From Daytona Beach, the 2/3rds recorded this one 45 at Quimby’s studio in nearby Ormond Beach, and released it on the April label in early 1967. At the time of this recording, the band included Gene McCormick on vocals and tenor sax and organ, Phil (PJ) Jones on drums, Ralph Citrullo bass and Allen Dresser lead guitar.
“2/3 Baby” is a moody complaint with a fine chorus, written by McCormick. It was backed with a bluesy ballad, “All Cried Out” written by Pete Carr. Members of the band eventually became the Third Condition, releasing two 45s on the Sundi label in 1970, one of which got some airplay, “Monday in May” about the Kent State tragedy. (The song was bounced off the airwaves by CSN&Y’s “Ohio”).
After Gene left the band to join Jam Factory in New York, the band moved to Tallahassee to attend FSU. Later members included several who had been in another Daytona group, the Hungri I’s: Neil Haney vocals, as well as Max Eason on drums from Tallahassee. The band was named Rock Garden for a brief time (Neil Haney, Allen Dresser, Ralph Citrullo, Max Easom and Chris Drake) then became Duck (Chris Drake, Allen Dresser, Rick Levy and Max Easom – later Benny Jones replaced Rick Levy and Don Langston replaced Max Easom).
(Text corrected according to Allen Dresser’s comment below).
Hi – the text in this entry appears from “Savage Lost” by Jeffrey Lemlich
I have added the corrections below:
From Daytona Beach, the 2/3rds recorded this one 45 at Quimby’s studio in nearby Ormond Beach, and released it on the April label in early 1967. At the time of this recording, the band included Gene McCormick on vocals and tenor sax and organ, Phil (PJ) Jones on drums, Ralph Citrullo bass and Allen Dresser lead guitar . The moody complaint 2/3 Baby was written by McCormick and backed with a bluesy ballad, All Cried Out written by Pete Carr. Members of the band eventually became the Third Condition, releasing two 45s on the Sundi label in 1970,one of which got some airplay, “Monday in May” about the Kent State tragedy. (The song was bounced off the airwaves by CSN&Y’s “Ohio”)
After Gene left the band to join Jam Factory in New York, the band moved to Tallahassee to attend FSU.
Later members included several who had been in another Daytona group, the Hungri I’s: Neil Haney vocals, , as well as Max Eason on drums from Tallahassee. The band was named Rock Garden for a brief time ( Neil Haney, Allen Dresser, Ralph Citrullo, Max Easom and Chris Drake) then became Duck ( Chris Drake, Allen Dresser, Rick Levy and Max Easom – later Benny Jones replaced Rick Levy and Don Langston replaced Max Easom).
Hi Allen,
Do you know the exact date that this record was released?
Justin
I do not remember the date, but will dig around in my archives and see what I can find.
I did find out it was April of 1967. Not sure which day.
Hello.
I was just surfing the net and came across this
article about the band 2/3rds.
Which became Third Condition.
I just thought it was kinda cool.
I was born and raised in Tallahassee Fl.
My dad is Charles Robinette.
He wrote Monday in May for Third condition.
Amyway I just thought it was kinda cool.
Thanks,
Nate Robinette.
Nate – good to see your comment. If you want any more info about the band, let me know.
Allen Dresser
Hello.
Well I was really young when they recorded
Monday in May.
So I don’t really remember much about them.
I wish my parents were still alive they would
have gotten a kick out of seeing this,
I write and play myself if you wouls like to listen,
http://www.myspace.com/naterobinette
Also I have some copies of Monday in May if you would
like one.
Happy Holidays.
Nate Robinette.
My name is Mark Hoffmann and I was the guitarist/vocalist in Jam Factory on Epic Records with Gene McCormick. I’ve lost track of him over the years and wanted to reconnect, perhaps for a reunion tour in central New York (Syracuse) which was our home base.
Would appreciate any info, or better still, have him shoot me an e-mail.
Thanks, Mark Hoffmann
markbhoffmann@yahoo.com
Mark, you were one of the best. I believe you played a Dan Armstrong guitar. Your song Trying To Recall was big-league. You also did an excellent vocal on Talk Is Cheap. Best Wishes
Just happen to be listening to the LP right now. It’s still great music. I hope your efforts for a reunion come to fruition. If you could, keep me posted, I’d like to come and see the show. I live in Rochester so Syracuse is just a short ways away.
Hello Mark, I remember “The Jam Factory”, you guys really kicked Ass! My friends and I followed you guys around back in the 70’s. Your band kind of Disappeared and we never did know what happened to you. It was nice reading your note here and remembering back to all the good times we had Rockin’ along with your band. I wish you well and thanks for all the good times way back then.
Regards,
Warren
Mark I’m in Jacksonville, Florida. My website is : http://www.eugenemccormick.vpweb.com
Mark, wow I remember you very well I am Gene’s sister email me and I will get you two together.
I noticed this note is rather old, so you may have already found Gene, but if not, I can guide you to him.
Wishing you strength, peace and love,
Wanda
Gene, are you still in Jacksonville? I’m in Frostproof, Florida
Just a shout out to say… The 2/3’s and Duck wete some damn good bands. Neil Haney singing Mary In The Morning and the trumpets and drums on They Call Me Mr Pitiful stand out!
always thought gene and two thirds would do well. met him in daytona as well as many 18+ yr olds in the mid to late sixties. great fun and dancing. last saw him in atlanta.
I thought Kelly Gray was in the band, The 2/3’s. I dated him in 68 or 69. And I’m pretty sure I saw the the band when they played at Mainland and Kelly was in it. I remember him taking me over to one of the guys house to jam. I guess I could be wrong. Anyone remember Kelly Gray?!
My sister (Nancy) still has the record
PJ played with Donnie Baker at Red Door located across lake Ella in Tally 72. Bass player was RIP Robbie R from Ohio.