
like ZZ Top, Steve Vaughn, and Christopher Cross (I remember
him in a band called Blue Jam because we always came in second
to them in battle of the bands!).
- BO PORTER & THE DIXIE ROCKITS
- (Contributed by Andrea Porter)
Check out this Austin outfit next time you are looking for a
good time. Visit the website at
http://www.boporter.com
.
- THE BOIZ - (Contributed
by Bobby Flores) BF writes:
"I thought you might remember "The Boiz". We were
around when Cooter Brown's, Great Jubilation and Scratch clubs
were happening, around '83 though '86. The Boiz included the
great Kort Ogden on bass (of the original HomeCooking), Phil
Dalmolin on drums, Mike Byrne on keyboards, Mike Feliciano and
myself on guitars & vocals. We played down at the Hyatt Riverwalk's
La Puerta club as well. The Boiz was formed from an earlier band,"Gone
City" which featured the incomparable, late Ronnie Warner.
"Gone City" included both Al Balderama and Steve Camp
on keyboards, Phil Dalmolin on drums, Fred Carrillo on sax, Mike
Feliciano on guitar, Ronnie Warner and then later myself. "Gone
City" did everything from Steely Dan to R & B, Funk
and originals. "The Boiz" were a dance-rock group and
we did the popular stuff at the time....The Fixx, Tubes, Van
Halen, Sammy Hagar, The Cars, Toto, Christopher Cross, etc."
(Contributed by Phil Dalmolin) PD writes: "I came back to SA to
play with other country guys until mid '84 when Kort Ogden, Bobby
Flores, Flea and I had been talking about putting together a
top 40 techno/rock band and so became the BOIZ. We found a keyboard
player from New Braunfels named Michael Byrne. We played all
over south Texas and built quite a following. We played for a
few years every Sunday night at a club on Fredricksburg road
called "Great Jubilations." Everyone in SA knew and
we built a great Sunday night crowd for a long time. I remember
one of many funny stories about that place. For awhile we attracted
some wrestlers from downtown and one night there were about 15
or 20 of them in there and they chose up sides (also something
to do with an off duty drunk cop saying he could kick all their
asses) And voila! we had a rock and roll John Wayne bar fight
scene. They tore that place to shreds. Kort and I were in the
kitchen with giant stewpots over our heads shaking like little
girls! The Boiz lasted until around '87 when for whatever reasons
the band fizzled out." (Contributed
by Dennis Shows) DS writes:
"My band The Craze's keyboard/guitarist Ken Brazle, had
a home recording studio called 'Walk on water'. One time he asked
me if i wanted to hang out, and keep an eye on the place, while
some guys from San Antonio recorded there. It was the mid 80's,
they were a jazz outfit. All i remember was the guitar players
name was Mike [flea] Feliciano, and the bass players name was
Kurt, he ran sound for us a few times. I remember Flea telling
me that his most favorite guitar player in the whole world was
Larry Carlton. He said that he had met him at the S.A. airport
one time."
- 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 ) BAND
MEMBERS: 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"
- CARMEN BRYANT - (Contributed
by Mike Workman) MW writes:
"Sep89-Nov89: Carmen Bryant hired me to play in her band,
mostly R&B, jazz, and soul. We played a lot on the East Side
of SATX, mostly black clubs, functions. In that band was Carmen,
myself, Cecil Carter on trumpet, John Tyndell on Bass, Jimmy
Smith on drums (these three were from the US Army Band at Ft
Sam), David Lukey on sax. Cooking band, really!"
- BUBBLE PUPPY - BAND
MEMBERS: ML writes: Four
piece band based out of Houston (I think). Played around the
state. In 69' had a huge radio hit. Great guitar players. Years
later I saw them at FitzWilly's in SA. Visit
the Bands website at: http://www.bubblepuppy.com (Contributed
by Chris Holzhaus ) Chris writes:
"Originally called The Bad Seeds from Corpus Christi.
This band was very big in Texas from the early to the mid 60's.
After moving to Austin somewhere around 1967 the band reformed
as the Bubble Puppy and headed for Houston to record with Lelon
Rodgers, (kennys brother and noted producer of the 13th Floor
Elevators). The band members were > Rod Prince (lead guitar),
Todd Potter (lead guitar..they did alot of twin guitar riffs),
David Fore(drums), Roy Cox(bass). Their national hit, "
Hot Smoke and Sassafrass". (Contributed
by Robin Overall) Robin writes:
"After their regional success with "Hot Smoke and Sasafras"the
band broke up for a time after moving to Los Angeles and getting
disillusioned (imagine that). I remember one night in about 1970
or 71 playing in Austin with Homer somewhere on 6th street and
Rod Prince came in. We got him to sit in and he traded "chops"
with Galen Niles....I remember Rod struggling and Galen dominating
the jam. Rod later told me he had not played in some time. Within
the next year or so he was back in L.A. and had the original
Bubble Puppy together once again this time under the name Damien.
They had a national release on ABC/Dunhill with a few of the
same songs that were on the original Bubble Puppy album. They
did get some radio air play here in Texas and I remember going
to see them at the Jam Factory for their big coming home concert
but the times had passed them by and they were soon to be dropped
from their label deal. They were one of the real Texas hippie
bands and were really something during the "Hot Smoke and
Sassafras" era. I know Ralph Doelling still has a copy of
the original Bubble Puppy album and I still have a copy of the
Damien album." ( Contributed by Todd
Potter ) Todd writes: "I
did want to correct some recollections of Robin Overall's contained
in his contribution to the trivia page. Bubble Puppy's ' Hot
Smoke and Sassafrass' was not a regional hit but actually went
to number 9 nationally. Having been had by our label we moved
to L.A. and signed with ABC/Dunhill and the name change was done
because Dunhill did not want the legal hassle with International
Artist, which had released "Gathering of Promises".
Bubble Puppy/ Demian had not disbanded and reunited later to
form Demian. As for having jammed with Rod sometime in 71' or
72', somewhere on 6th street, as we Austinites know, sixth street
had no music venues in the early seventies as it was still a
warehouse district with a few struggling retail, hardware, and
feed stores, with a few beer joints where the winos hung out.
Your basic skid row. Must have been sometime after 77'-78' when
the first of the clubs was opened by Hank Vick and it was yet
a while before others took the risk and joined in the redevelopment
of Sixth Street. Visit www.bubblepuppy.com for the whole story
under "Puppy Tales" and "The Demian Story".
The Demian Story being the most telling as to Robin's perception
that "time had passed us by", when he saw us on that
tour. We weren't dropped by ABC. We disbanded with the second
Demian Album budget check in hand and walked away from it. L.A
was not the kind of place we could flourish and (our) souls were
weary of it." (Contributed by Robin
Overall) RO writes: "I
wanted to respond to Todd Potter's comment on the Rod Prince
"sighting" in Austin in about '71. Even though the
big 6th Street "thang" had not happened yet, there
was a 6th Street in Austin and the place Homer played that night
was in fact on 6th Street....closer to Lamar. It was a Hamburger/Beer
joint with a stage. I didn't get to jam with Rod but Galen certainly
did and I'm sure all the members of Homer remember it. As far
as info about Bubble Puppy breaking up......that came from things
Rod told us that night. My comments were only remembrances of
a fan. That's the cool thing about this sight.......we can get
all the facts eventually."
- BUCKBOARD BOOGIE BOYS - (See Photos HERE) - ( Contributed
by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) BAND
MEMBERS: 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."
- BULLIT LAVOLTA - (Contributed
by Sam Wakefield) SW writes:
"Clay Tarver (another Alamo Heights alum.) Formed Bullet
Lavolta in late '80's in Boston. Signed to Kerrang and later
RCA, they toured with Soundgarden, Prong, etc. Is now member
of sometimes active NYC band Chavez (on Matador records), garnering
much indie cred."
- BILLY BUTTERFIELD & DANNY MEYER
- (Contributed by Jim Meyer) JM writes: "My father Danny Meyer
played with Billy Butterfield from about 1958-1960. They made
2 recordings: 1."Billy Plays Bix", 2."Jazz Festival".
He was in Northfolk Virginia in the late 50's. Danny Meyer had
played with many off the greats (he also did 3 years in the west
point band) from Louie Armstrong in the late 40s to Bob Dylan
and Joan Baez in the Greenwich Village Days. He was also at West
Point Academy. He was at the Virginia Beach Jazz Festival in
1960 with Billy Butterfield, Tommy Gwaltney, Charlie Bird, Ernie
(Stonewall) Caceres. He also played with the Jolly Rogers band
with Tommy Gwaltney. He died in 1989 of cancer. I would like
to find the 2nd album he and Billy made:"Jazz Festival".
Anyone out there have any further info???
-
- ---------------- C ---------------
-
- CAIN'S CHILDREN - (
Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) BAND
MEMBERS: Doug Barnes - voc / Kent Qvereau - guitar / David
Ludwig - drums / Mark (DYNO) Eastwood - bass / and Steve McClelland
- keys. Phil writes: The best band
from Alamo Heights HS, except for FLASH, of course. This band
covered lots of really cool material: DOORS, 13th FLOOR ELEVATORS,
LOVE, and HENDRIX at the Mule Stall. They played "Fire"
and "Purple Haze" one night. I asked "DYNO"
who the songs were by. He told me about Jimi Hendrix, and the
next morning I was at the record store before it opened to buy
"Are You Experienced?". I was transformed forever.
(Thanx!) In the 1970 yearbook, these guys were all juniors (we
were freshman). They were COOL and GOOD when they were sophomores
in HS. Even now, I'm impressed!
- CARASCO, JOE KING - (See
Photo HERE) -(Contributed
by CJ Wilson) CJ writes:
"Joe King Carasco..i ran the sound system on that show in
Norman...his drummer was whining to their female keyboardist
about Joe not liking him or something and she was trying to advise
him on how to talk to Joe..i thought it was funny. Joe was just
oblivious to everything going on around him during setup. I asked
him how he liked his Roland Space Echo,and he went 'oh, i don't
know, how do you like it?' He went to play video games. (Contributed by Randy Galliher) Randy writes: "I saw Joe King Carrasco
for the first time in Austin at Club Foot about 1984. He put
on a fantastic show jumping into the audience from the second
floor balcony while playing lead guitar. Years later I caught
him on Saturday Night Live as the featured Band. He tried to
backflip into the audience and they almost dropped him. I don't
think the audience knew what hit them. It was just great Tex/Mex
Conjunto Rock-n-Roll. In 1998 I saw Joe at a bar in Tampa, Florida
called Skippers. Skippers is a great restaurant/bar with large
oak trees like Cooter Brown's used to have. Joe had long dred
locks and had put on a few pounds (like most of us). The crowd
was sparse and he did no backflips into the dancers. He has added
more reggae to his sets. During a break I spoke with him at the
bar and he told me he was playing that gig for his wifes' relatives
in Tampa. Nevertheless, the music was great and he still has
an exceptional musical style. I always thought he would become
re-discovered as another "Elvis Costello" type."
(Contributed by Martin Medina) MM writes: "The King's "La
Semana" Shows were legendary. Me and my buddies traveled
up to the Hill country to see them once. They were billed with
a bunch of hard rock bands. I think Yesterday and Today was one
of the headliners. They were almost booed off stage. We loved
it. We ended up leaving with them to do a photo shoot at the
Alamo with a writer from the English rock magazine, New Musical
Express. I'll never forget it."
- 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 - (Contributed
by Dave Lara) DL writes:
"I noticed on your website that a few Texas bands were mentioned
but not listed."r fluid, and they wore real tall platform
shoes.
- CASTLE - (Contributed
by Robin Overall) BAND MEMBERS:
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.)
- THE CATALINAS - (Contributed
by Larry Patton) LP writes:
"I was also in a band in high school (Sam Houston High)
called "The Catalinas". Larry Patton (Lead Guitar),
Ken Schuchardt (Bass), Terry Loper (Lead Guitar), Mike Portis
(Drums), John Brown (Vocals). Mike Portis and myself are the
only ones still playing music. From what I can remember we lost
a lot of talent contests to the Spidels. They were a great band
with a huge following. Most of the Spidels also went to Sam Houston
High at this same time in the early sixties, Terry Patton, Jerry
Osborn, Jesse Samudio, Eugene (Gene) Coleman. Thanks! Larry -
my website is: http://www.americanfreedomshowcase.com ."
(Contributed by Skip Mascorro) SM writes: "I remember well the
Catalina's ...they were neighborhood guys on the southeast side.
I believe Mike Portis was the drummer a few houses up the street
on Shelburn where I would sit out on the curb and listen to them
practice. I also remember Eugene Coleman's paisley topped Ford
Falcon passing by my house almost everyday as I rode my bicycle
home from school."
- 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."
- THE CENTURYS - (Contributed
by Will Bellamy) Will writes:
"The Centurys started in 1963 at Alamo Heights High School
at the annual Howdy Night Fiesta. ......." ML
writes: To read this along with
many more stories about 'The Century's' and other bands, see
the GRABBAG section by Will Bellamy and George Maillot - OR click
HERE.
- 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."
- GEORGE CHAMBERS - (Contributed
by Bobby Flores) BF writes:
"Do you have info on George Chambers and the Country Gentlemen
yet? George was and still is a leading force and very well known
here in SA. He had one of the best C & W dance bands in this
part of the country during the '50's, '60's, '70's and into the
'80's and was very instrumental in helping many to launch their
careers. Still performs but mostly as a duo or trio thing, acoustically.
He was one of the major influences around here and everyone has
much respect for him. Another one is Ray Szapanik and the Top
Hands. Been working around here since the '50's too and is still
known to have one of the most authentic country bands in the
area."
- CHANGING FACES - no
info yet
- CHASE - (Contributed
by Dennis Shows) DS writes:
"I was looking at your trivia website, and I noticed the
piece that Bobby Stoner contributed about the band Foxfire, and
their guitarist David DeLuna. I am from Port Lavaca, about 30
miles south of Victoria. I graduated in 1980, and really didn't
get to go out to see live music until the 80;s, but when I did,
I saw this band at a little dive in the country called the Music
Box. There was this band there called CHASE; they kicked major
buttocks! They were extremely tight as they played covers by
Sammy Hagar, Eddie Money, Journey, and even some real good originals
that could have been played on the radio at that time. Anyway,
being an aspiring guitarist; I took to David's style, and he
was and is still an amazing player! I ended up befriending David,
and, have kept in touch with him off and on, from then to today.
Let me give some history, where b.s. left off. David on guitar[lead],
Mike Penson on lead vocals and rythym guitar, Frank Nance on
drums, John Bustos on bass. This lineup lasted until about late
84. Frank left to join the Emotions, I think, and was replaced
by a guy out of Austin, named Paul Ramsey. Paul Ramsey left the
band quickly, because some things were different than he was
told. I left Port Lavaca for a couple of years, and was told
that the band went through a few drummers, and a new bass player,
that I didn't meet 'till around 2000, named Skip, I cant remember
his last name. Ultimately, the band broke up, in about 87 or
88. David played with several bands in the area, including the
Emotions, in the early 90's. he finally decided to do his own
stuff, and along the way became born again, He now has a three
piece band, with Paul Ramsey, back on drums, and Skip, back on
bass. They play Christian inspired instrumental rock, and some
with vocals too, in the same vein as Joe Satriani, and Eric Johnson;
they are called S.K.P."
- CHASER - (Contributed
by Tony Pena) TP writes:
"Another band I failed to mention was Chaser which originally
consisted of Jay Martinez (guitar & vocals), Pete Hernandez
(keyboard and vocals), Chris Alaniz (drums) and Stanley (bass
& vocals). These guys played a variety of blues, rock n roll
and rhythm and blues.They sounded so good that when Stanley was
quitting and they recruited me for the band, I tried to talk
Stanley into staying. He was definitely a key part. Anyway I
joined that band and tried to meet the expectations while playing
at the Swizzle stick, Casbeers, and various other clubs that
I can't remember.Jay Martinez is still playing around town with
various combos, Pete moved to Colorado to accept a music teacher
position after he got his degree here, Chris stepped into religion
and haven't heard from him.Very versatile band and I definitely
learned a lot from those guys."
- CHAYNS - (Contributed
by Phil Moran) no info yet. (Contributed by Roger Barnes) Roger
writes: "Another band that i recall as being big
in the local teen SA scene during that era was "The Chains"....they
seemed to rule at all the Battle of the Bands in the area. I
could be wrong on the spelling of "The Chains" but
could swear it was spelled as I wrote it, maybe they changed
it (to 'Chayns') as they progressed. I just remember that they
were considered the coolest SA band going around 1966."
(Contributed by Stephen Shelfer)
SS writes: "A bit of info on
the Chaynes (that's the spelling I remember),Charles Eddleman:
Rhythm Guitar,Vocals (Edison), Miles Wells: Lead Guitar, Ocarina
on WILD THING (McCollum, I think) Bob Tummer: Drums (school unknown),
Dale Watson: Bass (Edison) Name of Lead Vocalist unknown."
(Contributed by Jim Frizzell) JF writes: "I played guitar/keyboards
originally with a band called the "Rel-Yeas". Early
60's to mid-60's. I was also a member of the "Chayns"
from around 67'/68' to around 72'. After the Rel-Yeas ended,
I started a group called "Applebutter". (weird name
selection.. but we got a very popular in a very short period
of time... ). Around 1967-8, Applebutter was playing a gig at
the Lackland Officers Club and Charles Eddleman and Miles Wells
had heard some good things about us and came out to listen. They
approach us that night about possibly joining forces with them
as the Chayns had recently broken up and were looking for new
musicians. With the Chayns popularity already in San Antonio,
it didn't take long for us to say yes. Of course only several
of us were asked to join but that is how bands come and go...
it wound up as follows: Miles Wells-lead guitar/ Charles Eddleman-vocals,
hammond organ, rhythem guitar, bass guitar /
Jim Frizzell-vocals, hammond organ, rheem keyboard bass, bass
guitar, guitar/ John Stephenson -vocals, drums / Larry Milligan-bass,
guitar. As it turned out, the harmony vocals between Charles,
John, and myself were a good mix and lead us off in doing a lot
of songs by Three Dog Night, Grand Funk Railroad, Crosby Stills
Nash & Yound, etc. Hours could be spent about our musical
adventures...." (Contributed by Thom
Di Fronzo) TDF writes: "Wow!
Some really good details about San Antonio's own hometown group
The CHAYNS. I was disappointed that their TOP 45 all time BEST
SELLER was NIGHTTIME on one side, and that beautiful instrumental
LIVE FOR THE MOON on side two. I have been searching for these
two songs since my return from Nam in '73. Do you have these?
Also, I noticed, later in years, that the song NIGHTTIME was
being used in a Budweiser commercial! I never did find out for
sure how they got hold of that tune and used it, but rumor had
it that the CHAYNs let the copyright lapse, and Budweiser snapped
it up. Both of these tunes were OUTSTANDING! I heard the CHAYNS
play at Ft. Sam, Bracken ridge Park (at the old KTSA Lazy days
of summer and the Beginning of Summer Festivals they always put
on. Back in the days of Bruce Hathaway and Ricci Ware who was
my neighbor for years!) So, can you locate these songs? I am
a wedding singer (really!) here in Houston, and I'd sure play
both of these at every wedding if I had them! Great site, Brother,
and keep up the good work! P.S. I can still pick up a guitar
and play and sing NIGHTTIME!" (Contributed
by Chris Holzhaus) CH writes:
"I seem to remember a Chayn member, by the name of Wayne
Gustafson, i think. He was an original member I'm sure. The drummers
name was Bob Tumblinson. Again, i think.." (Contributed
by Skip Mascorro) SM writes:
"Mike..noticed reference to the Chaynes instrumental, "Live
with the Moon". I heard it played on KSYM a few weeks ago
riding down the road and couldn't believe my ears. Immediately
tried to connect with the station to no avail, to find out if
it was an old cut or a cover. Still don't know. If you were a
San 'Antonio musician learning to play a guitar, playing "Live
with the Moon" was where one graduated...after learning
"Gloria!.... G-L-O-R-I-A!" (Contributed
by Matt Farrar) ML writes: The following
link is an excellent article sent in by Matt Farrar who was around
in the early days during the formation of this great band. Click
HERE
to read. (Contributed by George
Callins) GC writes: "If
memory serves, Galen Niles was in that band and wrote the B-side
Live With the Moon, but I saw no mention of him in the write
up. Now, I HAVE been known to be wrong once or twice."
- CHEAP TRICK - ML
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.
- CHICKEN LITTLE AND HIS FABULOUS EGGWHITES
- See Photo HERE (Contributed by
Randall Rudd) RR writes:"Chicken
Little and His Fabulous Eggwhites," the legendary outfit
from Abilene, Texas, was not only the inspiration for Johnny
Dee & The Rocket 88s, but some of the original players are
still with the band nearly 40 years later. Others went on to
be part of "The Electromagnets." The Fabulous Eggwhites
were a phenom in West Texas at the time. They invented Elvis
impersonation, with the first known Elvis impersonator, Tommy
Grisham, complete with gold suit! And this was back when Johnson
was still president! They did lots of Mothers of Invention, Elvis,
parodies of the hit bands of the day, originals and what's now
called "oldies." Plus onstage comedy routines and bits.
Way, way ahead of their time."
- THE CHILDREN - (
Contributed by Kenny Cordray ) BAND
MEMBERS: Steve Perron-vocals & main songwriter / Cassel
Webb-vocals / Louis Cabaza-key bass,keyboards,vocals,and arrangements
/ Jim Newhouse-drums,vocals / Kenny Cordray-guitar / (also Bill
Ash - guitar / (also Chris Holzhaus-guitar). Kenny
writes: "The Children were originally from San Antonio.We
recorded for Atco in the 60's (BILL ASH on guitar) and Ode records
in the early 70's. Out of these sessions came '"Francine''
by Perron/Cordray which was the single off of ZZ TOP's Rio Grande
Mud album. I went on to play with Wayne Cochran & CC Riders
with Jaco Pastoruis, Cassel is producing records in New York,
Louis performed in LA for over 15 yrs, and now is back in San
Antonio playing. Jim Newhouse is living in Houston, and sadly
Steve passed away in 73' ". ML writes:
I ran across numerous internet references to Kenny's accomplishments
including song writing, session work, jazz festivals, and solo
CD's. If you are in the Houston area, keep your eyes open for
performances by this ex-Children member. (
Contribution by Chris Holzhaus ) Chris
writes: Kenny Cordray left
out a whole section of Children info...the band was the ARGYLES
and when we moved to California in 66 we became the Children
(Davey Jones of Monkee fame was our mgr.)...then..we added Cassel
Webb who lives in England now. Kenny didn't come into the band
until the early 70's and wouldn't know much of our times in LA
since he was 14 when he joined the band and I was gone already.
He (Kenny) did later work with Wayne Cochran & CC Riders
and did the lead guitar work on Skylark's hit "wildflower"
(leslie guitar licks ..real good). I am surprized he didn't remember
that session?...it was a big hit! Anyway...thought i'd throw
that in...." ( Addition by Kenny Cordray
) Kenny writes:
"I did not play on the studio track of "Wildflower"
by Skylark but I did tour with them ." (
Contributed by Bill Ash ) Bill writes:
"I was the lead guitar player for two Texas bands in the
60's. "The Stoics" and the "Children". I
wrote the first Children single: "Picture Me" and about
half the cuts on the Children's album "Re Birth". After
I left the band to travel in Japan, Kenny Cordray joined them
as their lead guitarist. The Children were taken to Hollywood
by Davie Jones of the Monkees who recorded that single "Picture
me" at the Beach Boy studio, and we spent the summer playing
around LA in clubs like the Hullabaloo. When Davie Jones got
ripped off by his manager (who was our guardian and manager as
well) we went from nice clothes and apartment to having to crash
in a friend's garage for a month. We finally burned out with
no money or management support and returned to Houston, where
we recorded our first album a year later which was picked up
and released by ATCO (AtlanticRecords) and that is another story..."
(Contributed by Kurt Linhof) Kurt writes: "The Children, last
iteration (late 1970 to the end) after keyboardist/writer/arranger
Louis Cabaza left the band, consisted of: Steve Perron - songwriting,
vocals, occasional acoustic guitar or piano, Cassell Webb - vocals,
percussion, Kenny Cordray - guitars, Jim Newhouse - drums and
percussion devices, Kurt Linhof - bass, lap steel. As stated
already on the website, Steve died. Cassell, living in London,
has released 7 albums/CD's on Virgin in Europe, and engineers
part-time at Abbey Road. She is also doing production engineering
with Craig Leone, on projects ranging from Blondie to Pavarotti.
Kenny has cut a couple of CD's but not released them, Jim is
on the verge of playing again, in Houston, and now 8 years out
of rehab, I'm recording demos of 25 years worth of new tunes.
While the Children were going through some changes, in '70, before
Dusty and Frank came along, I played bass with Billy G. as he
developed his sound, although Reed Farrell had a lot more to
do with ZZ's original sound than I did. The only concept Billy
and I fully developed that I've ever heard is the music to Morphine's
"Buena," but it could be just a stone coincidence.
My only good story from that period: Kenny Cordray was in a car
wreck a couple of days before the Children were to open for B.B.
King, in Huntsville, and instead of canceling, I convinced Steve
to let Billy fill in, which is the first time he heard "Francene,"
a tune of Steve and Kenny's we had just cut as a demo. It came
out as ZZ's first or second single, and the Children fell apart
and never officially released it, although it is on a bootleg
CD with 6 other demos on Collectible Records. Then in '74 or
'75 I came up with "Arrested For Driving While Blind",
Billy copped it, and although I got $500 down, songwriting credit
and royalties are, naturally, Gibbons, Hill, Beard. Life goes
on. My one brush with notoriety. I've seen it on a list of the
25 worst rock songs ever, for political incorrectness."
(Contributed by Steve Trowbridge)
ST writes: "Mike, When I found
this, I thought, this is exactly the kind of stuff (MikesBandArchive)
would like. All kinds of familiar names pop-up in this Bio. I
sent a correction to them about Chris' misspelled last name."
To read a very in-depth history of the
Children saga brought to my attention by Steve Trowbridge, click
the link HERE .
- CHRISTOPHER CROSS - Also
see listing and photos for FLASH
ML writes: His real name is Chris
Geppert. Long before he was famous and the Grammy awards he spent
years in the San Antonio area. When I first moved to SA I became
aware of him and his band FLASH. He was always known to me as
this great guitar player who could be seen at a number of local
gigs. I don't know why he never became known as a guitar player
once he hit the big time. I once heard him do a note for note
rendition of Cream's "Crossroads". My mouth dropped
at the ease which he pulled this off. One of my favorite original
tunes of Chris's in the early days was a song called "The
Crush". Chris came from a rich family and was several years
ahead of me attending Alamo Heights HS. I once had the chance
to talk to Chris at a gig at the Teen Canteen and what he said
surprised me at the time. He was totally disgusted with the band
business and he was getting ready to quit and go back to school
to be a dentist. Which he did for a while (I heard). A couple
years later I found out he had returned to the music business
and moved to Austin and formed a cover band called CHRIS CROSS
(among others) playing the college circuit. I once caught a gig
by this lineup at FitzWilly's near UTSA one night. They did a
great set of Beach Boys tunes note for note among other songs.
He got the music industry behind him after years of struggle
and demo tapes and managed to sweep the Grammy's (1980) to everyone's
surprise including his. Phil Arroyo, a local guitarist, ran into
him at a music store in SA a year after his 5 grammy sweep. He
told Phil that despite his gold record he had yet to see any
money from the label. It took another 6 months or so for the
money to start rolling in and all that time he had to continue
to live as a poor guy on a small allowance. Things finally got
better and Chris spent his money on race cars until he had a
bad accident almost ending his career. His web site says that
he is back to songwriting and continues to record. Now on his
7th CD release. Click HERE to view his web
site. ML adds: The following
contribution is by Rob Meurer, who is a long time Chris Geppert
co-song writer, musical partner, talented multi-instrumentalist
and SA veteran. Rob politely corrected me on several items that
I had previously written in error. (Contributed
by Rob Meurer ) Rob writes: "Flash and The Oh-So-Good Band
never co-existed. A little back-info: During the Flash days,
I was the drummer in Virgil Foxx (which featured the one and
only Jay Hoyer, as well as, in an earlier incarnation, Phil Arroyo.
Andy Salmon was the lead guitarist in The Laughing Kind (which
featured singer Phil Bepko, who Dubby later played with). Flash,
Virgil Foxx, and The Laughing Kind all played at the Jam Factory
and other S.A. mainstays in the later 60s, and we were fans of
each others bands. The Laughing Kind was the first to disband,
and Dubby was replaced in Flash by Andy Salmon, who switched
to bass for the gig (and stayed on bass for many years). When
Flash broke up, I played drums for a while in a trio called Mister
Moose, which featured Dubby on bass and Cliff Oliver on guitar.
After a while, Chris wound up in the group and Cliff eventually
headed off for law school (Correction: Cliff
writes: "finish my accounting degree"). So this
trio became The Oh-So-Good Band. But it was at least a year after
Flash had broken up; probably more. In '72, Chris, Andy, Tommy
Davis, and I all moved to Austin and formed a group. After many
name, city, and personnel changes, this group (minus Tommy Davis
and plus Tommy Taylor on drums; I'd switched to keys) became
the band Christopher Cross. We played as a group for years while
sending out demo tapes of Chris' material to labels, and we were
all on the big WB album in '80, after WB changed Chris Geppert
into Christopher Cross. We all still lived in Austin when the
hits were happening. Chris never moved to L.A. until well after
the success was in full gear. I played with Chris off and on
(but mostly on) until just a year or so ago We put out his seventh
album last year, and he sounds better than ever". (Addition by Rob Meurer) "Hank Hehmsoth
was our second keyboardist on a few Cross tours, but never played
on the records. Old Trivia: The first time Chris and I ever played
his music together -- in 1970 in his bedroom at his parents'
house on Newbury Terrace, ......... Chris borrowed a Rhodes for
me from Hank Hehmsoth" . (Contributed by Kurt Linhof) Kurt
writes: "Christopher Cross, in 1974, for the first
studio single, 'Talkin' 'Bout Her" consisted of: Chris (Geppert)
Cross-vocals and guitar, Eric Johnson-lead guitar, Rob Meurer
- keys, Jim Newhouse-percussion, Kurt Linhof-bass. We played
in Houston disguised as 'Heatherblack', a pretty hot cover band.
Additional or alternate personnel were, at various times: Galen
Latimer-vocals, Kenny Cordray-lead guitar, Clay Hemphill-keys."
- CIRCLE C BAND - (Contributed
by Bobby Flores) BF writes:
"Then there was the Circle "C" Band who was another
local C & W dance band that featured some local legend musicians,
like Don Pack on steel and the late Cal Berry on fiddle &
mandolin. What about the Metheny Brothers? They still perform
around here some and were another very popular and talented band.
Featured Travis (bass) and Perry (fiddle) Metheny, very talented
guys and well respected in the local music scene. Tully Magnum
was on guitar and Glen Harden was on steel. All very worth mentioning."
- C.J. & THE PARTY CRASHERS -
(Contributed by CJ Wilson) MEMBERS: C.J. Wilson-guitar,voc /Jayne
Brady-Bass /Deb Hill-Drums(circa '89-'92)
- CLEAR - (
Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) BAND
MEMBERS: Vince Coy - guitar / Kenny Pease - keys / Larry
Kuentz - voc / Charlie Kuenel - bass / Vince Rakowitz - drums.
Phil writes: Except for the bass
player, these guys went to Edison HS in SA. They were a Sam Kinsey
favorite because of their straight nice guy image. Relatively
blase repertoire except for some Deep Purple tunes that COY and
PEASE really nailed. I heard that Kenny Pease was killed in a
car wreck (73' or 74') on his way to or from an out of town college.
ML writes: Vince Coy would later
play with Phil Moran in the band HEIRONYMOUS, then with me in
the 2nd edition of OVERLOAD. Larry Kuentz would go on to become
a country musician around the area. His vocals greatly improved
over the years. (Contributed by John Arevalo)
JA writes: "I stumbled upon
your website and felt I had to drop in a note or two. I was the
other guitarist in Clear before they added a keyboardist upon
my exit. We used to play practically all of Wishbone Ash's repertoire.
I moved to Austin shortly after that and worked with Andy Reil
in a band called Reality. We worked along side Stevie Ray's bands
in Austin's Eastside blues bars. We played for beer and tacos
back then. I then toured the "chittlin circuit" with
the Bobby Byrd Revue. He was known as James Brown's right hand
man and he penned some of JB's big hits. I then moved back to
SA and worked with Frank Rodarte in a band called Texas Roach.
We almost got signed by Atlantic when the band split up over
money problems. (thanks Frank!) I moved to Southern California
in the mid 70s and soon joined the Righteous Brothers Band. I
toured with them for 7 years. I moved back to SA in 1989 and
worked with several local bands and then formed my own band called
simply, Arevalo. We played the heavier classic rock and more
eclectic tunes by Toto, Deep Purple and Pink Floyd. After seeing
the how the local SA scene was a major struggle for survival
I moved back to California. I was a Jefferson High student in
the 60s. " (Contributed by Fernando)
F writes: "Kenny Pease actually
drowned in an outing accident up in Austin after graduating from
the University of Texas. Larry Kuentz died about three years
ago." (Contributed by Ron Frei)
RF writes: "Stumbled onto your
web site. Great info about "the day. I went to Edison and
graduated in 1972. Played with Larry Kuentz and the Clear guys
after Coy left. This was in 1975. Vince Coy moved onto bigger
things so Kuentz asked for me to try out. Once the dust settled
it took me and Larry Horowitz to fill the shoes of Coy. In 1975
we had a gig in Laredo Texas on a Sunday night. I had a test
at St. Mary's U the next morning. Kuentz told me go to the gig
or leave the band. I went the school route."
- CLEARFOLK - (Contributed
by Pat Hood) BAND MEMBERS:
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." Catch the Photos HERE
- CLEARTONES - (Contributed
by Mike Workman) MW writes:
"Aug92-Aug02: Charlie Traeger approached me when I was sitting
in down at Dick's and asked me to join with him. We formed the
Cleartones to do mostly weddings and functions (hardly any clubs)
and we have been through a number of musicians in these 10 years.
And I can't remember their names. You can find the currently
lineup at http://www.cleartones.com
. I am upgrading the website, so the first page doesn't draw
very well. Will be better in a week or so."
- THE COBRAS (See
photo HERE) - Rhythm & Blues based outfit based
out of Austin. (Contributed by Steve Lewis)
SL writes: " Unfortunately,
Jr. Medlow of the Cobras died at home in Lubbock: Cancer claimed
the life of rhythm 'n' blues vocalist Larry "Jr." MedlowWilliams
on April 17, 1997." (Contributed by
Max Thrailkill) MT writes:
"On the memorial page you list Jr Medlow's Band as the Cobras.
I went to High School with Larry back in Lubbock. I know that
Larry had several bands. He sang for the Cobras right after SRV
left to form Double Trouble. Jr. Medlow's last band was called
Jr. Medlow and Tornado Alley. They played in SA a couple of times.
I think the last time might have been at the Bowie Street Blues
Fest in 95 or 96."ML: visit Steve Lewis's website at: http://www.hyperindex.com/srl/
- COLD STEEL CANDY - (Contributed
by Ernest Cruz) EC writes:
"On Cold Steel Candy, I remember that band being fronted
by Donald Kolonik; not sure if last name is spelled correctly,
Bill Huedepohl on drums, Jackie Hancock on bass and Steve ? on
guitar. Donald's grandmother had this hair salon on Hackberry
St. and this was where they held rehearsals. The guys were from
the Highlands High School area. Donald used to go to high school
wearing these extravagant outfits and would definitely turn heads
since he looked like a rock star. After their break-up Bill &
Jackie put another band together called Lynx which did well for
a while. Donald moved to California but not sure if he continued
the field. Jackie moved to Dallas and I don't think he ever pursued
this field either. Bill went on to other projects here in San
Antonio such as Roller, Ground Zero and is currently with Seven
Layer Dip."o info yet
- 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 COMMANDS - (Contributed
by Vic Perez) VP writes:
"The Commands with their smash hit "No Time For You"
that was recorded at Randolph AFB as this group was stationed
there, hence their name the Commands after Air Training Command(Randolph
Air Force Base)."
- CONES SISTERS - (Contributed
by Mike Workman) MW writes:
"Jan90-Oct90: I played with the Cones Sisters band at the
Holiday Inn Airport. We never had a name, but a hell of a group!
Billy Staggs on guitar, Dan Dreeben on drums, Jerry Fields on
bass, and me. Carmen Bryant sat in with us for a few weeks here
and there."
- CORNBREAD - (
Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) BAND
MEMBERS: Steve Baxter - bass / Cliff Oliver - guitar /
?? - drums / ?? - keys / Mike - vocals. ML
writes: This was a ba
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