Category Archives: Upstate New York

Categories: Dallas, Knight (Dallas), New York, Texas, Upstate New York, Watertown

The Knights – from upstate New York to Dallas, Texas

October 4, 2010 Chris Bishop 19 Comments

Bob Sanders ran the Knight and Spectra labels, among others, during the mid-’60s in Dallas, Texas.

The Knights 45 was completely unfamiliar to me until Brian Kirschenbaum wrote to me with the scan and transfers of the record. He was surprised to find a Texas 45 had made its way to upstate New York. It’s an interesting single, very much influenced by the British sounds of the time in changes and feel, especially on “I Know It Now”. Bob Kissell wrote both sides.

I had no information on the group until a couple comments were left (see below). As it turns out, this band made an unlikely journey from upstate New York to work in Dallas, Texas. In Watertown they were known as Dick and the Knights.

I’ll repeat most of Dick Kissell’s comment here:

The group consisted of Chuck Martuzas, bass (now deceased); Bob Lawlor, drums; Bob Kissell, lead guitar; and myself on rhythm guitar. The vocals were done by Bob and myself.
On a whim, we went to Dallas in the fall of 1964 because we had a friend down there who said he might be able to help us find some local clubs needing bands. We started out at a place called The Haunted House Club then moved on to the Disc-A Go Go and eventually LouAnns. We became house band at LouAnns.
Lewis Lindsey played the organ part on the “Stay” side. A guy named Bill Petty was friends with Lewis Lindsey and was also part owner in the Haunted House club; that’s how we got the recording deal. Only 300 copies were pressed. Later the following year, we became friends with The 5 Americans and played around Dallas for awhile until returning home.

Dick Kissell added in an email to me:

The single “Only You Hold The Answer” was a regional hit for us around 1967. My brother Bob Kissell wrote the melody while I wrote the lyrics. He plays (blues) around the Daytona Florida area in the winter, and then comes home and plays here (Watertown, NY) summers.

The Knights second single, “Only You Hold the Answer” b/w “Walkin’ The Streets” may have been their own production with no involvement from Bob Sanders of Knight Records in Dallas. The labels credit their last name as Kisslle (sic). The single had publishing by Pinent Music, BMI and the band recorded it at Dayson Studio in East Syracuse, NY.

Many thanks to Brian Kirschenbaum for alerting me to the Knights 45 and to retrogirl86 for the info in her comment.

Categories: Albion, Audition, Batavia, New York, Upstate New York

The Humans

September 12, 2010 Chris Bishop 21 Comments

Dick Doolan – vocals
Danny Long – vocals and harmonica
Bill Kuhns – lead guitar
Gar Trusselle – keyboards
Marty Busch – bass
Jack Dumrese – drums

The Humans were from Albion, New York, 20 miles north of Batavia. According to the liner notes for Back From the Grave vol. 5, all six members were in high school marching band when they decided to form a band in the summer of 1964. Their band’s moniker was a dig at all the groups naming themselves after insects and animals.

They toured throughout the northeast, opening for some big acts, including playing the Rheingold Festival in Central Park, Manhattan in 1966.

Their only 45 has a fine folk-rock original on the A-side, “Take a Taxi”. The instrumental passage is a neat combination of twelve-string guitar and organ.

For years now, it’s been overshadowed by the B-side, “Warning”, which has become almost an anthem in garage-rock circles, and rightly so. It’s a well-arranged combination of ringing guitar chords, thudding drum beat and bass line, simple organ melody, a great rough lead vocal answered by a second singer and a harmonica solo.

Lead guitarist Bill Kuhns (listed as William R. Kuhns, Jr. on the label) wrote both songs. It was recorded at Riposo Studios in 1966 and released on the Audition label, which had a number of classic mid-60s singles. I don’t know what happened to the band after its release, or if the record sold at all. It’s pretty hard to find these days.

Gar Trusselle answered some of my questions about the band:

Q. How did the band sign get to tour around the Northeast?

We were managed locally by Al Cecere in Rochester. As far as we knew, Al Cecere was the sole owner of Audition. He had some connections so he got us signed up with Premier Talent Associates (PTA) in NYC. Our agent with them was Rich Nader who went on to promote R&R revivals across the country. We also opened for the Hollies, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels (several times) and played a two week gig in Miami with the Standells.

We were friends with “The Heard” as they were also managed by Al Cecere. We alternated at Oak Orchard Lanes in Albion [with] Caesar and His Romans from Buffalo. By the way, Oak Orchard Lanes was quite a hot spot. In the summer, the owners would cover all 12 lanes with plywood and have dances on the lanes with some pretty big names. A couple that come to mind are the Rivieras and the Shadows of Knight.

Q. Do you remember any details about the Riposo Studio and making the record?

All I can remember is that the studio was in Syracuse. Someone said Wooly Bully was recorded there but I cannot verify that.

Q. Did it get any airplay at the time?

We did get good local airplay and some national as well. Billboard reported us in the top twenty in a Michigan and Texas market but it did not last.

Q. Did the band perform “Warning” and “Take a Taxi” during your live shows?

We did perform the two songs live at every performance.

Q. The band had long hair for 1966, did that cause any trouble?

Nothing but. However, we had a lot of local support even from the adult side.

Q. How did the band break up, and did you stay in music after?

It began when Dan died in a car accident in September of 1966. We went on from there but the draft started to whittle at the group. I think our last job was in November of 1966 at our own venue in Albion. We had rented the local (out of business) movie theater, remodeled it, and named it “Happiness Is…”.

Gar D. Trusselle

The photo at top originally provided to RambleMusic.com (link dead as of 2013) by Bill Vosteen. The site includes photos and clippings of other Batavia-area groups like Beethoven’s Dream Group, The Majestics, the Plague, Salt of the Earth, The Revengence, the Squires.

Categories: Audition, New York, Nu Sound Ltd., Rochester, Upstate New York

Audition and Nu Sound Ltd. discographies

September 11, 2010 Chris Bishop 5 Comments

Al Cecere owned the record labels Audition and Nu Sound Ltd., of Rochester, New York. It seems Cecere changed the label’s name to Nu Sound Ltd. with release #6111 by the Wee Four. Any help completing this discography, or info on Al Cecere’s productions or Riposo Studios would be appreciated.

Discography:

Audition

6102 – The Vaqueros – Desert Wind / Echo (both by Weld-Heath-Corona)
6103 – Dick Jans Duo – I Am (Edwards, Shuman) / Venus (the Frankie Avalon hit) – June 64
6104 – The Vitrones – Linda (Cheshire, Couto, Downing) / London Fog (licensed to Barry, #3326X in Canada)
6105 – America’s Children – Do-Maka / No Need For Blame (1965)
6106 – America’s Children – Star / Swinging Christmas (1965)
6107 – The Heard – Laugh with the Wind (Jeff Wheat and Brad Wheat) / Stop It Baby (Karim Copli) (mentioned in Billboard, May 7, 1966)
6108
6109 – The Humans – Take a Taxi / Warning (both by Bill Kuhns, Jr.)
6110 – The Rogues – Train Kept a-Rollin’ / You Better Look Now (Jim Perotti*, Bob Radell*, Mike Spriggs)

Nu Sound Ltd.

6111 – The Wee Four – Weird (James Obi, T. Pilittere) / Give Me a Try
6112 – Terry Pilittere – It’s Not That Way / You Wouldn’t Believe Me
6113 – Pete Morticelli – Lost / If You See Me

* correct spellings of these two Rogues names are Jim Pierotti and Bob Radel.

Most originals on Audition and “Weird” by the Wee Four 45 published by Cecere Music, BMI.

The Heard have an unreleased song, “Leave Well Alone” on a Capitol Custom acetate.

The Montereys “Bye Bye” / “Sheryl-ane” also recorded at Riposo Studios.

Thank you to Davie Gordon for his help with this discography.

Categories: Dansville, Hornell, Lee, New York, Upstate New York

P.B. & the Staunchmen

February 8, 2009 Chris Bishop 60 Comments

Early photo of the Staunchmen with Silvertone Bobkat guitars, from left: Paul Nagle, Don Cox, George Harvey (drums), Paul Beecher (with tambourine), Barry McLean, and Doug Smith (sax)

P.B. & the Staunchmen cut this rare 45 on Lee, the same label as the Ascendors “I Won’t Be Home” in 1966. The label was located out of Hornell, New York, 40 miles south of Rochester but the band was from Dansville, another 20 miles south/southeast.

P.B. is Paul Beecher, credited along with the Staunchmen for writing both sides of the 45. Members were:

Paul Beecher – lead vocals
Doug Smith – sax
Paul Nagle – lead guitar
Barry McLean – rhythm guitar
Eric Young – organ
Don Cox – rhythm and bass guitar
George Harvey – drums

“Mean Willy” is a driving track with some wild guitar breaks and screams between repetitive lyrics and droning saxophone.

All the girls they can’t sympathize,
They know that he goes around telling ’em lies,
When he looks into their big brown eyes.

The flip, “Lost Generation”, sounds like it has roots in “Eve of Destruction” (though it actually came out earlier – see Don Cox’s comment below). The lyrics are defeatist and downright depressing, if I am reading them right:

This poor war is here to say,
There’s nothing you can do to keep it away,
My brother’s dead, there’s no denying,
This lost generation has me cryin’.
‘Cause it’s lost, this generation, it’s gone away,
It’s lost no matter what you say.
The kids are turnin’, their cards are burnin’,
Trying to escape this war,
The game they’ve lost and now they’ve found,
It doesn’t matter anymore.
Left to right: Barry McLean, Paul Nagle, Paul Beecher, Eric Young, Don Cox, and George Harvey. Not pictured: Doug Smith. Photo courtesy of George Harvey.

Thanks to Don Cox for the lyric correction. Band photos courtesy of George Harvey, and Don Cox (top photo).

If anyone has more photos of the group, please contact me.

P.B.and the Staunchmen photo — from left: Paul Beecher, Paul Nagle, George Harvey, Barry McLean, Don Cox, and Doug Smith. Eric Young absent.

Categories: Fine, New York, Rochester, Unknown, Upstate New York

Little Peppy with the Bare Existence

March 24, 2008 Chris Bishop 3 Comments

From Rochester, Little Peppy is Marlene Torre, writer and singer on both these sides. She and the band turn in a spirited performance on “It Can Happen!!” The designated a-side, “Since You’ve Gone Away” is a slow ballad about missing her lover drafted overseas.

This was a custom press recorded at Fine Studios in September, 1966, and released with their house label. The master tape that turned up with the remains of the studio has alternate takes of each song.

One mystery is who was the band backing her as the Bare Existence.

If anyone has a photo of Little Peppy aka Marlene Torre, or the Bare Existence please contact me.

Categories: Audio Recording (Cleveland), Buffalo, GJM, New York, Scepter

Caeser & His Romans

February 24, 2008 Chris Bishop 87 Comments

Caesar & His Romans: Dan Cook, Bill Burt, Chuck Vicario (seated), David Burt and unidentified — Caesar & His Romans, from left: Dan Cook, Bill Burt, Chuck Vicario (seated), David Burt and Karl Durant.

Caeser & His Romans were from Buffalo, recording two 45s on the GJM label in late ’67 and 1968 before signing to Scepter for two more singles. I hadn’t been able to find much about the group but some emails and comments have helped.

Vocalist Chuck Vicario stayed with the group throughout its career. Bassist John Sia co-founded the band with Chuck in 1964, and left for college in ’67. Joe Hesse replaced John and then Vinny Parker replaced Hesse. Joe DeSantis was the original drummer with the group. Other members of the group included Joe Hesse’s brother Jim Hesse on keyboards, Bill Burt and David Burt, and Dan Cook on lead guitar.

Both songs on their first 45 were written by Charles Vicario and J. Hesse, recording supervised by Jerry Meyers and Rich Sargent.

Rich Sargent wrote to me about his work with the band:

Jerry owned GJM Records, I worked for him, we used a few different studios. I produced “Leavin’ My Past Behind” at Audio Recording in Cleveland, the same studio wher Jerry produced the Joe Jeffries gold single “My Pledge Of Love” … great studio in downtown Cleveland. I am a long time friend of Chuck (Caesar/Big Wheelie) and his late manager Fred Caserta. We met in ’64 … my band and Chucks finished 1 & 2 in a number of “battle of the bands” back then.
I haven’t heard “When Will I Get Over You” in about 15 years… my favorite may have been “Leavin’ My Past Behind” (sure wish I could remix it) and “Baby Let’s Wait”. That one came close to breaking, but the Royal Guardsmen put out a version and we were done.
There was a core of players that was consistent but also a number who left, came back, left again. Dan Cook was the guitar player through all of the incarnations of Caesar and Big Wheelie. The keyboard player on “Green Grass…” was Jimmy Hesse who left to join The Road and was part of that band when they had a mid chart dingle on Kama Sutra with a cover of the Zombies “She’s Not There” which was produced by Joey Reynolds (now doing late night talk radio on WOR 710 NYC and also carried on over 200 stations).
Caesar & His Romans became Caesar & THE Romans, [then] evolved into Friendship Train which was a successful club & lounge act. During one set each night as part of the act they became Big Wheelie & The Hubcaps. This became so successful that Friendship Train was dropped in favor of a full night of Big Wheelie. Their final album was released on Amherst Records in 1976. Chuck stlll performs as Big Wheelie about 10-12 times per year. He was brilliantly managed by the late Fred Caserta who went on to found Kingdom Bound which is one of the largest concert events in the Christian Music field.

“Green Grass Makes It Better” is one of their catchiest numbers, and sure seems like a drug reference to me: the world is “going psycho” but “good green grass makes it better.” “Why Make a Fool of Me” on the flip is denser but excellent as well.

Their second record is one I haven’t yet heard, “Baby, Let’s Wait”, backed by the great “Black Lantern”, a bass-driven lament written by Vicario and Hesse. The A-side has the credit “Arr. by Beaver”, while the flip says “Arr. by Breezy” and “(from the movie ‘The Atomic Grandmother’)” – a real production or another joke?

Instead of publishing through GJM Music like the first single, Darshen Music published “Black Lantern”.

Moving towards a much more commercial direction, they signed to Scepter Records as Caesar and the Romans, releasing two 45s in 1969, both minor hits in the Buffalo area. “Baby Love” uses some fuzz guitar and heavy beats on the Supremes song, but I prefer the upbeat flip, “When Will I Get Over You”, written by C. Vicario, Jr.

The A-side of their next Scepter 45, “Leavin’ My Past Behind” / “Jailhouse Rock” continues their pop sound. Mike Dugo sent me photos of two more Scepter recordings by the band, “Come Little Girl” and “Come Live With Me” that were never released to my knowledge. Both are funky soul numbers.

Thank you to Diane Burt for the photo of the group at top and additional info, to Mike Dugo for the Scepter acetate photos, the promotional flyers and ads, and to Ryan Lalande for the scan of “Black Lantern”. Thank you to Mary Durant for help with identifying Karl in the photo; Karl Durant played drums with the group.

Categories: New York, Nu Sound Ltd., Rochester, Upstate New York

Terry Pilittere and the Wee Four

September 30, 2007 Chris Bishop 16 Comments

The Wee Four photo — The Wee Four, from left: Bob Salerno, Jack Allocco, Terry Piliterre, and Dennis Drew

The Wee Four Nu Sound Ltd. 45 Weird Terry Pilittere was the founder of the Rochester, NY group the Dimensions, in 1962. Members were Denny Drew lead guitar, Rob Salerno rhythm guitar, Ken Polizzi bass and vocals, and Terry on drums and vocals. In 1965 Jack Allocco joined and the band changed their name to the Wee Four, because none of the members was over 5′ 8″ tall.

The Wee Four recorded an excellent garage punker, “Weird” in 1966, written by Terry with his friend Jim Obi, b/w Terry’s song “Give Me a Try”. The Wee Four recorded other songs, including “I Could Never”, but these weren’t released.

Terry Pilittere Nu-Sound Ltd. 45, It's Not That Way Members of the band had conflicts with manager Al Cecere, but Terry decided to leave the group and go with Al as his manager for a solo record of two beautiful original songs, “It’s Not That Way” and “You Wouldn’t Believe Me”.

Terry passed away in December, 2000.

Photo caption updated 2022.

Sources: Mike Dugo’s interview with Ken Polizzi of the Wee Four. Photos from Fuzz Acid and Flowers.

Categories: In Records, New York, Rochester, Upstate New York

The Young Tyrants

June 23, 2007 Chris Bishop 5 Comments

The Young Tyrants, Rochester

The Tyrants business card One of the leading bands in the Rochester, NY area, the Young Tyrants were Carl Lundquist lead guitar and vocals, Lou Grillo lead vocals, Julio Lora rhythm guitar, Mike Zazzaro bass and Mike Montoya drums. They were heavily influenced by the Young Rascals, even adding “Young” to their band name in imitation, but came up with a sound all their own by the time they recorded their only 45.

Fine Records Studio owner Vince Jans signed the band after hearing their live show over the phone. In September 1967, they recorded an album’s worth of songs at one session, mostly typical cover versions off the day along with two original songs and a couple instrumentals.

Jans let them release the two originals for their only 45. “I Try” starts off with Carl’s trilling guitar riff taken from the intro to the Buster’s surf classic, “Bust Out”, then turns into a fantastic rocker as the band kicks in. “She Don’t Got The Right” simmers with resentment: “She’s got the right to say/ she don’t want my kind/but she don’t got the right/ to take away my pride.”

Lou Grillo wrote “I Try”, although there are no credits on the label, while Carl Lundquist wrote “She Don’t Got the Right”. 500 copies were pressed on the In label and sold at their shows, at venues like the New Patriot Club in Hornell. The only radio play it received was on local Rochester station WSAY.

The band broke up in 1968, as Carl and Lou were heading to college. The masters from the Young Tyrant’s recording sessions have been saved, and supposedly include other takes of both sides of the 45 as well as a cover of “I Can Only Give You Everything”. Hopefully someday we’ll hear the whole session.

The primary source for this story is Greg Prevost’s interview with singer Lou Grillo from 1978.

Categories: Buff, New York, Olean, Upstate New York

The Tigermen “Close That Door” and “Tiger Girl”

October 31, 2006 Chris Bishop 19 Comments

Tigermen photo — Only known photo of the Tigermen – anyone have more pics of the band?

The Tigermen were from Olean, New York, south of Buffalo, and started out in 1964.

Members were:

Tom Consedine – lead vocals
John Farrell
Jeff Todd
Tim Stavish – drums

The Tigermen recorded four songs in October 1965 at a studio in Buffalo, releasing two 45s in quick succession featuring a tough organ-driven sound. First released were two originals by Consedine and Farrell, the garage classic “Close That Door” backed with a moody ballad, “Love Me Girl”.

The second is a slow, spooky grinding rocker, “Tiger Girl”, with a cover of “Runaway” on the flip. “Close That Door” seems to be the rarer of the two 45s.

Production was by Art Dedrick who later created the Free Design around the singing and songwriting talents of his children.

The Tigermen had regular gigs around the Cuba Lake resorts and in northwestern Pennsylvania, but after the summer of 1966 the band split up as members went to college or were taken by the draft.

Does anyone have better photos of the Tigermen?

Categories: Dutchess County, Giantstar, Hyde Park, New York, Poughkeepsie

The Mark IV on Giantstar

September 22, 2006 Chris Bishop 28 Comments

Mark IV, December 1965 from left: John Ackert, Emery Ruger, Eddie Gilroy and JJ Marino. All photos courtesy of Edward Gilroy

The Mark IV came from Hyde Park and Poughkeepsie, New York. The Mark IV released three 45s on the Giantstar label out of Mahopac, in Putnam County.

Eddie Gilroy on bass with his father and band manager Bob Gilroy. Likely taken at Papa Joe’s in Honesdale, PA

Members were:

John Ackert – lead guitar and keyboards
James Marino – guitar (known as JJ, and Jay on the photo card)
Conrad “Butch” Loreto – guitar (joined in 1966)
Edward Gilroy – bass
Emery Ruger – drums

Rae Ann Panzera – vocals at some live shows and on “Hey Girl”

Their first single was “Hey Girl (Won’t You Listen)”, a good folk-garage song written by John Ackert, b/w the instrumental “Sleepy”, written by Ed Gilroy and Jim Marino, released on Giantstar 404 in May, 1966.

“Don’t Want Your Lovin'” is the toughest song they cut, a crazed rave-up with plenty of furious strumming. Songwriting credits go to John Ackert, Butch Loreto, Emery Ruger and Ed Gilroy. The A-side, “Would You Believe Me” is fine too, written by Gilroy and Ackert, and released in October 1966 on Giantstar 405.

The Mark IV’s last single was “Churches and Houses”, written by Ed Gilroy and Donnie Herring, backed with “Please Don’t Go”, on Giantstar 406, from March, 1967.

All the singles list publishing by Jemel Publications, and a Product of Jemel Music Corp and “A JNR Production” – all owned by Raymond Meltzer.

On the Chuck McCann Show, from left: Emery, unknown girl, Chuck McCann (in back), Rae Ann Panzera, JJ Marino, Eddie, and John

In 2020 James Marino answered some of my questions about the Mark IV:

In 1964 John Ackert and I were classmates at Haviland Jr High in Hyde Park NY. Eddie Gilroy was attending FDR High in Hyde Park.
I had played with Ron Piccolo in the Revells. I also played in the Royal Coachman with Bobby Germano and William Paroli, both now passed. So at age 14 or so I was a seasoned vet.

Eddie with fans at Captain’s Cove in Carbondale, PA (Bob Gilroy’s hometown)

Ed Gilroy and I would hang out after school, trying to learn chords and songs on the guitar. I knew John but soon leaned of his music abilities. John and I sort of morphed into Lennon and McCartney right away. It just clicked and we fed off each other. Ed learned bass and we were off.
Next, drummer showman Emory Ruger from Poughkeepsie rounded out the group. The Mark IV was born. An older group of musicians named the Dirty Elbows were trying to court me away. We had such a good sound vocally I wouldn’t leave.
We started playing small venues, YMCA / CYO, firehouses etc. Bob Gilroy, Eddie’s father became our manager. Began to play larger venues with larger crowds both locally and out of town.

From left: Eddie, JJ Marino, John and Emery. Location possibly the LaGrange, NY firehouse. Photos courtesy of Edward Gilroy

Donnie Herring with Ed Gilroy's mother — Donnie Herring with Ed Gilroy’s mother

Some of these little towns in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, 800 to 900 kids would come to dance and listen. Strange as it may sound, it was like these kids were on delay. They had never seen anything like us. It sounds unbelievable they were wanting our autographs and trying to take pieces of our clothes. We were on cloud nine.

Mark IV and the Revells ad for What's It To Ya? Poughkeepsie — Mark IV and the Revells ad for What’s It To Ya? in Poughkeepsie

We appeared on a show called Teenage Dance Barn, what was then Channel 6 in Scehnectedy. We then appeared on Chuck McCann’s Puppet Show Channel 5 WNEW in NYC.
Some time later in ’65 our manager approached us with cutting a record, a little unknown record company in Mahopach, NY named Giant Star Records.
We found ourselves in the studio unprepared and with no material. So we proceeded to write “Hey Girl” in the studio and I played lead guitar on side b an instrumental called “Sleepy”, that I made up on the spot. It was very off-the-cuff and we should not have done it. We were sort of pushed before we were ready.

circa 1967: Butch Loreto kneeling on left, above him George Whitsell, then Emery Ruger, John Ackert and Ed Gilroy

Our manager billed us as “Giant Star Recording Artists” etc. Gigs were getting pretty good, $200 / $300 / even $400 each per gig. I left in 1966 for awhile, came back in late ’66 or early ’67, and left again. Came back in ’68, all the while personnel changed. Just wasn’t the same for me. I was a bit of a free spirit and a hard ass all in one. A great experience all in all, great friends.
After the original Mark IV broke up my brother Mike Gilroy (drums), Donnie Herring (singer, percussion), John Lockwood (guitar) and I (bass) started a new version of the Mark IV.
John Ackert passed at least 20 years ago. What great talent: great vocals / killer guitar / killer keys made the rest of us look good.
Emery Ruger drummer extraordinaire, killer showman, and a great guy passed over a year now [July 18, 2017]. Glad to have had them as band mates.
Eddie and I are still hangin’ in.
Love all, Jimmy “JJ” Marino

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