The Trochais

line up:

Tommy Akeroyd - Rhythm Guitar
Dan Akeroyd - Bass Guitar
Francis Akeroyd - Lead Guitar/Vocals
Ronnie McAneer - Drums

The Trochais at a HS talent show, joined by occasional percussionist Greg Chesser.

The Trochais were a family band started circa 1965 at McCollum High School in the south side of San Antonio, TX.

Oldest brother Francis Akeroyd was a self-educated guitarist who taught his brother Tommy to play rhythm guitar, and his brother Dan to play bass guitar.
The trio were originally joined by drummer Bobby Cole, whose stint with the band was cut short when he sadly died at a very young age in a motorcycle accident.
One day at the Akeroyd boys aunts house, she mentioned to them that one of her friends had a son named Ronnie who could play drums.
Ronnie McAneer was first chair drummer in his school band at Lee High School, and made an excellent addition to the group.
The name of the band was derived from a meter in poetic verse that Francis was studying at the time in high school.

Starting off with performing at the typical high school dances, The Trochais quickly graduated up to playing at ever popular local teen club the Teen Canteen, and the south side's own version: Teen Town.

One day Francis got a call from a man named EJ Henke who asked if the band would perform for a few hours out front of his record shop on Military Drive in exchange for the chance to record at Jeff Smith's Texas Sound Studio.
At one point, EJ ran outside while the band was playing and asked what song they were playing. Henke insisted they record the song, and original written by Francis called "Give Me An Answer".
In addition to the latter song, EJ suggested they record an instrumental song and call it The Phantom in order to beat the production of a Hollywood movie of the same name that was to be released soon.
The idea was that the movie production would somehow be forced to license the recording for use in the movie since it already used the movies name.
Francis quickly came up with a song to fit the bill, a nice moody surf rock guitar instrumental.
The movie was never to see release, but the recording of the The Trochais first and only 45 proceeded. On January 12, 1966, Satin Records 004 was mastered for release.

"Give Me An Answer"

"Phantom"

The boys once got a gig playing a "Band Bust" sponsored by local music store Caldwell Music where the music shop provided the bands with all the gear on loan to perform with. Celebrated KONO radio DJ Don Couser was the guest announcer and host of the event. Francis was already well acquainted with Don from his time as a regular guest dancer on popular teen TV dance show Swingtime. During the Trochais set, Dan pulled a stunt where he swung the bass back and forth between his right and left hand while playing, and this apparently drove the crowd into a frenzy!

By late summer of 1967, Ronnie went off to college and brothers Dan and Francis enrolled into the Navy. Like many teen groups during the period, the end of high school marked the end for the band.

Thanks to Francis and Tom Akeroyd for sharing their memories, and for use of the band photos!

The Pendeltons

Here's another mystery band, possibly from San Antonio.

They recorded at least one 45 on the Alamo Audio custom imprint, ran by Jim Ridgeway.

Both sides are cover versions. One is a cover of a Carole King/Gerry Goffin composition first popularized by The Cookies called "Chains." Presumably The Pendeltons were inspired by The Beatles version, which came out on their first UK album "Please Please Me."

The flip side is a cover of "Mustang Sally," which I would assume they heard from the 1966 cover rendition that the Young Rascals released, though it is quite possible they heard the Wilson Pickett version first.

"Mustang Sally"

"Chains"

Anyone out there know anything about this group? Drop me a line at shape3 "at" yahoo.com

Symmetry Of Sound

I first became aware of The Symmetry Of Sound after hearing their beautiful cover version of The Byrd's song "Here Without You." For years, I wondered who the group were and what their story was. Finally, with the help of the great Sam Kinsey (who ran the Teen Canteen club in San Antonio), I was put in touch with the bands drummer, Scott Price. Below is an email interview with him, with some input from Joe Sarli.

L to R: Tommy Davis, Scott Price, Greg Gardner, Joe Sarli, and Mark Murray

1. What got you started playing drums? When did you start? 

I grew up playing all kinds of sports – especially football – I was injured playing football – had hip surgery and was on crutches for 2 and ½ years – doing this time I took drum lessons at Music Mart (owned by Joe Sarli’s dad) with Guy Davis.

2. How did you get connected with the guys in the Symmetry of Sound? 

The band would practice at Music Mart and Guy suggested I go by and listen – I picked up drums quickly – at this time the band was called the Loners and their drummer was Steve Gleaser, he was a very good drummer – with a jazz background – the band wanted a more “drive” drummer – and I tried out and they asked me to join – I was by far the least accomplished musician in the band compared to Tommy Davis and Joe Sarli.

3. How old were you at the time? Do you remember roughly what year this was? 

15 years old; 1967.

4. What High School did you guys attend?

Joe Sarli, Tommy Davis, me and Mark Murray went to Lee; Greg Gardner went to Highlands.

5. What were some of the venues/gigs you guys played around San Antonio? Did you perform outside San Antonio much?

Teen Canteen; Southside Teen Town, TAG at Fort Sam Houston, All the local military bases, Jewish Community Center, Lee and Churchill High Schools, many private parties,. We played a couple of times at the Shaft in Devine with touring national bands; and a few areas in surrounding cities – mostly San Antonio.

6. What do you recall about recording the bands 45? How did that come about? 

It might have been Tommy or Greg’s choice – maybe Greg knew all the words – a rare occasion – (Tommy's sister) Marilyn lined up the recording; I selected the Young Rascals song on side 2 of the record.

"Here Without You"

"Come On Up"

7. Do you recall how many copies were pressed and how it was distributed? Any notable airplay for the record?

100 copies – we sold or gave them away. No airplay that I know of.

8. I love the bands "dreamy" cover of "Here Without You." What made you guys decide to record that song? Was it a regular in the set?

Tommy and Greg wanted to record the old Byrd’s song. Yes, it was a regular in the set.

9. Did the band make any TV appearances? 

No direct appearances, but were featured in newspaper articles and TV regarding local entertainment. I do recall being filmed at NIOSA one year by a local TV station, but do not recall seeing it on air.

10. Any other funny or noteworthy stories about the band or its members? 

While I was in the band and on crutches, Mark Murray (organist and now attorney) would not only bring in all his equipment – but all of mine as well. Mark was the only one with a car big enough to hold most of our equipment – so he drove most of the time – we would stop and each get a soda to drive and Mark would always hit his brakes so we would spill soda on our shirts!
We were the first northside groups to have “uniforms” - blue blazers, white shirts with ruffles down the front, blue pants and dark shoes – cool!!!!!!!!!!!! 
Our manager was Tommy’s sister – Marilyn; She was a very bright, nice, organized and a stunning blond. She was always a hit at the military bases.
Tommy Davis knew every chord imaginable and like Joe Sarli, could pick up any song after hearing it once. Tommy, when he would, had a very nice harmony voice – serious musician – went on to play with other bands - very sensitive – God rest his soul.
Joe Sarli was one of the best bassist I have ever heard – he played brass instruments as well – and could fix them. He was smooth and kept excellent rhythm; has since opened his own music store in Boerne. He went on to continue playing with other bands as well as with his father in the rodeo band.
Mark Murray joined the band in 1968 and was a solid organist – dry humor - now a very well respected local attorney.
Greg Gardner – always wanted to be called “gorgeous Greg” - vocalist and could play drums (I would sing Hang on Sloopy and Louie Louie) – I tried not to let him play that much. At a Church gig, he once put the bass drum pedal through the head! I had never done that in all my times of playing! No telling where he is.
I was a drive drummer with fast hands, decent timing and very good bass drum control; I worked my way through college as a drummer in a local night club – I wore headphones and played along to the records – great gig – went on to receive PHD and taught at A&M, UTSA.

11. How and roughly when did the band come to an end?  

The band broke up in 1969 – 1970 about the time Mark and I went off to College.

12.What were some of the groups that you went on to play with after SOS?  

I went on to College as did Mark Murray; Tommy played with Giant Smiling Dog and Pablo’s Grove; Joe played with Gene Coleman and Feel and First Light.

Thank a ton to Scott Price, Joe Sarli, and Sam Kinsey for their time and help!

The Ivy

From L to R: Mike Lloyd, Larry Schott, Ned Goff, Ladd Paul

The Ivy was formed in the fall of 1966 by four men stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX who met while living in the same section of the barracks.
Guitarist Ladd Paul was from Benton Harbor, Michigan originally and had played in bands through high school after finding his first guitar at a rummage sale.
Mike Lloyd from West Virginia was originally a trumpet player who learned how to play bass for the band.
Ned Goff was from Louisville, Kentucky and played sax.
Larry Schott was from Pontiac, Illinois and played drums in the band.

The band started rehearsing in the basement of the barracks and by early 1967 were performing at the army base and at the notorious "Holiday Inn" (not related to that Holiday Inn) at Lake Mcqueeney.

In March of 1967 the group went to record a single with two original songs composed by Ladd. One song of which was a matter of contention due to its resemblance to "Mrs Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter." The record bears a TSS code of 670529, indicating that it was mastered at Texas Sound on May 29th of 1967.

Ladd recalls hand delivering copies of the record to radio stations all through the south and in Michigan after having it pressed up. However, it did not pick up much traction, as it didn't appear to chart anywhere.

"I'll Never Understand You"


The band fared some success after winning a battle of the bands event at the air force base, and were sent to a bigger talent show in Biloxi, MS.

Alton Elvy replaced Mike Lloyd on bass when he was shipped out.

Scattered deployment eventually broke the band up by mid to late 1968.

Thanks to Ladd Paul and Ned Goff!

The Trackers

The Trackers core line up at the time of making their record was:

Jimmy Brietzke - Rhythm Guitar

Mike Byrne - Drums

Johnny Williams - Bass, Lead Vocals

Jack Williams - Lead Guitar

Trackers live at the Elks Club! Left to right: Johnny Williams, Mike Byrne, Jack Williams, Jimmy Brietzke

The Trackers were formed in 1965 at New Braunfels High School.

Originally formed with Butch Wullschleger on drums, he was soon replaced when guitarist Jack Williams overheard Mike Byrne tapping out the rhythm to "Wipe Out" on the back of a chair during a class at school...

The outfit was quickly making decent money from their gigs and Mike was able to buy a brand new '65 Gretsch drum kit.

The bands frequent live venue was the pavilion at Landa Park in New Braunfels. Mike's dad would tie a ski rope around the perimeter of the pavilion and charge admission to enter the area inside the rope. Most kids would gladly pay the price and not sneak under the rope or stand just outside it to watch!

In the summer of 1966, the band went down to Texas Sound Studios to record their lone wax outing, two fine original songs entitled "You Are My World" and "Why Do I Cry". The TSS code in the dead wax indicates that the record was mastered on June 1st, 1966.

When deciding on a name for their record label, they used the name of their regular performing spot, Landa Sounds.

San Antonio's KTSA gave the record a fair amount of airplay and the band even took a trip down to do a live interview promoting the new release with famed DJ Bruce Hathaway.

"You Are My World"


"Why Do I Cry"


Other venues the band performed included the ever popular Holiday Inn (no, not related to THAT Holiday Inn) at Lake McQueeney, TX, an obscure teen club called the Cyclops-A-Go-Go in Kenedy, the Elks Lodge in New Braunfels that Mike's parents were members of, and a private party all the way down in Laredo.

The need for a proper venue in NB spawned the idea that the town needed its own teen club, so the members of the Trackers and the Williams boys parents decided to open a club called The Freak Out. Although this venue was mostly an outlet for the Trackers to perform, they also ended up bringing in groups from the surrounding areas including The Bourbons from San Antonio, who made an excellent 45 of their own on the Royal Family label. 

The venue was partially cared for by friend and occasional stand-in lead guitarist Paul McLaughlin, who recalls having long late night jam sessions with the Bourbons after hours.

Another band Paul recalls playing at the venue is the legendary Zakary Thaks, who they brought in for New Years Eve of 1967 at a great expense.
Even the Playboys of Edinburg performed at the short lived club!

With growing complaints from the city, and the overhead cost looming too large for them to handle, the crew decided to close down the venue within only a year of it being open.

1967 Line-up. Left to right: Mike Byrne, Johnny Williams, Bill Stowe, David Poehlman. 

What a photo!

1967 was also a year that saw several changes to the bands lineup, as Jimmy Brietzke went off to college at A&M and older brother Jack Williams joined the Navy, and later the Coast Guard.

David Poehlman from La Vernia, TX took on the role of lead guitarist for Jack.

Bill Stowe was a college aged kid who came in on rhythm and lead guitar to replace Jimmy. He was noted by Mike as being an incredible lead player who was the only person Mike knew who could play "Jeff's Boogie" by the Yardbirds.

Mike Byrne decided that he could probably get the interest of more girls if he moved out from behind the drum kit to playing keys, so he went out and bought a Farfisa combo organ.

Tommy Smith was brought in to fill in the missing drummer role.

In 1968 as the Trackers came to a fold, Mike joined The Mad Mods from San Marcos on keys, a band which old friend and guitarist Paul McLaughlin had already had a stint with.

Mike was in the band at the time that they did their second session for Abe Epstein, recording a 45 which would land on Abe's Jox record label. Mike's girlfriend at the time (and future wife) Deborah Smith even made an appearance on the record, playing flute on one side.
Gaining some traction with the single, the band got to appear three weeks in a row on KSAT's weekly TV teen dance show: Swingtime.

Shortly after beginning schooling at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Mike quit playing with the Mad Mods and joined a band called Jacob's Well on the Hammond B3 organ. This band also included notable Texas guitar virtuoso Van Wilks.

Thanks to Mike Byrne and Paul McLaughlin for their help!