Brooklyn Center, MN
“BUZZ” Article May- Jun 2012 (#15-O)
By; Rik L. Schwinden aka MrZero
As some of you know I own a Local Used Music Shop Mr. Zero’s” in St. Paul. What you may not know is my Dad, Dr. W. A. ‘Bill’ Schwinden Jr. grew up in St. Cloud. When I was a kid in Sioux City, Iowa my Dad had a record LP in his drum practice room “The Trashmen: “Surfin Bird” with one guys face blacked out and my Dad wrote his name ‘Billy’ over the person’s head. When I asked him about this he replied “Well, I toured with them in ’63, when the drummer hurt his hand” I asked “Are you on this record?” he explained “I was told some of the shows I did with them were recorded for a live album”
At that time in the Fall 1972 when I asked my Dad about this album he was the drummer in the Local band “The Boyz (from Sioux City)” with Keyboardist, Vocalist Merle Pithan which evolved into the “Lazy Day Band” and then finally “BoneSteel” Years later when I was living in Mesa, AZ. with my Dad’s brother Mike, he confirmed this story. I was first introduced to music by my Aunt Debby in 1964 her favorite band was “Dave Clark 5” later in 1966 I saw The Monkees TV show. It was these 3 incidents that shaped my life and lead me to work in the music biz in one form or another since 1980. So in honor of the 9th year of my Dad’s passing I am going to cover some of the “Local” bands I get asked for the most from the past 13 years, since I have been back in “Twin Cities”
“The Trashmen” 1963- 1968
Steve Wahrer: Drums, Vocals, Tony Andreason: Guitar, Dan (Dal) Winslow: Vocals & Guitar & Bob Reed: Bass first recorded as “Jim Thaxter & the Travelers” they released a 45 Single “Sally Jo”/”Cyclone”. The band did release 1 studio LP “Surfin Bird” in 1964 Garrett #LFGA-200 with 12 songs containing 2 originals. As well as 8 singles between 1963- 1968 of these 6 were on Garrett, 1 on Tribe #8315 “Same Lines”/ “Hangin On Me” the last one on Metromedia #7927 “Green, Green Backs Of Home/ Address Enclosed” They had a #4 hit with “Surfin Bird” in Jan1964 & #30 with “Bird Dance Beat” Mar1964.
“The (hot)Half Dozen” 1966
James “Owl” Walsh: Vocals & Keyboards this band released 2 singles in 1966 “The Angels Listened In/ Heat Wave” Soma #1453 and then “Angels”/ “Another Day” later in 1966 on Dunwich. Walsh eventually joined up with several members of ‘The Underbeats’ and went on to form “Gypsy” in L.A.
“The Underbeats” 1964- 1966
The 1964 line-up was Jim Johnson: Guitar & Vocals, Ray Berg: Guitar, Rod Eaton: Drums & Doni Larson: Bass The 1965 line-up Enrico “Rico” Rosenbaum: Guitar & Vocals, Tom Nystrom:Drums & Vocals. This band did not release an LP however did release 4 singles; 1964 Garrett #4004 “Foot Stompin/ Route 66” and 2 in 1965 Soma #1449 “Darling Lorraine/ Book Of Love” Soma #1458 “I Can’t Stand It? Shake It For Me” & 1967 Twin Town #706 “Our Love/ JoJo Gunn” the joined forces with Owl Walsh and became “Gypsy”
“Gypsy” 1969- 1978
James “Owl” Walsh: Keyboards & Vocals (from the “Half Dozen”), Enrico “Rico” Rosenbaum: (1944 Italy- 10sep1979) Vocals & Guitar, James C. Johnson: Guitar, Doni Larson: Drums & Jay Epstein: Drums released their 1st LP was in 1970 on Metromedia #M2D-1031 their 1st 45 single is released from this LP & charted at #64 Jan1971 the 1970 Metromedia “Gypsy Queen / Dead And Gone”. Their 2nd LP “In The Garden” released in July 1971 also on Metromedia #KMD-1044 however with the addition of these new band members: Willie Weeks: Bass, Joe Lala: Percussion & Bill Lordan: Drums. Walsh told me “We hated that album cover, the label put it together while we were on tour, with no input from us” For their 3rd release the band are signed to major label RCA . This was released in 1972, “Antithesis” #LSP-4775 the band has yet a new Bass Player in Randy Cates a 45 single is released form this LP “Day After Day/ Lean On Me”. Their 4th and final release as “Gypsy” was in 1973 also on RCA “Unlock The Gates” with the addition on the Horn Section from the band ‘Chicago’ James Pankow: Trombone, Walter Parazaider: Saxophone & Lee Loughnane: Trumpet.
There is a 5th LP release under the moniker “James Walsh Gypsy Band” in 1978 #AFL1-2914 with the line-up; James Walsh, Richard Jorgensen: Trumpet, Jim Behringer: Guitar, Scott Fronsoe: Bass, Deone Johnson: Flugelhorn, Todd Hansen: Trombone, Bob Jones: Guitar & Ernie LaViolette: Drums. When ‘Mr. Zero’s’ article ran in “City Pages” Feb 2011 James Walsh called us up and asked if we would like to carry “Gypsy’s” product, naturally we leaped at the opportunity. Well in March 2011 James”Owl” Walsh came in himself and dropped off their product to sell. We took some pictures and James signed some albums for the shop. I have seen “Gypsy” twice in 2011 March & October, they have a few more members and not too many are original members , but man do they sound great !!! If you get the chance check them out !!!
http://www.citypages.com/2011-02-09/music/mr-zero-s-pop-culture-heaven
“The Castaway’s” 1962- 1967
Are; Bob Folschow: Vocals, Guitar, Jim Donna: Organ, Roy Hensley: Guitar & Vocals, Dick Roby: Bass & Denny Craswell: Drums The band did not release an LP while they were together from 1962- 1967 however they did release 3 singles in 1965; Bear #2000 “Feel So Fine”/ “Hit The Road Jack” Soma #1433 “Liar, Liar” (Charted #12 Oct1965)/ “Sam” & Soma #1442 “Goodbye Babe”/ “A Man’s Gotta Be A Man” Later Craswell went on to be the drummer of : “CROW”
Summer of 2013 we were lucky enough to have Jim Donna Autograph a 45 to the Shop “2 Low 4 Zero”
“Crow” 1969- 1972
Consists of; Dave Wagner: Vocals, Dick Wiegand: Guitar, Larry Wiegand: Bass, Kink Middlemist: Organ & Denny Craswell: Drums Their 1st LP 1969 Amaret “Crow Music” their 2nd LP 1970 Amaret “Crow by Crow” the band’s 3rd release 1971 Amaret “Mosaic” and then “Best Of” 1972 Amaret Records #AST-5012 (MGM) and finally “Before the Storm” on K-Tel. ‘Crow’ also released 8 singles from 1969- 1972 the 1st being “Evil Woman don’t you play no games with me” as recorded by Black Sabbath as their 1st 45 Single found on their UK pressings only, and left off the US pressings. Dave Wagner now living in Phoenix regularly comes back to Minnesota in the summer and performs as “Crow”.
“Cain” 1976- 1978
Jiggs Lee: (later of ‘Fragile’ fame) Vocals, Dave Elmeer: Bass, Lloyd Forsberg: Guitar & Kevin DeRemer: Drums The band had 2 vinyl releases in “A Pound of Flesh” in 1975 the cover of this LP was added to the “Top Most Offensive Album Covers List” & “Stinger” in 1976 on ASI #214. In their prime Forsberg was considered to be the next Jimmy Page. Jiggs would go on to front “Fragile” Kevin DeRemer married Melissa Manchester (“Don’t Cry Out Loud” and relocated to L.A. Zac & I were able to catch Jiggs & Elmeer in MPLS. fall 2011.
“Lamont Cranston Band” 1976- Current
First of all there is NO Person named “Lamont” this band. They have released 12 Albums from: 1976- 2001 on Shadow, Waterhouse, RCA, Attic, Atomic Theory, Cold Wind & Oarfin Records. They are as follows “Self Titled” 1976 & “Specials- Lit” 1977 Shadow Records Vinyl LP. “El Cee Notes” 1978 Water House Records “Up From The Alley” 1980 Attic. “Bar Wars” 1981, “Shakedown” 1981, “Last Call” 1984 “Measure of Time” 1986 all on Waterhouse Records The 12″ Single ‘Hot Track’ has a 3D Cover. Later titles are; “Blues Band” 1996 , “Roll With Me” 1997 both on Atomic Theory, “Tiger In Your Tank” 1999 & “Live” 2001 The 1976 Line-up was Pat Hayes: Vocals & Harmonica, Larry Hayes: Guitar, Bruce McCabe: Keyboards, Tom Burnevik: Saxophone, Joe Chandler: Saxophone, Joe Sheroman: Bass & Jim Novak: Drums. By 1980 newer members were Billy Shiell: Trumpet, Charlie Bingham: Guitar, Mick Mazoff: Bass & Dick Perna: Saxophone.
“Daisy Dillman Band” 1978
Here again there is NO Person named “Daisy” this band had 1 LP in 1978 United Artists UA-LA838-G ($6.98 list price) Vinyl LP
9 songs on the album 6 Originals. In the Country Rock vein, kind of like ‘Charlie Daniels’ or ‘Ozark Mountain Daredevils’
The Band: Steve (Feagan) Solmonson: Vocals & Guitar, Pat Frederick: Vocals & Violin, Steve (Styme) Seamans: Vocals & Bass, Michael Wolf: Vocal & Piano & Dan Flaherty:Drums. Just performed a show Sat 7 April 2012 @ ‘Famous Dave’s’ in Uptown, MN.
“DVC” 1981- 1982
Though 3 members are from Iowa the band formed in Minneapolis they had the Vinyl LP ‘DVC’ 1981 Alpha Records AAB-11005
10 songs on the album, 6 Originals including a cover of “Teaser” by: Tommy Bolin & a 1980 cover by: Le Roux “Let Me Be Your Fantasy” The band was: John (Johnnie) Bolin:(17 Aug 1954 Sioux City, Iowa) Drums, Rob Forest: (Des Moines, Iowa) Vocals & Guitar, John Bartle: (22 Oct 1950 Sioux City, Iowa) Vocals & Guitar & Max Padilla: (NYC) Vocals & Bass. DVC recorded a 2nd album in 1982 that has yet to be officially released “DVC II” the track listing: Post Toastee, Crash Landing, Nobody Wins, Right Between The Eyes, One More Time, Rock N Roll Women, Tonight, Up To You, I Want Your Body.
There are several “Live” Recordings circulating of “DVC” 2 from MN. & the 2nd to last show ever from Iowa. Before this band evolved from the MPLS. Band “The Penetrators” with David (Ducharme) Jones & Rick Reed, sometime in 1980. Earlier than that John Bartle was in “The Jan Park Band” in 1979 on Columbia Records #JC-35484 Bartle left to form “The Penetrators”.
In 1996 Bolin & Bartle reunited to become “Chill Factor” and released the CD “Some Like It Cold” on Antipreneur Records.
As of today Johnnie Bolin has been the drummer in Black Oak Arkansas since 1988. Bolin & Bartle still perform together regularly as the “Bartle Bolin Blues Project”
“Dare Force” 1982- 1989
Local Heroes Brian Bart: Guitar, Keyboards & Vocals, John O’Neil: Lead Vocals & Guitar, Brian Lorenson: Bass, Mark Miller: Drums and then in 1983 Johnnie Bolin replaced Mark Miller who was suffering from back problems. The band’s 1st release is a Cassette in 1983 on Blasto Warehouse Records 10 songs all originals. Their 2nd is an EP on Vinyl “Makin Our Own Rules” 1985 DME Records#224-949 contains 4 songs all originals a CD was later released in 2005 on Metal Mayhem Music #MM-00057 containing 20 tracks.
After the band split John O’ Neil & Johhnie Bolin formed “Rouge’s Gallery” sometime in 1987. Brian Bart released a solo Cassette in 1987 “Future Vision” on Logic Recordings #2630 with Johnnie Bolin. Sometime in 1988 David Reece was added as a lead vocalist then Reese went on to sing for ‘Accept’ for 1989’s “Eat the Heat”. The band reformed and then released the CD “Fire Power” in 1989 on Logic Records adding Karl Young: Lead Vocals, Dean Vallecillo: Bass & Paul Peterson: Drums. Currently 2 members O’Neil & Lorenson are “The Wayward Boyz Club”
“Jesse Brady” 1982
I am uncertain why most Minnesota bands do this but, there is NO person named “Jesse”. This band had 1 LP 1982 Beta Records 505 Vinyl LP 11 songs on the album 8 Originals. The Band: Frosty Atkinson: Guitar & Vocals, Brian Dynes: Guitars & Vocals, Jeff Hauschildt: Drums, John McKenzie: Keyboards & John Wellvang: Bass
“Boy Elroy” 1983
A St. Paul Punk Band with J. Shapira: Guitar, Eric Bergland: Bass & Tim Rowe: Drums released an LP “This Is Not Art” 1983 His Boy Records #001 with 16 songs. When Mr. Zero’s article ran in “Vita.Mn” June 2011 Eric Bergland Emailed me commenting on how he was flattered I used their LP in our photo section, cool eh ?
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CFIQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vita.mn%2Fstory.php%3Fid%3D123460594&ei=xYexT5ToNMeugweS96yyCQ&usg=AFQjCNHYlSbLf9R8NQD-VjB5dmwx3NzFsw
“Urban Guerrillas” 1983-
Consisted of Larry Sahagian: Guitar & Vocals, David Loy: Guitar, Larry Abitz: Bass & John Hewitt: Drums, they released “Darwin’s Theory Of Pelvic Revolution” in 1983 on Camouflage Records containing 9 songs. As well as “Attack of the Pink Heat Seeking Moisture Missiles” and “Another View”
“Nitro Brothers” 1984
A MN. New Wave band with Mike: Guitar Keyboards & Vocals, Nick: Guitar, Jon: Bass & Ozzy: Drums released 1 LP in 1984 “Naked” on Stickface Records #2000 consisting of 6 all original songs.
“Banther” 1988
Local Rock band with the members being Stevie Gerard: Vocals, Johnny Mac: Drums, Dusk: Guitars, D’Paul: Guitars & Keyboards & Mark Haynes: Bass released 1 LP in 1988 “Raw Entertainment” Raw City Records #RCLP- 9960 consisting of 8 songs. Johnny Mac is a frequent customer of ‘Mr. Zero’s’
“Jesus Chrysler” 2000- Current
St. Paul Rock Legends are; Bakko: Vocals & Guitar, Treble: Guitar, Duffy: Drums & Knuckles: Bass however in 2011 Christian Howard Shores replaced him on Bass. Currently they are working on a 4th double CD they have released 3 CDs “Ride” #NBLP-7001 & “Intake” NBLP-7004 in 2001 and “Burn Out” NBLP-7011 in 2002 all on Sixpack Records. “Jc” was kind enough to write and record the “Mr. Zero’s Theme” for us, that we have used in our Commercials and Radio Ads on AM 5.40 WXYG & Rockin 101. I was lucky enough that “Jc” asked me to be part of their project “The Minnesota Un-Stars Tribute” ‘Born To Raise Hell’ released Sep 2011.
Yes of course there is Vixen, Prince, The Revolution, The Replacements, Soul Asylum, Husker Du, Meat Puppets, Atmosphere, The Suburbs, Alexander O’Neal, Howler, Impaler, Attica, Inflict, Flipp, Jonny Lang, Rockin Horse & The Tractorz… however my Co-Worker ‘Lemon’ was suppose to write up something on them, hopefully next time….yea, and Cheers to Zac Plese for his work on “Cain”.
Until the next time “Get Your Fix @ Mr.Zero’s”
By: R.L.Schwinden aka MrZero
HiRik Schwinden
I lost track of you. Your father & I did play a gig together way back in 70’s. I’ll always remember him. I wish you would of mentioned the days of BoneSteel playing the Twin Cities circuit. Daisey Dillman, Lamont Cranston & BoneSteel played a huge concert at Elko Speedway back in 1980. I was offered the Keyboard spot with the Dillmans back about that time when we both had new albums out, our’s “One More Hour”. I turned the offer down which probably a bad decision at that time. Also, Styme from Dillmans engineered two cuts on our third album Party On The Sioux with a single release called “Big Sioux River” that was #1 on two indie charts back in 1998. There’s more to that story. Steve Solmanson of Dillmans is a good friend of mine. We played together in 1970 in Kansas as the Young Raiders. Call me sometime…BoneSteel has great stories up north in Minniapolis days with Alpha Productions.
Merle,
I am so glad to hear from you. I am sorry i did not get this message until now.
The reason I did not mention your band history, is simply due to, I did not have all the info until now !
Thank you, I would love to hear More.
I own a Used Record Shop: Mr. Zero’s Roseville 55113 Since 2009, here in the Twin Cities.
I also have a “Cover Band ” ‘MrZERo’ Since 2012
We carry a few Copies of ‘Daisy Dillman’ 1st LP & we even have 1 of their 2nd LP in stock.
Daisy Dillman do some Reunion shows once or twice a year up here.
You can find me on “fb”
Until … Bill’s kid RiKie
Rik, Chill Factor was the aftermath of BAD MANNERS band which consisted of Bob Birch (bass), Scott Jeffords (drums), John Bartles (guitar), and myself on Keys. When Scott quit we added Bolin on drums and then added Dave Napier on sax to become Chill Factor. In the middle of recording the Chill Factor CD I left the band because of personel conflicts with the root of the matter lying with John Bartle. The album was finish over a year later at which they erased a lead vocal track of mine but left my keyboard tracks on three cuts. (Re: credits on CD). Bob Birch, Dave Napier & myself included were a big part of Chill Factor but the old “Bolin/Bartle” phrase always gets the headlines. Sioux City has many other prominent rock musicians besides Tommy, Johnnie, & Bartles that have made “SC rock history that should be researched. Sioux City is really stuck in this narrow history line of rockers.
Hello Again Merle,
Now see here is more information I did not know. So once again I thank you !
I know the “Bolin History” as I have worked for Johnnie Bolin since 2006. As well as I have kept in touch with Bartle over the years since I met him back in 1979.
I met Birch through you & Napier though Bartle.
Though I have known you the longest, since 1972 I believe, we lost touch since I moved away from Sioux City back in 1981. I would love to talk you again about you interactions with Tommy Bolin, as I am still working on that book “Post Toastee”
I would love to learn more about the old Music Scene in Sioux City, starting back in the 50s defiantly more about ‘The Vel-Aires’ & ‘A Patch Of Blue’ & all the other old 60s Band photos that used to hang in the hallway of ‘Flood Music’ in the early 2000’s
I really appreciate you filling in this missing information for me.
I’ll be back in Sioux City in Aug for “BolinFest 2015”
See you soon …Rik