NEWS!!!
Accomplished jazz and rock guitarist Hiram Bullock passed away on July 25, 2008. In January he was diagnosed with a tumor in his throat and it ultimately took his life.
To quote Scott Pendleton "Another friend and musician gone... keep your friends close... too many of them are leaving too soon."
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Guitarist Bill Miller, former member of the Grabbers and other Glen Burnie based groups, passed away this July.
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Keith Amtmann (Wild Fire, Wild Mouse) passed away on May 12. In the words of friend John Cochran "Keith was a good singer, rhythm guitarist, and one of the finest songwriters I've ever known. He'll be sorely missed by every musician whose priveledge it was to work with him."
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Winfield Parker has released a retrospective greatest hits CD!
Then & Now - The Best of Winfield Parker
The CD features rare and collectable recordings from Spring, Wand, Ru-Jac, GSF,
and P&L record labels, plus two fantastic brand new songs!
Available at CD Baby.
Also available direct email winfield.parker@comcast.net.
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Local drummer / guitarist / recording artist Jerry MacNeish (of the High Tyde, Playmates, Cobblestone, Beginnings, Memory Lane, and solo recording projects) is now a member of the legendary Fireballs with original members Jimmy Gilmer, George Tomsco and Stan Lark. They are looking for bookings locally and throughout the country. See Jerry's website for a history of the Fireballs and photos from their 2008 July 4th bash http://www.Z28camaro.com/4thParty.html
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Local great jazz saxophonist Henry Baker passed away in April 2008. Mr. Baker was instrumental in organizing the music program at Morgan State where he formed the Mo-Bops in the 1950s. Among other local and national artists Henry also played with Tracy McClearey's Royal Men of Rhythm as house band at the Royal Theater, Owen Pinkney's Quartet, the Aristocrats of Jazz, and traveled nationally with Paul Bley's band. In addition to his music career he was proprieter of Mr. Baker's chain of hair salon's. He owned the Peyton Place club on Pennsylvania Avenue in the '60s, and later The Closet jazz club on West Franklin St.
Condolences to his family and friends.
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Steptoe sez "keep your eyes on the sky and your feet in the gutter!"
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Richard Taylor’s ROOTS ROCK RADIO SHOW presents the best of indie ROOTS ROCK/POP, ALT COUNTRY/AMERICANA, BLUES ROCKABILLY, GARAGE/PUNK, and Real ROCK & ROLL from around the globe.
Now in its 4th year in (2008), their worldwide internet audience averages over 6,000 downloads of each show. The show has been reviewed in Rolling Stone Magazine http://rrradio.com/images/RS_RRR52web2.jpg, and has been listed as high as #11 in iTunes Podcast section.
Apple's iTunes has included the show in their list of a "special set of pioneering shows" for their One Year Anniversary of Podcasting.
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewRoom?fcId=16244254
You can listen to the ROOTS ROCK RADIO show 24/7 on the Web at:
Roots Rock Radio http://RRRadio.com/
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NOTICE: April 2, 2008
Herbert W. Ambrose, a retired auto mechanic, musician and power racing boat enthusiast, died of cancer on April 2, 2008 at Stella Maris Hospice in Timonium. Mr. Ambrose was 65.
During his high school years and before joining the Army in 1968, Mr. Ambrose played guitar and sang with several professional groups in the Baltimore area. In 1957, at the age of 14, he joined a group called The Adjectives playing local clubs such as Sweeney's on 33rd Street, Sid's Lounge, Imperial Lounge, Jazz City and Hollywood Park. He later played for the Dual Tones, the Sequins and Too Many Adjectives.
In 1967 he moved to Ft Lauderdale Florida where he worked as a mechanic and performed solo in local taverns.
Following military service he returned to Florida and worked in the auto industry returning to Baltimore in 1983. He retired from the auto business in 1998 after an accident injured his back. From 1998 until his recent illness, Mr. Ambrose performed under the name "Captain Herbie Lee" as a solo musician and Karaoke DJ at The Glenmore Tavern, Holiday House and Harford House in Parkville.
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Announcing the "Bricologe" CD/DVD release for Jay Graboski (OHO).
The "Bricologe" DVD anthology documents OHO 1988-1992 with video footage of the band's performance opening for Cheap Trick at Universal Amphitheater, Hollywood, CA., plus their Star Search auditions, and footage of the OHO 1990 CD release party at the Eight By Ten, The new CD release features 13 new songs plus eight bonus tracks spanning 1985-2007.
There are already a number of notable reviews about these releases including Dirty Linen #106 "OHO sounds like Jefferson Airplane landing on top of Genesis and then taking a time machine ride with Fairport Convention to play at the H.G. Wells birthday party", and one from Rolling Stone "Shimmering Folk-Rock that would appeal particularly to fans of female vocalists: plenty of sprightly acoustic guitars and airy vocal harmonies."
Note from Joe V: I first saw OHO at the 1974 Santa Claus Anonymous benefit concert at Catonsville Community College while working as a soundman for Top-40 group Sage. I enjoyed prog/keyboard laden groups such as ELP and Yes. I was blown away by OHO and went out and bought their album "Okinawa," an album that was quite progressive for the time. OHO has continued to evolve from those days in musical style and many quality recordings.
Good luck Jay, and thanks for continuing to keep me in the loop with important happenings!
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Local keyboard legend Mark Tiernan passed away on January 30, 2008. I didn't know Mark personally but always heard great things about him from the musicians I knew that he worked with. I recently heard that he had had a stroke and was not doing well. Mark played in many great local bands including the Chaun-tels, Joyriders, Morgan's Pirates, And The Echoes, Sawbuck, Monopoly, Rosco, the Admirals... In the early '70s Mark worked with folk-rock-jazz artist Tim Buckley and appeared on albums released on Warner Brothers/DiscReet labels. Later in the '70s he was instrumental in forming a group of Baltimore musicians to be the studio and touring band for Dion DiMucci known as the Streetheart Band. They released an album on Lifesong Records in 1978. Services were held on February 4. Condolences to his family and friends.
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Michael Meros , 57, passed away suddenly December 28, 2007, at his home in California.
Michael was born in Baltimore and grew up in the south Baltimore suburb of Brooklyn, Maryland. As a youngster he was a member of the Meros Brothers family band. He also played accordion, piano and organ with Shelley Hopkins and Shelley's Emeralds. While in college Mike played piano with the jazz group the New Apocalypse who recorded under the direction of George Massenburg and released recordings on MTA Records. In the '70s Mike toured with Leon and Mary Russell and played on their album "Americana." He also released records with Geno Washington, Joe Chemay, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and others. He was offered a job as a member of the Beach Boys and played with them for 25 years until the group finally broke up around 2005.
Michael taught piano in Ventura County, California where he had lived with his family for the past 16 years.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation www.cbf.org or Many Mansions www.manymansions.org
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Jazz vocalist Ruby Glover passed away on Saturday October 20, 2007 after suffering a stroke during a benefit performance on Friday night. She was 77.
Ruby was one of the most pleasant people you could ever meet. I was fortunate to have seen her a week before as we both participated in a local music presentation at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. The small group was treated to a few vocal performances by Ruby accompanied by pianist Charlie Etzel. On Thursday I attended a celebration for Ruby at Sojourner-Douglass College where she taught a course on jazz appreciation. By the overwhelming attendance of family, friends, fans and a virtual who’s who of local jazz/R&B musicians that performed in her honor, it was clear to see that Ruby touched so many people. She will be missed!
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O’Donel ‘Butch’ Levy is still recovering from a stroke and has been released from the hospital. It’s uncertain at this time if he will be able to play his guitar. Let’s wish him well!
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HELP!
Would you be interested in helping to organize another Baltimore R&B Jam?
Mark your calendar!!!
Our next Jam and reunion is scheduled for October 4, 2008 at Bobby B's Palace (the old Hoffman's Red Devil Inn) on Turkey Point Road..
See Don Lehnhoff’s website for many photos and participant’s from the previous Jams http://www.artweb.org/RandB/index.htm
If you are willing to lend a hand please contact Joe or Don.
If you have a group that would like to play a couple songs let us know. Looks like Joe Hoffman and the Charades may be been coaxed out of retirement to perform a couple songs!
Most of the equipment will be provided but there will be some details that need to be worked out. Mainly you will just need to bring your axe, horn, clubs or whatever, plug in and play!
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The SPINDLES live on!
Together for 45 years and counting! For the third year in a row I caught their performance at the Lurman Woodland Theater in Catonsville. They are definitely a class act! The entire package, the band, the vocals and choreography were all great. They performed lots of classic Philly sounds, Temptations, and a medley of their originals. Check out some photos of their 2007 concert courtesy of Pam and Larry Jackson.
http://www.larryjackson.net/Frankie_%20TheSpindels2007_files/frame.htm
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BLUESETTE REUNION 2007 at Fraziers on the Avenue
“A rousing success!” “A great time was had by all!”
See the wrap up by Ken Wolle. What more can I say!
“Well, Sorry it’s over, but ALL agree it was a rousing success! The Bands this year were all unbelievably good, starting with J. D. & The Chasers. Jeff Drinkwater and Larry Collins really put on a great show with Buzzy London featured on drums. They were the 1st house band at the Bluesette back in 1966. It was great to hear some of the old Yardbirds and Stones songs. Then came Woody Lissauer who blew everybody away doing some of his songs from his latest CD “War & The Worlds.” Woody demonstrated his extraordinary technique in a least 4 different guitar styles. His rendition of “John Barleycorn Must Die” was sophisticated and authentic. With just hand drums and violin accompanists, he held the audience practically spellbound. Howdy Duty with Max Ochs had us all jammin’ to their Annapolis Swamp Boogie as only they can do it. Max started his set with a song he TRANSPHONETISIZED from the Turkish and went on to cover a lot of our most famous Delta Blues men including Charlie Patton, Skip James and Mississippi John Hurt as well as original songs like Soul’s The Whole Man a Max original. Next up were Froggy & The Gremlins, a Kirby Scott Show Favorite. With Richard Scher from WJZ in the audience they took us back in time to the earliest days of the Bluesette. They flew in from all over the country but they sounded like they didn’t miss a lick in all those years. Most thought they could stand up to any club band around now with their covers of the Beatles and Cream and others. Fred Tepper then took the stage with his Magique Bullet Band doing Fred’s originals about his walk with the Lord as well as hits like Stevie Winwood’s, “Gimme Some Lovin’” and the Beatles “I Need You.” Look for Fred’s CD to be released later this year. Then one of the premier groups of all time Joshua let us feast on some of their creative Genius doing originals and covers. Sandy, Ricky, Donna and Jerry had the people mesmerized with their Classic guitar riffs and Blues. Dog’s Wedding or the Russell Stone Band came up next with Russell wowing the audience with his fantastic guitar style. Very rarely do you see a 3 piece like that capable of putting out SO MUCH MUSIC.. Russell’s brilliant phrasing and texture had the capacity crowd eating out of his hands, so to speak. The band featured Ken Wolle on drums and Jeff Silverman on bass. You’ve got to catch them live anytime you can. They play regularly in Annapolis. Next The Urch Perch took the stage and it just seemed like they are better than ever, showcasing some of the classic songs from that era from Procol Harum to Cream to Doors and Hendrix. They were seriously turning us on all over again. Look for them to be playing some dates in the Baltimore area. All of these bands can be found by going to http://urchperch.btgmi.net and linking up to their web pages. What can you say. The Crowd cheered after every song. The Bands were knock down great entertainment. Bob Hieronimus was on hand displaying his Bio-Diesel Art Car. The entire event was to honor Art Peyton (who was in town for the event) for starting the Baltimore Rock Music Scene off by giving so many people their start, such as Nils Lofgren, Steuart Smith and George Strunz to name just a few. Thank you Art and all those who participated, a great time was had by all. We can hardly wait for next years’ Reunion, it’s going to be a Gas, anybody who wants to participate contact Ken Wolle at the Urch Perch web site.”
Contact Ken Wolle kenny@ix.netcom.com or check out http://urchperch.btgmi.net/ for additional information.
Many great photos from all the Bluesette reunions can be seen on the Urch Perch website.
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A HIDDEN GEM! The Lurman Woodland Theater
The Lurman Woodland Theater is a great outdoor venue with live entertainment every Saturday and Sunday evening all summer. And best of all it’s FREE. Just bring your lawn chair or blanket, spread out and enjoy! It’s a family oriented venue, no alcohol, no pets. They feature all types of music including pop, R&B, jazz, rock, bluegrass, etc.
Check out the schedule at http://www.lurman.com/
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ANNOUNCING A NEW AND EXCITING PROJECT!
A Baltimore R&B Documentary
An open letter from Don Barto
Late last summer, I started seriously considering putting together a video documentary on a subject very near and dear to many of us: the music scene in Baltimore in the 1960s. After pushing the idea around a little, I enlisted the help of Baltimore music historian and writer Joe Vaccarino, and videographer Terry Williams. Since November, the three of us have shot 8 hours worth of interviews and performance in High Definition video - Tommy Vann, Milt Dugger, Ronnie Dove, Jamie Hess, the Spindles most recently - and won't stop until we can put together the story of what it was we all did musically - and otherwise - growing up here in pre-Beatles Baltimore.
"Fabulous" is about the only word I can use to describe what we've gotten so far with the interviews...but there is a very long way to go, and many more of you to interview. To make this thing really fly as a video, we desperately need to include whatever existing home movies any of you may have or know about...home movies that somehow relate to music in Baltimore in the '60s. If you have or know of any movies, of any format, taken in or around Baltimore in the '50s-'60s that depict anything having to do with the people or the places where Rock n' Roll, R & B or Pop music were created or enjoyed, please contact me. I'm talking personal home movies that might include footage taken at a school dance, or a teen center, or a band rehearsal...even general family home movies that depict the times; even childhood shots of someone who went on to eventually make a contribution to music - great or small - in Baltimore in the '60s. If you have it, I want to take a look at it.
Please give me a call at 410 258-1401, or drop me an email at soundriven@aol.com
Thanks,
dB
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Chauncey Harris and Tony Sciuto
I first met Chauncey a couple years ago when he was performing a jazz show in Columbia. Come to find out he was once known as ‘Madhatter’ and I had a copy of a blues record he did in the early ‘70s under the name Billy ‘Madhatter’ Davis. Unfortunately I was unable to include any detailed information about him in the first edition of the book. Chauncey was on the road for much of the 1960’s with groups such as Cliff Nobles & Co., etc.
Well I recently ran into him again at Micho’s in Reisterstown. He has a new group called JoyRide featuring some veteran musicians from the Baltimore area. They play R&B, soul, blues, rock… Stop in and check out the band on Saturday nights. If you are a musician be prepared to sit in for a couple of songs!
Just so happened the first night I stopped in Tony Sciuto sat in on guitar for a couple of songs. What a treat! You can catch Tony at Micho’s on Friday nights. Last week his band featured Taso Kotsos on drums, Mark Towles on keyboards, and a special guest appearance by Vernon Sneed on guitar! Check out Tony's website for more information and to find out where else he is playing www.tonysciuto.net
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THE 2nd BALTIMORE ALL-STAR CLASSIC REUNION CONCERT on Friday, April 20 was just as advertised. A night to remember! To those of you who didn’t go, you missed some incredible performances by some legendary R&B artists!
See the concert review and photos by Larry Benicewicz:
Each artist put on great performances! Standout moments for me had to be Tommy Hunt singing his classic “Human” and an electrifying performance by D.C.’s The Jewels! The matinee show was a little sparse in attendance, but the evening show drew a much better crowd. In addition to the advertised artists I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with radio personalities Sir Johhny O, and J.B. Brown. I met Eddie Rich (Swallows), Bobby Starr (Versatiles, Intruders), and Ralph Fisher (drummer of the Versatiles, and Both Worlds among other local groups). Also ran into friends Milton Dugger (Chaumonts), Joe, Raymond, and Charles (of the Spindles), James “J.G.” Gilyard (of the Hitchhikers), and Rosa Pryor (author of “African American Entertainment in Baltimore”). Larry Benicewicz was in attendance and will be writing a review of the show. Kenny Hamber has recently released his “Best of” CD on It’s Soul Time Records. Go to his website www.kennyhamber.com for details. Milton Dugger has announced an upcoming 40th anniversary CD release by the Bleu Lights on his Gumption label. Tommy Vann is working on remastering his recordings with the Echoes and the Professionals for eventual release. We’ll keep you posted!
The show was produced by Moore-Fountain-Brown. I hope they will continue to put on these shows!
By the way, Kenny Hamber has recently released a gospel CD. See his website on my links page for info.
Kenny’s nephew DJ FELLA also just released a gospel CD that is available at cdbaby.com/djfellaav or payplay.fm/djfellaav
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IN MEMORY OF
It is with great sadness to note the recent passing of several great local artists.
Johnny Poteat passed away in early February 2007. A prolific bass guitarist in the Baltimore area. He played with his brother J.P. Poteat in the Neutrons, later going on to play with Jack Judge & the Jury, the Wrecking Crew, Jay Granger's Persuasions, and Libra. Johnny also traveled to Nashville where he recorded an album with Baltimore guitarist J.D. Frye.
Dale Coleman on Friday February 9, 2007. Innovative and popular rock guitarist. Member of Tommy Vann's Professionals who recorded on Capitol Records. Dale was also a member of the Charades, Expressway... See Baltimore Sun article: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/obituaries/bal-md.ob.coleman14feb14,0,3594397.story?coll=bal-news-obituaries
Andre Towles on Friday March 16, 2007. Andre was the fifth member and 1st tenor of the Chryslers vocal group. The group partnered with the Monarchs band in the mid-60's to form one of the first racially integrated groups in the Baltimore area. Their single Because I Love You b/w I'm Not Gonna Lose You on the JE Jody label is a highly sought after Northern Soul record. I had the honor of meeting Andre along with several other members of the Chryslers at a reunion a couple of years ago. Unfortunately the group was missed in volume one of Baltimore Sounds, but will be included in volume two! Fellow Chrysler member Larry Jackson continues to keep the group's legacy alive on his website www.larryjackson.net
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STINSON BARTH
FLASH! Ellicott City's own country music songwriter-guitarist-vocalist Stinson Barth has been inducted into the Rockabilly Hall Of Fame! Stinson released two singles on the Rebel label in 1960. The recordings have enjoyed continued popularity in Canada over the years. Mr. Barth is working on a re-release of the originals recordings along with some newer original tunes. See his story and photos at www.rockabillyhall.com
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Some local live acts worth noting:
If you get a chance check out Doc Rogers & the Roc Dodgers. They play a lot of Allman Brothers, and blues oriented rockers. Great band! They play once a month at the Ramada near Route 100 and BW Parkway.
If you like blues - check out the veteran group of musicians known as The Soul Messengers - John Linthicum (guitar), Dave Collins (harp and vocals), Tony Fenloch (bass), and Tommy Helms (drums). The Messengers have been playing some classic rock and blues at local clubs. You can see their schedule on www.mdparty.com
Time Will Tell is a quartet of seasoned local musicians featuring tight and intricate harmony vocals. Guitarists Steve Underwood, Joe Pascuzzi and Fred Zang, with the ever steady Buzzy London on drums. They play tasteful selection of mostly classics to modern rock. Look for their schedule and booking info on www.mdparty.com
The Majestics have reformed with original members and some veteran newcomers. The classy band that played hundreds of area teen dances, proms, and clubs throughout the 60's, 70's and 80's is now accepting bookings http://majesticsband.com/
Announcing an exciting blues band:… Bottle of Blues features a fine group of talented musicians whose credentials would take up more space than is available on this page. Check out their website: http://www.bottleofblues.net
Flash! In volume one of Baltimore Sounds we overlooked a great local Rock n’ Roll group called The Londonaires! This fabulous group was formed in the early mid-fifties by Vern Ruppert, whose first group - a country and western band called The Kentucky Mountaineers evolved into The Rockets (covered in Vol 1), then eventually became known as The Londonaires. This group worked with most of the name stars of radio and TV who visited Baltimore. Promoted by local dee jays Les Alexander and Eddie Graham (Ed hosted the “All Night Serenade” in the late 1950’s on WCAO-AM). Vern later befriended the late and very great Buddy Deane. Vern and his groups appeared on Buddy’s TV dance show, worked his hops (especially on the Eastern Shore of Maryland while Buddy was with WITH Radio). Some of the band members included Terry Elton, Barry Russo, Sonny Riffici, Lee Cornell (passed away), Bud Merkle, Denny Weston, Eddie Macon, Drew Lawrence, Ron Sechrist and Preston Hutt. Al Rossi & Jamie Hess played for a time with the original Rockets. Many of these musicians continued to be very prominent in the local music scene and abroad.
Update: Today Vern devotes most of his time to his antiques & collectables business. He operates a mall space in Westminster, Maryland at the Westminster Antique Mall. Check his web page at: http://www.vern-stuff.com/
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RECORD SHOW
Every month (except July) the Arbutus Fire Hall is the site for Baltimore's largest record and CD expo. The event is usually held on the third Sunday of the month (note the May show is on the 4th Sunday and there is no show in July). There's always lots of great new and used vinyl, CD's, tapes and collectibles available from a variety of vendors. It's a free event, so stop in and say hello. Joe is usually there and he is always searching for local records and musical memorabilia.
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If you have an event or information you would like to have posted here contact Joe
His email is jv45rpm@juno.com
