At top is Kenny Branoff (lead guitar), below him Dave Troutman (keyboard, trumpet) and Dave “Gino” Giorgini (drums)
In front, left to right: Bob Bolash (rhythm guitar), Chuck Jones (vocals), Jeff Bowen (sax) and Harry Brewbaker (bass)
Updated July 2011
The Shan-Dells came from Enola, PA, across the Susquehanna River from Harrisburg and Middletown. They had two 45s on the Bridge Society label. The band covers a lot of ground between these releases, from psychedelia to pop to upbeat blue-eyed soul.
Their first 45 has the slow trippy psychedelia of “Chimes”, with droning organ and repetitive sharp guitar lines inspired by “Eight Miles High”. The solo break is excellent raga-rock!
The B-side is the much lighter and less essential pop dittty, “Little Girl”. Both sides were written by Ken Branoff and Charles Jones and published by John Ulrich Music. My copy is signed by bass player Gary McElrath, if I’m reading that correctly.
Their second 45 has a northern soul classic, “I’ve Got to Love Her”. With full horn charts and falsetto vocal it’s a much different sound from their first, and the record trades for more money as well. I haven’t heard the flip, “Idle Excursion”. Chuck Jones, David Troutman and David Giorgini wrote “I’ve Got to Love Her”.
I couldn’t find much info on the group until rhythm guitarist Bob Bolash contacted me. Below is info from the comment that he left below along with some more info he sent to me by email:
I was one of the original Shan-Dells, we started out as the Wonders with Chuck Jones lead singer, Jim Wyman on drums, Gary Wyman on bass, Kenny Branoff on lead gutiar, myself on rhythm guitar. Jim was a little older and when he left the band David (Gino) Giorgini joined as the drummer. We then changed our name to the Shan-Dells. Dave Toutman was added about a year later.
Our first paying gig was at the Midway firehall in Enola with DJ Ben Barber. We got paid $28.00 that night. Our record “Chimes” went to #14 in the Harrisburg area, at the time WFEC rated the songs by how many you sold at Caplain’s in Harrisburg. We did the Kirby Scott show at WBAL TV in Maryland. We played everywhere, there were so many places to play back in the day.
Kenny stayed in the house a lot a was very dedicated to his guitar. I think he just wrote some music and Chuck added some words.
We recorded them at Virtue Studios in Philadelphia. Actually “Chimes” and “Little Girl” should have been on two separate 45s with a dummy song on the B side like we did with “I’ve Got to Love Her”. But we were just learning and I still wonder how swift our promoter was, we ran out of records.
We added some horns a little later and mixed some soul with our rock, that’s why “I’ve Got to Love Her” sounds that way.
Chuck then got drafted Dave left and Gary moved away and Gino’s older brother Rob joined us, he played organ and sang. He played with Frank Fabian’s Fabulous Fugitives, a very good band. We changed throughout the years, from the Shan-Dells to the Collection (we have an unreleased song that we went a different direction with, it has alot of harmony, “Feelin’ a Dream”).
Then it was Mystic Revelation, and then Dry Mud. Kenny, little Gino and myself were all in those bands. Later when Chuck came back we started a band with Neil Harvey, Dave Bennet and Dave Troutman called Green Apple Quick Step. Later I joined Dick Styles in a group called the 7th Sun, That was fun, we remodeled a school bus and had some fun in that. My last stop was mid 70’s with a band we started called the Bizzare Brothers Band. Bob Souders guitar, Buzz Deuscth drums, Darwin Oakes organ, then Jim Krall replaced him, Harry Brewbaker on bass and me on guitar and crazy Tom Gamble singing. Seriously this was the most talented band I ever played in, but we did toooo much partying.
Bob Bolash
In July, 2011 Jeff Bowen sent me the photo at top and wrote about his time with the band:
I was the sax player and eventually bass player with the Shan-Dells in Harrisburg Pa. from just after the release of “I’ve Got to Love Her” in ’68 or ‘69 till the band dissolved in early 1971. I wasn’t the sax player on the records though, that was Scott Zahn (not sure I spelled his last name right) who I ended up playing with during the summer and fall of 1971 after the band (Shan-Dells, Mystic Revelation, Dry Mud) broke up.
Dave Troutman and I went to Redland High school together and were in the high school’s band. “I’ve Got to Love Her” had a sax and trumpet in the background so they needed to find a sax player to do the live shows. That’s when Dave asked me to join the band since Scott Zahn was already playing with another band at that time. I’m so sorry to hear that Dave passed away. After the band broke up, I hadn’t really heard anything about him until I stumbled onto Garage Hangover a few days ago and read the comments from his son.
Both records were recorded before I got into the band, so I can’t take any credit for them. I did do a recording around that same time but I’m not sure it was with the Shan-Dells or not. I do know it never made it from tape to 45 and I don’t know what happened to the tapes.
I still have both the 45’s and the promo photo of the band that was taken just before we went on the Kirby Scott show in Baltimore. I remember we went to Eddy’s Mod shop in downtown Harrisburg and bought the matching paisley tuxedos for that show.
Soon after I joined, Chuck Jones got drafted and left, followed by Harry Brewbaker getting drafted too. That’s when I bought Harry’s bass and amp and took over as bass player for the band till we broke up and went our separate ways.
I got drafted in November 1971, which pretty much ended my musical career. I jammed on bass with a few people after I got out of the army but never actually got into another real band. By that time DJs had taken over all the places that used to have live bands.
Who knows what would have happened if Chuck and Harry hadn’t had to leave the band to serve in the army. I’m glad they both served and came back OK. I don’t remember for sure if they went to Viet Nam or not but I don’t think they did. When I got drafted in Nov. 1971, I ended up serving a year in Korea instead of Viet Nam.
Jeff Bowen
The Shan Dells were from the Enola area. Practice was in the basement of Dave (Gino) Gioroini. No girls allowed!! I dated Chuch and sat many hours in a car out side because of that fact. They played at many local fire halls, schools and even as far a Maryland for a frat party. Dave Troutman passed away a few years ago, Kenny Branoff taught gutar at a local Lemoyne store and I hear he still plays locally. I lost touch and havent heard anything about the rest of the band.
darwin past away and clarence smith was with the band in the60s before he went in the . they played at his going away party on miller st in summerdal
Kenny played solo guitar in Mexican beach resorts during the winter months in the ‘90’s, then came back to the area for summers. He eventually got married in Mexico about 10 years ago.
I had the pleasure to meet Ken Branoff today May 26 2024 at the Williams Grove flea market, I was really a pleasure talking to him about music he told me that he was part of a band in the late 60’s – early 70’s and that some members were drafted and spend some time abroad either Vietnam or Germany, he’s a real hero a veteran , cheers 🙏
I was one of the original Shan-Dells, we started out as the Wonders with Chuck Jones lead singer, Jim Wyman on drums, Gary Wyman on bass, Kenny Branoff on lead gutiar, Myself on Rhythm guitar. Jim was a little older and when he left the band David (Gino) giorgini joined as the drummer. We then changed our name to the Shan-Dells. Dave Toutman was added about a year later. Our first paying gig was at the Midway firehall in Enola with DJ Ben Barber. We got paid $28.00 that night. Our record chimes went to #14 in the Hbg area, at the time WFEC rated the songs by how many you sold at Caplains in Hbg. We did the Kirby Scott show at WBAL TV in Maryland. You’re right we played everywhere, there were so many places to play back in the day. Chuck works at Planet Fitness, I work at the Holy Spirit Hospital, and Gino last I heard was in Denver somewhere and Gary was in Florida. If you would like anymore info you have my Email address
Hi I have a picture of the group but two of you have not signed it and I believe you are one of the ones that didn’t I would love to find away to get to you so I can get it done I’ll send you a picture of it and maybe you can tell me more about where it was taken I am so happy to have found you my name is Gloria Ross
Ok I’ll sing it the photo and u as a rockstar would do. Kenny b 7174976144 call me it’s free I live in the USA now peace mr guitar.
Bob bolash is my uncle….my favorite uncle I might add!!!
I grew up in Summerdale and my older brother was friends with Bob Bolash. I know of the band and would like very much to get a copy of the two records. If anyone can help please contact me at (717)395-4981?
I took guitar lessons from Kenny Branoff at Wray’s music in the 80’s. I wish I knew all this stuff then. I remember him playing me some songs that he was working on. “Speedball” I think was one and I swear he had a song called “Vent People”. All I remember is some wicked guitar playing. I still have his book “Improvise! Lead Guitar Scales”. It was just a xerox pamphlet he made for his students. I remember this other guy who filled in once who turned me on to the Shocking Blue. Thanks guys.
That’s very cool that you got lessons from the man himself! He’s definitely a talented guy! He actually ended up releasing “Speedball” on 45 probably sometime in the 80s. I left a comment with the link if you would like to view it.
Great to see this info on the Shan-Dells. My father, David P. Troutman, played in the Shan-Dells and continued to play professionally in various groups throughout most of the rest of his life. I know he was very proud to be a part of the Shan-Dells and really felt that they had something special. I was born in 1971, so I heard much about the Shan-Dells, but did not get to see them play.
Back in the 80’s, I copied the songs to a cassette tape from the original 45s and as MP3s emerged, I converted the tape recordings to MP3s, so I can forward them if you want them. They are not the best quality, since tape players were already outdated and for some reason I only had a mono hook up instead of stereo, but it is great to have that music with me anywhere I may be in the world. I am currently in Afghanistan and listen to them to remind me of my father.
Unfortunately, he passed away in 2003 at the young age of 52 due to COPD from a lifetime of smoking. I did not inherit the music genes, but it is clearly evident in my three little girls.
I had the 45’s put on a cd, they sound pretty good, if anybody needs a copy contact me at Bolcon50@comcast.net
if you can get me a copy of them, i would love that. my no. is 717 343 6870
I so enjoyed reading about the Shan-dells. I am Harry Brewbaker’s sister. Harry passed away 19 years ago, much too young. It was great seeing the photo with him and the band. You mentioned you didn’t think he went to Vietnam. He didn’t. He went to Germany. I know that haunted him. Not sure why, but he used to say, “I should have been there to help.” He felt guilty because of the enormous loss of lives and he wasn’t there to help. He was a wonderful young man and we miss him so much.
David P. Troutman was my father. Very neat to see this information. He passed a way in 2003. I searched for information on the web about the Shan-Dells before but was unable to find anything. I was looking at his obituary today and decided to look up the Shan-Dells again. I came across this site and Chimes and Little Girl on youtube. It was cool. My Dad was very proud to be a part of the band. Thanks for sharing. It brought back good memories. I did not inherit any musical talent, but appreciate those that have it.
Take Care.
Great website. Anyone want to join us on facebook @ The Bands Of Central Pennsylvania here is the web address. https://www.facebook.com/groups/437854450486/?bookmark_t=group
Wow … the Shan-Dells … so awesome!! I saw them play a number of times and the two places that I remember most were the Midway Fire Hall and Long Meadows Apartments pool parties. Gary and Jim lived in Long Meadows and Chuck lived in the nearby neighborhood. Dave/Gino lived down the road a bit. I loved it when Chuck … on the way home from East Penn HS … would get the entire school bus singing along and clapping to his singing ‘Land of a Thousand Dances’ … incredible!!
i was at midway fire hall that night. we all went to the dances on saturday night.
went to school at east penn with most of the guys.
music was always fun back then and the dances and bands were great.
My grandfather, Clarence Smith, who had sold his tenor saxophone to Scott and then later bought it back after the band’s time gave it to me today for my birthday! It was so exciting to research the Shan-Dells and listen to the songs that saxophone played for. My Pappy was able to tell me the story of his saxophone, but was surprised when I could find the complete story. He said just the night before he listened to some of these songs at the fire hall, so we listened to them from YouTube.
This is wild…I took guitar lessons from Kenny Branoff at Big Z Music in Emigsville in the 80s. The previous post is spot-on…I also still have his handmade book of scales. I wish I would have known more about his background then.
I am here in my house in Wormleysburg listening to Ken Branoff tell some really cool stories about his playing days in different bands while painting my kitchen. He said he used to live in Mexico but he his back here in Central PA now. He move to Mexico back in 1990 and play guitar at the resorts Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo in Mexico until 2008 or 09 when he moved back to Central PA. He told me his music playing days are over, but is happy and doing well.
I didn’t know this site existed until a week ago. A co-worker found it and emailed it to me. Reading all your comments brought back some good memories of the Shan-dells. I loved listening and watching them practice in our basement, they were incredible! I was sorry to hear that Dave Troutman has passed, he could really play the keyboard. I am Chuck’s sister.
This is Bob Bolash, I used to see Chuck when he worked at planet fitness, haven’t seen him in a few years, what’s he doing
From the little information I have found about Kenny Branoff, he apparently released another record sometime in the early 80s called “Speedball” b/w “Dance On The Clouds” under the name Kenny Branoff & Frenz. I got my hands on a copy of that record for nearly $50 and it did not disappoint. The record also appears to feature Michael Annibali of Harrisburg’s own The Edge on lead vocals. I uploaded both songs to YouTube and you can find them here:
Speedball:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5EtWrwlQ94
Dance On The Clouds:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-HgLEz2Jeo
I have more 45s and can tell u all about frenz and recording it I have a photo of frenz mike was in moon when he sang it 4 me recorded at Atlantic sound productions in Marieta kenny 7174976144
I am trying to reach Jeff Bowden if anyone knows. Thank you
Hi Jeff I’m still alive how about u Kenny branoff
It’s great reading all your comments and stories. My last gig was in ixtapa Mexico and I decided to hang the guitars upon the walls in the man cave after2008 or so. I’m painting apts etc and love to work but that’s it for the music career it was a blast and I got to see a lot of the planet. I still like to hear the old recordings and brings backs memories I played with so many groups I can,t even remember some of their names and forget the gigs and places a lifetime of stories at least I’m not like Steve Howe of yes still playing looking like the walking dead millones de gracias Kenny kenny
Today I’m going to record an old cassette I found of the jazz we played at hotel Hershey with Leo runk in 1982 nothing but standards like satin doll dream robins nest paper moon etc… should bring back memories they do it at full tilt studios in mech. Jay Kirsten then makes me cds remember him from downtown sound at wrays music billy wrays still playing he lives in mech. As well later kenny b.