Krystal Blue

The Houston area Solar label released a handful of interesting 60's and early 70's rock singles, including a nice double sided early hard rock 45 from Wharton, TX band The Krystal Blue. I got to speak with bassist Carl Thrasher a few times and he emailed me the story on the band copied below. Although Carl actually grew up in San Marcos (and remembers seeing area garage bands The Mad Mods and The Driving Wheels) he would commute the 2 1/2 hour drive to Wharton for practice every week.

"From left to right at the top is Ronnie Luco on Drums, Tootie Brown on lead guitar, Carl Thrasher on Bass, Terry Tony on rhythm guitar, Mike Gray on lead vocals, rhythm and acoustic guitar, and Glenn Seay (pictured in front) on piano and Hammond organ. Terry also frequently sang lead vocals. Carl, Terry, Mike, and Glenn sang backup vocals." 

"The band began playing for high school and college students at proms and fraternity parties in 1969 in places near Houston and Austin-San Marcos.  The band joined the Barons Agency in the summer of 1970 and began playing the dance hall circuit in an area bounded by Houston,  Austin, and College Station, which included dance halls in small towns like La Grange, Smithville, Swiss Alp, Schulenburg, Columbus, Deanville, College Station, Summerville, Sealy, Bellville, Brehnam, Giddings, Hillje, Lousie, East Bernard and other nearby venues.  Some of these dance halls had spawned earlier talent in the 60s, including B.J. Thomas and Roy Head.  The band usually performed every Friday and Saturday at one of these dance halls throughout the year, and sometimes on Sundays.  Crowds would vary from 300 to 1,200.  We were disappointed if we did not attract at least 600 people.  The band also performed in Galveston and as far away as Louisiana.

Usually once a year, the Barons Agency would sponsor a “Battle of the Bands” at one of these venues.  All of the bands (usually six to eight bands) in the Agency would perform.  These usually drew crowds of 1,500 or more people.

"Did You See Her Eyes"

 "All Right With Me"

The band recorded two 45s in 1971-1972 and sold them at performances for $1 each.   Posters advertising upcoming performances could be found in convenience stores, and fast food places in all nearby towns at least a week ahead of time.  The band did well enough to purchase its own van and m matching trailer with the band name on it, which was a source of pride for a group of college students like us playing music on the weekends.

We practiced at least once a week (usually Wednesday) in a recording studio in Rosenberg owned by the Agency.  The acoustics were exceptional in the studio, which kept the sound from bothering anyone outside.

We did mostly top 40 music and worked hard to learn and play the most current popular tunes of the day from artists like Van Morrison, Lee Michaels, Neil Diamond, Grand Funk Railroad, James Taylor, Loggins and Messina, Deep Purple, Three Dog Night, ZZ Top, Bread, Chicago, and the Hollies,  to name a few.

I left the band in July 1973 and have no historical information for the time after I left.  However, I believe the band continued for at least another three years after that, in some form or fashion."

Thanks Carl for taking the time to type out the bands story, it makes my job a lot easier! Ill be adding the second 45 and hopefully a few more pics to this entry as I acquire the source materials... 

The Roks

The Roks from Waco, TX are the only known teen group on the Mark VII label that I have not been able to identify all the members of.
What I do know is this:
Milton Kirkpatrick was the vocalist of the group. Ronnie Rogers was the bassist.
Though Milton passed away years ago, I was able to speak with Ronnie briefly: he could not remember the names of the other band members, only that they were older and were attending Baylor University at the time.
He recalls going into the studio and being disappointed that they only recieved a box of records afterwards and were offered absolutely no promotion.
A few locals recall seeing this band at a battle of the bands event at the skating rink.
These guys must've been fairly hip, as both of their cover choices on the their lone 45 record are both just a little outside the scope of your average small town Texas garage band.
One side is a searing rendition of the Leaves version of "Hey Joe." The other side, even more surprising, is a nice cover of the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band's jangle pop gem "Transparent Day."

"Hey Joe"


"Transparent Day"


 If anyone out there can shed a little more light on this group, please drop me a line at shape3 (at) yahoo.com
Thanks!

The Twilighters

After a long hiatus due to several converging elements, I have returned! I thought I would kick things off with a bang... 

The Twilighters released one of Texas most legendary and savage 1960's garage band recordings with their "Nothing Can Bring Me Down" b/w "I Need You" 45 on Mark VII records.
Long rumored to be a group based out of Waco, the group were actually from the quaint small town of Belton, Texas.

The member line up consisted of:

Jay White - Lead Guitar/Vocals
David Constance - Bass
Ronnie Proctor - Drums
David Petty - Guitar
Barry Couch - Farfisa Organ

David Constance provided some history on the band over email:

"I think back in about 1964 I talked my parents into buying me a 6 string electric guitar and amp on a trip to Waco.  Jay invited me out to his house.  He had a HUGE  Gibson guitar and somehow I ended up buying a cheap bass guitar and amp.  We always played by ear, no music reading as far as I know.  We practiced and practiced and at sometime David Petty, rhythm guitar, joined along with Ronnie Proctor on drums.  Our first gig was the Belton Lions's Club Minstral show. We played Walk Don't Run by the Ventures , and Donnette Boyd sang-----? .    We started playing at the Teenage Canteen,  a building on the black side of town ( I think just as our high school began intergration , about 1966-67) .  We would practice there as the local radio d.j., Bill Elliot, must have really liked us and allowed us to use the place and play on weekends for I guess a year or so.

Now, keep in mind, I was not very good, but with Jay's instruction, I knocked out a few good riffs to create a "bottom" for our music.  Petty kept a good rhythm and Proctor banged out the beat.  We must have been paid some cash, because we hung out at Heart of Texas Music store in Temple and occasionally bought a new instrument.  I remember owning a Fender Jazz Master bass and a Gibson EBO bass.  Man I wish I had them today!  I had a Fender bass amp and wish for a Marshall someday.  Never got it.  

 Once, we drove to Dallas to a "head" shop to buy (something?)  about the time Jimmie Hendrix was making it.    Janis Joplin (I saw in Austin), Cream, the Beatles, Stones, Animals, Procol Haram, and (help me guys) all the rest influenced us greatly.  We had a blast!    Jay was the genius behind our "success".  At some point, Barry couch joined with his electric organ. I, and I think Petty, played to get as many girls as possible.  It worked! We played at different high school dances around central Texas.  We got gigs at Fort Hood with the help of Jay's dad, at the EM (enlisted men's) Club... We played in Rogers, Waco, Lampasas and the roller skating rink in Harker Heights and other such not so major cities. I created a "light show" for us with a strobe light, a black light and an old Christmas tree light wheel. Too Cool! We played in Temple at the Mark VII, the new club (I got paid for building/painting the new sign out front). We cut our record at the same building. I think we had to pay the guy for recording and I doubt we made our money back in sales. 

At some point Barry stopped playing and we found a guy from Rogers, Glen Henderson. A great organ player, but he drank too much.  Ronnie stopped playing drums and we found a great drummer from Lampasas, Bobby Langford. I remember getting a job in Houston at The Cellar our last summer together. We changed our band name to Blue Fever . Our first taste of  big city pleasures. We "lived for today..." We played all night and slept all day. We had a great time but thank God I did not pursue that way of life."

"Nothing Can Bring Me Down"

"I Need You"

It seems that at some point in 1968, Glen Daniels (owner of the Mark VII studio and label) opened a night club in Temple and reused the name Mark VII.

In exchange for free performances at his club, Glen recorded the band after hours one night in the venue. As the band recalls, they had to set up lumber with draped blankets throughout the space in order to subdue some of the all too ample natural reverberation of the empty room.

As was typical of these type of recordings, the band only had one song prepared to record for the session, so they quickly wrote "Nothing Can Bring Me Down," and had it ready to go within 3 or 4 passes at rehearsal. 

They pressed up an estimated 500 copies of the 45 record and sent it out to local record stores and radio. Apparently, the single made it up to #1 on KTON radio in Temple for a week or two.

Interestingly enough, these 2 songs became live staples after releasing the record. Not a typical thing for most 60's garage bands who would usually cut a record and leave it behind as a distant memory right after committing it to tape.

Not long after the single was released, Ronnie Proctor left the group to pursue a career as a professional bull rider. He was replaced by Bobby Langford.

By the summer of 1969, the band stripped down to a trio with only Jay White, David Constance, and Bobby Langford. They moved to Houston and gained a residency spot at the legendary Celler Club and would play there 6 nights (!) a week until the early hours of the morning.

Due to endless nights of partying, the band burned out and decided to call it quits by the end of that very summer.

Special thanks to all the members of The Twilighters, who all shared a few tidbits. Thanks guys!

More coming soon. Hope to have a short post on The Roks up in the next few days...

Warlock

A group formed in Waco 1971-1972 with Buzz Gilleland from The Society and Gary Anderson from Kandy Kolored Konspiracy.

In the photo of Warlock left to right are: David Hall-Drums and vocals, Buzz Gilleland-Keyboards and vocals, Mike McKissack-Bass, Gary Anderson-Guitar and Lead Vocals. 

"This band covered The Beatles including the entire “B” side of Abbey Road, The Moody Blues, Buffalo Springfield, Neil Young, Badfinger, Santana, etc.  We disbursed in 1972."

Thanks again to Buzz for information on this band.

Huntington Complex

A band that Buzz Gilleland was in before joining The Society. Circa 1965-66.

Members: Dick Gimble - Lead Guitar & Lead vocals, Buzz Gilleland - Rhythm Guitar and Keyboard, Wally Proctor-Bass, Fred Knapp-Drums.

"Milestones: Placed second in city wide battle of the bands held at the Raleigh Hotel in downtown Waco.  Competed with The Knights Bridge Quintet, The One-Way Streets, and others."

"Covered bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Paul Revere and the Raiders, The Monkeys, etc.  The band members wore white turtle neck shirts, white pants, blue blazers, and black Beatle boots.  We mimicked Paul Revere and the Raiders heavily with synchronized steps and kicks while performing."

Thanks to Buzz Gilleland for the details on this band. No known recordings.

The Edison Expansion

A psychedelic group that was formed in Waco 1969 in the wake of The Society and various other local groups disbanding. This group only lasted for about a year.

In the photo of Edison Expansion left to right are: Gloria Evans, Ron Evans-Bass, Roy Walker-Lead Vocals, Debbie Rogers, Jack Rogers-friends, Buzz Gilleland-Keyboards, Bill Gammage-Drums with girlfriend.

From Buzz Gilleland:

"This band played a lot of Rock and Soul music and covered The Doors, The Rolling Stones, Cream, Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, etc."

"The band was regularly accompanied by our existing light show produced by Gillian and now Erick Knapp. (Fred’s younger brother)  Psychedelic images were now projected on a 10 X20 foot screen behind the band."

Member lineup was:

Roy Walker – Lead Vocals, Buzz Gilleland – Keyboard, Alan Schornack – Lead Guitar, Ron Evans – Bass, Steve Stewart – Drums.  Later on Alan Schornack and Steve Stewart left the group and were replaced by David Blanton – Lead Guitar and Bill Gammage – Drums.

There are no known recordings of this band.

The Society

Formed at Richfield High School in 1965, The Society began as an R&B cover band called The Malibus.
Not long before changing their name, original drummer Mick Fick was replaced by Andy Lifland.
Contrary to a rumor printed in TX garage record reference guide Journey To Tyme, Hot Tuna drummer Sammy Piazza was never a member of the group. Sammy was from Waco originally, was a close friend of The Malibus, and would occasionally sit in with the group.

The band was managed by a young UT Austin college student named Hal Moore. Hal would often bring the latest records to the bands practice to draw up ideas for unique cover choices or original material.
Upon first watching the 13th Floor Elevators live at the New Orleans Club, Hal rushed a copy of the bands "You're Gonna Miss Me" 45 up to Waco to show the guys the NEW sound. It inspired the boys and they put together an original song called "High & Mighty." This song, with its bold changes, fuzz guitar, and psychedelic lyrics, was just barely written when they got in touch with local DJ Glenn Daniels in the summer of 1967.

Guitarist John Callon was moving out of state just before going in to record, and remembers having to borrow a guitar from a friend since his had already been packed away in the moving truck!

Paying Glenn up front for studio time and pressing of their soon to be 45, the band knocked out the new song in only a few takes. This wasn't without its hitches, all the while Glenn protested and repeatedly asked the band to turn down. Their amps were so loud that Daniels couldn't get an undistorted sound from the band!

As was typical with teen garage bands going into the studio, they hadn't prepared a song to put on the B-side of the record. Buzz Gilleland then stepped forward and showed the guys a sketch of an unusual but catchy instrumental song he had been crafting. Working out the arrangements on the spot, the talented group quickly knocked out the song in a few takes.

The band got approximately 500 copies of the "High & Mighty" single and sold most of the pressing through local record shops. Though the song was a strong one and could have elevated the bands status, they never played it live and it barely charted on local radio.
By this point, the lineup had changed drastically and the new single no longer represented who the group was.

"High & Mighty"



"Summer Sunset"


The band could often be seen playing live at the Red Carpet Inn on the Old Dallas Highway outside of town.
A local soul band would usually start out the night followed by The Society, who would typically play from midnight to as late as 4 AM.
Their live show included a psychedelic light show put on by their buddy Jimmy Lloyd, and home-made Super 8 videos of the band goofing around town projected on them while playing.
Austin, Dallas, Houston, and even Marlin were regular towns for the band to play in.
They went as far as playing live shows in Oklahoma and Louisiana.

Band Lineup during 45:
Andy King - bass
Andy Lifland - drums
Jerry P. Utley - vocals
John Callon - lead guitar
Lee Ellingson - guitar
Buzz Gilleland - organ

Other Members:
Mick Fick - 1st drummer
Skipper Olson - bass (after Andy left)
Kent Tillman - guitar (after Lee and John left)
Harold Hutchison - organ (after Buzz left)


Thanks to all the members of The Society and Hal Moore for taking their time to share memories of the group.

For details on earlier and later bands related to The Society, check my upcoming entries on The Shadows, Huntington Complex, Grass, Yer Own Back Yard, Edison Expansion, and The Warlocks.

 Post Script... Buzz Gilleland added this information about the band:

"After the release of the record, John Callon, Andy King, and Lee Ellingston left the band and were replaced by Tommy Christian – Lead Guitar, Chuck Stanley – Bass.  An interesting tidbit; Tommy Christian drove a 1955 or ’57 purple Pontiac hearse and wore a Catholic’s priest’s robe at our gigs.  On a couple of occasions Sammy Piazza filled in on drums for Andy Lifland."

"This band played a lot of The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Iron Butterfly, Cream, etc. and was frequently accompanied by Fred Knapp showing 8mm color videos of the band during our performances.  This then developed into a cool light show produced by my wife to be, Gillian Barkworth and Fred Knapp.  Special effects were created by manipulating small glass slides filled with food coloring and glycerin in 2 Argus slide projectors, various artwork being projected, spinning color wheels, mirrored reflections, and a home made strobe light."