Here are two obscure singles that seem to have been recorded in one session on the same day, apparently March 12, 1965. Both feature the Mockers, and each was released on the Monte-Vista label and numbered 3-12-65.
The first features two surf instrumentals: the atmospheric “Children of the Sun” backed by a first-rate surf-rocker “Madalena” with crunching wet guitar. Both songs were written by David Norgord for Monte-Vista Music BMI.
The Mockers were obviously a very competent group, and may have come from Glendora High School. If anyone knows the names of the other members of the Mockers, please contact me or leave a comment below.
The second single has them backing what sounds like a prepubescent lead singer, Chris Parry, on another single written by Dave Norgord, “I Need You Now”. The flip is a cover of “Angela Jones”, written by John Loudermilk (composer of “Tobacco Road”).
The producer was Dale Smallin who in 1963 managed the Surfaris’ and brought them to Paul Buff’s PAL studio in Cucamonga to record “Surfer Joe” / “Wipe Out” (Smallin also contributed the maniacal laughter to the opening). Smallin may have lost the Safaris when he and Dot Records brought in the Challengers to record tracks to fill out the album. In any case, the Mockers may have been the only records after the Safaris to feature his name as producer. If there are others, I haven’t found them yet.
Monte Vista Street runs in Highland Park in Los Angeles, not far from the Glendale origin of the Safaris. Smallin would name his film production company Monte-Vista and produced a 28 minute movie show in West Covina, The Day That Sang and Cried in 1968, featuring another band, The West Coast Blues Company. Dave Smallin died on March 1, 2011.
knew and workerd with Dale Smallin
ask any questions I might know the answers
The Norgord was my dad, Dave Norgord. Are these recordings anywhere on the internet?
Any chance you known who was in The Mockers. I’m writing a book and The Mockers are in it as is Dave Norgord.
Any info would be appreciatey
Stephen – I’m his son but don’t have much info. How do you even know about the Mockers? 😊
Good morning im just sitting having coffee and looking at things on my coumputer and found this stuff about Dave Norgord and the band he was in called the mockers and i thought i may have some info on that band . First thing i was one of band members also i still know two others that are still around just to start with .If u would like to know more e mail me thanks.
i would love to talk to u about the mockers band if we could talk sometime thank you
Dave Norgord was my brother. Bobby Figueroa was on drums and Jimmy McGrew played bass. Both Bobby and Jimmy became professional musicians. Jimmy passed away October 2918. Dave passed away July 2005. Bobby is still alive and should be easy to find. Chris Parry was quite young, English at a time the “English Invasion” took over pop music.