Thursday, March 29, 2012

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC - CHAPTER 33 - DAVE HANLON -- ONE OF SYRACUSE'S MUSIC HALL OF FAME GREATS (Updated April 25, 2014)

When we look back at the incredible music history of Dave Hanlon we find that Dave started performing  his junior year of high school  at age 17. He appeared in public for the first time at the Parquet Lounge on No. Salina Street. He then landed a gig with "Little Willie" Gatewood and his band the Tornadoes at Deb's. During the 1960's Dave played drums for the Syracuse University rock quartet "The Tradewinds" that featured Kent DeFelice and Mark Hoffmann (both eventually evolved into Jam Factory). Hanlon then teamed  up with Howie Wyeth in Syracuse University's big soul band "The Sidewinders". It was then on to the Three Sirs (Rick & Tukki Chisholm & Chester Simmons) along with many six nights a week club dates with Rick Cua & Larry Arlotta.

The new decade saw the formation of the very popular band "Dove" (1970-73) with band mates. Arlotta, Cua, Howie Bartolo and Larry Serifini. Dove packed every CNY club known with there exciting sound and stage presentation. After Dove demise in 1973, Hanlon joined Mark Doyle & Rick Cua in a band called Duv.

 The 1970's took Dave to  California although he found work, his dreams quickly faded traveling to Kodiak, Alaska. In 1975 he formed his own band  "Dave Hanlon's Funky Jazz Band". Dave with team with musical greats John Kane, Joe Jewell, Eric Miller and Jack Holton.

Hanlon then joined the hugely popular band C.R.A.C. between 1977-80. C.R.A.C. had release two singles and with Hanlon the 1980 very popular album "As They Are".

Hanlon then teamed up with the national recording band Duke Jupiter (1977-80) based out of Rochester, NY. Duke Jupiter toured with such nationals acts as Z Z Top, Toto, Sea Level, REO Speedwagon, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bowie, Foreigner and the Outlaws. But after three successful albums he departed. Next came the Larry Arlotta Trio with Rick Cua & Larry Arlotta playing many nights at thr Red Rooster in No. Syracuse

Hanlon then formed what maybe his most popular band "Dave Hanlon's Cookbook" in 1980. Then two years off and his music rekindled in 1983. Cookbook  (1980- present day) reformed and though the years has included such great players as Hanlon (drums), Emedin Rivera, Rapheal Oritz Jr. Mark Copani, Edgar Pagan (bass), Kenny Budd (guitar), Bill DiCosimo (keyboards), Terrance Bruce (sax- joined in 1990), Ava Andrews (lead vocals) they released the album "Dig In: on Dirty Tracks Records in 1994. Their next release was the nine-song "Live from the Dinosaur Bar B Que" that hit stores in November 2002. Their musical lineup again contained Hanlon, Pagan, DiCosimo, Andrews, with new additions John Kane (who had replaced Bruce) on saxophone and Lee Tiffault (who replaced Kenny Budd) on guitar..


In between all of this Dave Hanlon shared the stage many time through the years with jazz great and Cortland native Charlie Bertini in his Apple Jazz Band. This band appeared on three national recording (1985-present). From 1996 through 2003 he brought his great talent to the CNY band "Swing Central".

December 2010 came Cookbooks next Cd "Hot & Sweet" on the Tasty Tracks label. Dave Hanlon's Cookbook musical lineup on this recording included- Ava Andrews (vocals), Jimmie Spivey (bass), Lee Tiffault (guitar), Ed Vivenzio (keyboards) and Dave Hanlon (drums).

To add to his great career. Dave Hanlon's Cookbook won the 2011 Sammy Award for the Best R&B release. The SAMMY was presented to the band on stage November 11, 2011 at the OnCenter. What can you says about this great performer. Well ! Dave was inducted into the Syracuse Area Music Awards Hall of Fame (Sammys) in 2005.

Hanlon with his former band Duke Jupiter was also inducted into the Rochester, NY Music Hall of Fame on Sunday April 27, 2014 at Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theater. Duke Jupiter long career lasted some 13 years (1973-86) recording and louring with many of our industries greatest players.

Dave Hanlon is truly not only a great musician but a great guy who brings honor to this community- Ron Wray

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC - CHAPTER # 32 - TEX ROE - NEW YORK STATE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAMER

Singer, songwriter, producer John Frederick "Tex" Roe (Robarge) was born in Oswego, NY on September 14, 1922. His musical career started in 1938, when his band won the areas amateur talent contest held at the Capitol Theater. In 1941, he joined the U.S. Marines and started a band with southern musicians while stationed at Paris Island. By 1942-43 Tex had his own band where he meet Ernest Tubb guitarist "Butterball" Page and Dickey Harris. He left the marines in 1946 and a year later moved to Cortland, NY. He joined the Trailblazer's and was hired by WKRT Radio in Cortland where Tex had a weekly radio show that lasted thru 1982. In 1949, Tex had his own TV Program on Syracuse's WHEN TV-8. The show called "Andy's Barn" that featured his band the Bar-O-Range Boys. Also in 1949 the "King of the Cowboys" Roy Rogers asked Tex to perform at the Grand Opening of the World Rodeo finals in Philadelphia, Pa. Back on June 12, 1951, Tex Roe shared the Syracuse Civic Theater stage with Country Music Hall of Fame great Hank Williams Sr.

Tex also appeared for 13-weeks on the Grand Ole Opry from Nashville, Tennessee. These broadcasts were heard on the country music giant WWVA Radio in Wheeling, West Virginia and the Ernest Tubb Show on WSM Radio in Nashville. Roe shared the stage with such country greats as Eddie Arnold, Boots Randolph, Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, "Little" Jimmy Dickens, Pee Wee King, Roy Drusky, Wanda Jackson, Roy Clark, Tex Ritter, Stoneman Family, Ernest Tubb, and The Sons of the Pioneers with Roy Rogers. His 1965 release "Pass the Bottle Bartender" included famed musical great Glen Campbell and Elvis Presley drummer D.J. Fontana.

Between 1955-80 Tex Roe's bandmates included- Don Elster, Lynn Strauff, Stan Fish, Jim Ingram, "Snuffy" Smith, Ely Brothers, Jimmy Miller. George Kay, "Dizzy" Mead, Mike Ocello, Hank Recor and others.

His musical releases included the 78 rpm "Overdue" b/w "Lonesome Broken Hearted" (1957) and the 45 rpm singles "All The Time" (1958), "I Just Don't Like That Kind of Livin" (1958),  "Stop Trying To Tell Me" (1958), "Wonderful Thing Called Love" (1960), "Rocketship to the Moon" (1962). More releases came between 1968-88- "Pass The Bottle Bartender", "This Little Bird Told Me", " John The Baptist" (1968), "Praise The Lord" (1972), "Holidays" (1980), "Santa Claus" and  "Treasure Chest Of Love" (1988). 

During his long career, the vary talented Tex Roe released only one album "Tex Roe Sings Fire Shootin Pony" (1970) on Mark IV Records produced by the legendary guitarist Link Wray (of Rumble fame) at his Wray's Shack 3-Track studio in Accokeek, Maryland.

Tex Roe was inducted into the New York State Country Music Hall of Fame on May 24, 1981. He sadly passed away on February 25, 2001. He is buried in the Virgil (N.Y.) Rural Cemetery in Cortland County..

Note- Roe's song "Wonderful Thing Called Love" is included on the various artist Cd "Rockin With A Boppin Feelin- Volune 2" by Collectors Records. To this day his daughter Cindy still has a wedsite promoting her father's music.

Monday, March 26, 2012

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC - CHAPTER # 31 -RIDGEWOODS ROOTS OF THE DEAN BROTHERS JOE WHITING, MARK DOYLE, FREE WILL & JUKIN BONE (Updated)

Little did we know but a relatively unknown band from Skaneateles, NY formed  and who's members would go on to influence our Central New York music scene for the next 40+ years formed in 1962. The band "The Ridgewoods" formed in the summer of 62 during a time when American teens were still listening to the Beach Boys and the British Invasion was about to change our music forever. It's original members included Bob Dean (bass), John Dean (drums), Tom Dean ( guitar) and Terry Horricks (lead guitar).The band remained the same until the summer of 1963 when Joe Whiting (saxophone, vocals) became its fifth member. Yes, its the same Joe Whiting who still thrills crowds to this day and is a member of the SAMMY's Hall of Fame.

 Terry Horricks departed in the spring of 1964, he was replaced by guitarist Limey Wickwire. April 1, 1964 the Ridgewood made their first public debut for a $25 fee. The Ridgewoods played and sang the poplar music of the day specializing in The Beatles, Animals, Rolling Stones, Beach Boys along with a few original songs.

In the fall of 1964 Wickwire left and replaced  by lead guitarist Craig Bennett. A year later mainstay Bob Dean departed for school and Barry Maturevitz joined on bass. When Bennett departed John Dean made the transition from drummer to lead guitar and Al Klimak replace John Dean on drums.

During this period the Ridgewoods ventured into Syracuse's Riposo Studio and recorded their first two songs- "You're For Me " & "It's Only Life". I remember seeing them at the P.L.A.V. on West Genesee Street in Syracuse followed by the band  visiting the WOLF Radio studio. They sang a  Coke-A-Cola radio jungle for WOLF's nighttime deejay Jim Sims. It went like like.. "Things go better with Coke and Jim Sims, things go better with Coke, Hi we're the Ridgewoods and your listening to Jim Sims swinging show". We aired the jungle nightly though the remainder of 1966. This was my first introduction to the band.

In September 1966, Tom Dean left and Holly Gregg (later to be longtime Dean Brother band member) was added. Holly was with the band just four month as the Ridgewoods played their last gig on December 27, 1966

When the Ridgewoods ended in December 1966, this was the point where there was a split that formed two very special bands." Joe Whiting would go on to team with Auburn native the legendary Mark Doyle to form the "New Ridgewoods" and after adding  drummer Tom Glaister, bassist Barry Maturevity (a Ridgewood) and rhythm guitarist Chuck Baron plus changed their name to "Free Will". In the summer of 1967, Baron was replaced by John Dean and Bill Irwin added. In the spring of  1967 bassist Maturevitz was replaced by George Egosarian..

 A year later Egosarian was replaced by John DeMaso. In 1969 Bill Irwin left and George Egosarian rejoined the band. Freewill zoomed onto the music scene first covering their home base playing  Lake Dances in Auburn, Fabins in Skaneateles, Jordan-Elbridge High School and at East High School (Auburn) where they were one of the first to play a concert at a sit down auditorium, rather than a gym. They exploded into the Syracuse market playing the Scene (Dewitt), Jabberwocky (SU Campus) and Country Tavern. Their music was based on British Blues playing Savoy Brown, Fleetwood Mac, John Mayall etc. They played the entire "Arthur" album by the Kinks and incredible melody by Spirit. We remember those famous Chuck Berry covers & Roy Orbison's version of "Candyman". They also performed  several originals as "Carry Me Home", "Ridin' With The Devil", and "Get That Shinning Sun". During this time period Free Will ventured to Connecticut recording several demo tunes in late 1969 . That session included the only recorded versions of the legendary songs "Are You Gone" and "State Police Googie" both originals.


With its lineup finally set in the fall of 1971, Free Will changed its name to "Jukin Bone."  Now with a recording contract with RCA Records the band entered Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland Studio in New York City in 1972  and recorded their first album for RCA "Whiskey Woman".  Now a lineup change drummer Tom Glaister married and left the band. He was replaced by two drummers Kevin Shwaryk & Danny Coward

Their album "Way Down East"  followed (1973) along with two singles "Whiskey Woman" (1972)  and "Cara Lynn' (1972). One very important fact of note, Jukin Bone was one of the most electrifying live band you will ever see. They went on tour, but never received enough promotion across the country, although they perhaps came very close to national stardom.

Their November-Decxember 1972 tour consisted of the following stops- Alabama (Montgomery & Huntsville), Arkansas (Ft Smith), Iowa (DesMoines), Kansas (Wichita), Louisiana (Monroe, Shreveport), Minnesota (Duluth, Minn,-St Paul), Missouri (Columbia), North Carolina (Ashville), North & South Dakota, Tennessee (Memphis), Texas (Austin, Dallas, Harlingen, Houston, Odessa, San Angelo, Waco) and Wisconsin (Madison, Sheboygan).

 July 14, 1973, drummer Danny Coward departed leaving Jukin Bone just a four man group (Mark Doyle, Joe Whiting, John DeMaso & Kevin Shwaryk). In the fall of 1973, Jukin Bone  one of Syracuse's greatest group disbanded. Mark Doyle went to play with DUV (Dave Hanlon, Rick Cua) and David Werner, Joe Whiting joined Bobby Comstock on tour and the rest went their separate ways.

Note- Hall of Famer's Mark Doyle & Joe Whiting's musical legacy continues to this day. They both deserve a total blog store by themselves at a later date. Thanks to both they are great friends and a credit to our Syracuse musical heritage.


 The band reunited and recorded  live tracks that would become the Cd "Free Will Live on Stage" ( a majority recorded at the Key Bank Rock & Roll Festival at Clinton Square, June 1999)  and released in June 2000 on Free Will Records. They again reunited for the 2004 Sammy Award Show followed by a performance at the Dinosaur Bar B Que that weekend. Some of those tracks were recorded and released on the Cd "Get Boned" that is available on Mark Doyle's website.

When we look back John Dean, Bob Dean, Holly Gregg and soon to added new drummer Peter Dean collectively would soon become the Hall of Fame band the "Dean Brothers". But before that happened Holly Gregg, John Dean , Peter Dean (on drums) and Robbie Howard formed the "Gayblades. After about a year (1972) Howard departed and the band name changed to "The Gallery".

With all key member of what would be the Dean Brothers band together Peter Dean released the 45 rpm single "Forever Sunshine b/w "One Man Jack" in 1969. Organist Sal Costanzo was added staying with the band for about two years. Members went there separate ways  between 1970-7, Bob Dean served in the Peace Corp.. The Gallery were forced to make a name change when a national group of the same name had a national hit song "Nice To Be With You"

They reformed in 1972 as three of the members were out of school and Bob Dean returned from his Peace Corp work in Brazil. Along with that came a new name  "Brandywine". Brandywine ventured to Long Island and disbanded for a couple of years before members returned to a new name the  "Dean Brothers". John, Bob, Pete Dean and Holly Gregg all vocalists with great harmony specialized in a wide variety of music including many original songs and provided a great night of fun for all.  The entered Pyramid Studio in Ithaca, NY and recorded their first album. The album "As They Are" on the Pilgrim Record label was delayed for a time for business matters.

At the point the Dean's met the music folks at WOLF Radio AM-1490 (Howie Castle, Ron Wray & Rick Gary). Their first single "Sell My Misery" hit the WOLF charts in Feb 1976 ( nine weeks reaching #7). Their album "As They Are" was finally released in December 1976 dotting the WOLF playlist for 26 weeks.

 It was followed by maybe their biggest hit "Who Loves You" in Jan 1977 (10 weeks reaching #4) and then "Early In The Game Of Love" (1978)  both receiving heavy airplay. They performed live at the Brookside, Firebarn Tavern and Under the Stone to name a few. The Dean's also entered Dayson Studio and recorded "Words of Love" for Ron Wray's "We Remember Buddy Holly- A Syracuse Tribute EP' (1978) that sold into 13 countries around the world.

With the departure of Peter Dean and Holly Gregg and the additions of drummer Jimmy Johns (later Bill Ford) and guitarist Jeff Steele the Dean Brothers Band released their second album "Little By Little" and the single  "Where Will I Be" b/w "Single Man"  July 1979 (charted for 15 weeks).


The original members then reformed and recorded many great Christmas classics all heard on "Big Mike Fiss's" Christmas albums and Cd series (1992-2007). They included "A Night Before Christmas With You", "December",  "Underneath My Christmas Tree" and "This Must Be Christmas" with Gary Frenay.

We are sorry to say that oldest Dean Brother sound engineer Tom Dean passed away in 2004. In a much happier event, the Dean Brothers were inducted into the SAMMY's Hall of Fame on June 5, 2009. The Dean Brothers (John, Bob, Peter Dean & Holly Gregg) continue to play to this day and served as MC's of the 2012 SAMMY's Hall of Fame night at the Dinosaur Bar B Que. Through the years the Dean Brothers have been great friends and have earned the reputation as being one of the very best band in CNY music history.

Ron Wray- John D'Angelo - Pete Shedd


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC - CHAPTER 30 - SUBURBAN AMUSEMENT PARK, MANLIUS (UPDATED))

Built in 1898 by the Syracuse & Suburban Railroads who made their money back by selling train travel tickets to and from Suburban Park. Just three months later a dance pavilion was added. This amusement park was located on Route 92 in the Village of Manlius, NY. The park flurished and Rex's Animal Circus was added in 1934. During the 1940's & 1950's held weekly barn dances hosted by Wayne Schram and the Ozark Mountain Boys. In 1925 the parks first roller coaster was added (coming from Lakeside Park in Owasco). In 1960 the park was purchased and operated by George Van Legen and Russ Pace,

Suburban Park's amusement included a large wooden roller coaster called "The Comet", a  Tilt- A-Whirl (added in 1952), Bumper Cars, Merry-Go- Round, Ferris Wheel (added in 1952),  Rollo Planes (in 1940), Merry Mixer, Laff in the Dark Funhouse, Wild Mouse (in 1959), a miniature train ride, picnic area and various kiddy amusements rides (boats and pony rides), Games of Chance included- Ski Ball, Duck Pond, Dart Throw, Shooting Gallery, Baseball toss at weighted milk bottles, Archery Shoot, Hammer-Ring the Bell and Ski Ball.

One bit of excitement happened in 1964 as WOLF Radio dee jay Windy "The Weird Beard" Craig set the world roller coaster riding record.

The park also included a 2,000 car parking lot, a picnic area and large stage were many local and national bands performed along side circus entertainers. It also had a large dance pavilion (later renamed the Campus Inn) that showcases local and national musical entertainment such

1930-40's- Jack Teagarden Orchestra,  Ted Florto Orchestra, Dick Kowell Orch Mario DeSantis Orch, Jackie Kren Orch, Jimmy Jay Orch, Davisons Commodores, Vagabonds, Curtis Johnson Orch, Blanch Calloway Orch, Ken Norman Orch, Mike Lowell Orch, Freddie Laxton Orch, Jimmy Richardson Orch

1950's- Woody Herman Orchestra, Jim Deline Orchestra, Stan Kenton Orch, Wayne Schram & Ozark Mounatin Boys, Duke Dixon's Swingbillies, Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams Jr, Carter Family (Maybelle & June), Grandpa Jones, Claude King, Marvin Rainwater, Fred Lewis,  Faron Young, Webb Pierce, Connie Smith, LeRoy Van Dyke," Little Jimmy" Dickens, Stonewall Jackson, Tom Thumb the miniature horse.

1960's- Avengers, Bigtree Sisters, Brass Buttons, Campus Walkers, Freddie Cannon, Carnage, Johnny Cash, Caz Cats, Coachmen  (Mike Davis), The Crests (Johnny Maestro), Baron Daemon,   Ronnie Dio and the Prophets, Electric Brass, Eternals,  Ides of March, Impressions, Jam Factory, Jennie Lee Lambert, Little Bernie (Milton) & The Cavalieres, Livin Ennd,  The Monterays, Nightcaps, Rogues, Rustix, Sabers (Ron Lauback), Sam and the Twisters, Bob Seger,  Sermon, The Seven, The Shangr-las, Red Sovine, The Vikings, Wilmer and the Dukes to name a few

The Comet Roller Coaster was closed down in 1969 when the wooden structure became to dangerous to ride. Suburban park closed after the 1973 season. The Campus Inn Dance Pavilion burned to the ground on July 26, 1975. The parks land was eventually developed into a  apartment complex and offices and remains that way to this day.

Quote- Freddie "Boom Boom" Cannon " Hi Palisades Park if great, but when I'm in Syracuse I go to Suburban Park"

Friday, March 9, 2012

RONNIE JAMES DIO - 3 MORE NEW UNITED KINGDOM RELEASES THIS WEEK - DIO - DELUXE EDITION 2 CD SETS

Three more Ronnie James Dio releases have come out of the United Kingdom this week. The are- Dio Deluxe Edition two cd set of Holy Diver, Last in Line and Sacred Heart. Each will contain an addition disc of live materials, motion picture tracks and many other Dio collectable tracks. They are now avaliable on the Ronnie James Dio "Official" website, Amazon and other popular locations.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

RONNIE JAMES DIO - 24 KT GOLD - LIMITED EDITION AUDIO FIDELITY CD - RELEASE

We have received the new Ronnie James Dio -  Holy Diver, Audio Fidelity 24 K Limited Number Edition Gold Cd.  The Audio Fidelity number is #AFZ 136. This special  nine song Cd was mastered for Compact Disc by Steve Hoffman. The original production, all  lyrics and melodies were by Ronnie James Dio.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

QUESTION - RON, WHAT AND WHERE WAS THE ALHAMBRA ?

The Alhambra was a large hall first built in Syracuse in 1884. A very popular spot for roller skating, boxing, wrestling  and musical events. It burned on November 13, 1899. But rebuilt a year later (1900) at 267-279 James Street, just a few block east of downtown. The Alhambra was the largest auditorium of its day (War Memorial did not open till Sept. 1951) hosting New York State conventions, local political rallies, many popular boxing matches, indoor football  games, religious gatherings and a host of music entertainment . The Alhambra was destroyed by fire for its final time February 11, 1947.