Vanco was a label from Vancouver, Washington, near Portland, Oregon, so bands on the label could be from either side of the Columbia River.
The Bystanders had at least two 45s on Vanco, but I haven’t been able to find out much else about the band. The label credits Rick Keefer as engineer – he later went on to produce the New Tweedy Brothers among others. “Just Exactly Off” is pretty fine garage. The b-side is a ballad, “Flower Song”. Songwriting credits for both songs are Robinson – Tobius.
Another band on the Vanco label was the Twilighters.
Anyone have a photo of the group?
Another band on Vanco was Seattle’s Easy Chair, who put out a one-sided 33 1/3 LP with 4 songs on it, also with Rick Keefer engineering. Keefer later moved to Seattle & opened Seattle West Recording, a studio in Greenwood which recorded a great many NW musical acts in the 70’s.
For a gigantic compendium of NW bands, go to: http://www.pnwbands.com/
Does anyone know how to get ahold of any of the original band members? I’m seeking permission to use the song, “Exactly Off” in a documentary production.
We have the other 45 the Bystanders recorded. My wifes cousin was a member of the band. I believe he played the organ. His name is Gene Chittim. He lives in Seaside Oregon. I think the band leader was Robby Robinson. Don’t know much more.
What were the titles and serial # of the other record?
I have a copy of their other disc, their first, I guess because of the numbering. The two cuts are “Black Sincerity” & “Diane” VANCO Records, #45-221 (A&B). Credits are Robinson & Tobius as writer on the first cut and Robinson on cut two. The engineer on both songs is Rick Keefer.
My father is Robbie Robinson, and I still see Gene Chittim at least once a month. The other member of the trio was Joe Koskela (sp?)
Robbie Robinson here.
When I went to Nashville (to get rich and famous!😁), I went back to my original name for a variety of reasons.
Learned a lot about song writing, placed a few tunes with publishers, worked in and out of town playing, singing, eventually moved to Memphis. Lived and performed there (‘87-‘93), then moved to Spokane.
Have remained in the Spokane area ever since, playing and singing solo and with bands (Michael Robinson trio, Bliss Band, Sidetrack Band, Diminishing Faculties, Doo-Dads) and playing in churches, bars, anywhere they wanted me.
Continue writing and recording furiously which gives me great pleasure! You can hear a bunch at Themichaelrobinson@bandcamp.com, and more is being added continually (as well as updating/re-mixing the older material as my engineering skills improve!).
I’ll do it ‘til I die!
– Michael “Robbie” Robinson