By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Friday, May 03, 2002 - 03:24 am:

Andy - you mention that Joey and yourself sang in Act IV - (see "Marilyn" thread).
I'd like to hear more about the group - who else was in it and what can you remember about the recording session? Was it done in Detroit?
Thanks, Graham

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.159 - 63.96.230.159) on Friday, May 03, 2002 - 04:29 am:

Graham - There was John Dominguez and Paul (crickit) Lacrecio, Joe Finnazo and myself. We recorded at the Tera Sherma studio in Detroit. The rythm track, horn and string tracks were already done, we just came in and over dubed the vocal. Andy

By john lester (213.1.136.159 - 213.1.136.159) on Friday, May 03, 2002 - 07:24 am:

Tera Shirma!!

Now where have I heard that before. Wouldn't it be a great idea if Ralph could do a webisode on it.

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Friday, May 03, 2002 - 07:58 am:

Thanks Andy, Do you think Joe Finnazo owned the Act IV record label?
Graham

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Friday, May 03, 2002 - 08:32 am:

Hello again Andy.
Below are The Martiniques 45s that I know of; they date from c.1961 - 62.


Danceland 777- Tonight Is Just Another Night/Unknown Love
Above also released on Roulette 4423

Danceland 779 - Broken Hearted Me/Evertything Will Be Alright

Danceland 1002 - I Need Love/Fairytale

Me-O 1002 - If You Want To Call Me/?

I don't know the flip title to the last one.

Would you please tell me/us about how the group got together and the people at Danceland. Where were you recording these songs and who was involved?

Many thanks, Graham

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Friday, May 03, 2002 - 08:46 am:

Andy, Here are a few names that might be familiar to you....

Tommy Moers, Roy Buckner and Bobby Willingham had a hand in writting some of the above songs;
Herscell Hunter co-wrote Unknown Love.
Did Sam Kaplan own the label?

Cheers, Graham

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Friday, May 03, 2002 - 02:08 pm:

Andy - me again!
I think Danceland 1002 is actually The Metronomes, not The Martiniques.
Another couple of releases on the Danceland label that you might be able to tell me something about are;
1000- Bobby Bond & The Bandits - Sweet Doll/Livin Doll
1003- Jericho Jones - Misunderstanding/Pledging My Love

Graham

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.158 - 63.96.230.158) on Friday, May 03, 2002 - 02:44 pm:

Graham, Gettin to the ActIV I sang lead on "Better man than I" and Joe and I did a double lead on the flip side "Bless You" no Joe didn't own the Act IV lable. The flip side of "If you want to call me"(my first lead) is "My baby she can't dance" The Martiniques were Bobby Martin (deceased), Hershel Hunter (deceased) Robert Walker (deceased) Buford (Fab) Glanton. I joined the group in 1960 when Bobby got into a bad auto accident and couldn't perform and the record was about to be released so I replaced him.Roberty Walker also left the group and was replaced by Flecher Sawyer. When Bobby got better he got back in and Buford left so we became a trio. "Broken hearted me" and the record on Me-o
were recorded at Specialty studio and the rest were done at United sound studio. I don't know about any of the other artist on Danceland I do love the Metronomes, if anyone knows Sam Kaplan tell him I'd like to chat with him. Andy

By the count (65.59.34.33 - 65.59.34.33) on Friday, May 03, 2002 - 11:23 pm:

HEY ANDY,Steve The Count here.We The Kontinentals...The Doo-Wop Kruisers, are the host club once again for our KRUISE nites at Buffalo Wild Wings on Mondays,6pm---9pm.(formerly the fire academy)on Wayne rd.near hunter&Wayne rd.....I need to talk to you about our dance in Dec.2002 we will be putting on. Doo Wop Dan is a member of our car club and will be the DJ also every Mon. Nites for our Kruise nites..Come on up there when you can and bring the guys you can get together and do some strollin Accapella doo-wop.Jamie will be stopping by also from time to time.We usually get about 450--600 cars on our Kruise nites,so a good time for all, great cars,and people you will see from days gone by,great food and great KRUISE PRICES AND SPECIALS.Lee Alan said he would try to be there when possible and Tony Micale will be stopping by .I have some great pictures to show you from when The Latin Counts and George Bedard And The Kingpins played for the Stilletos dance and i was playing drums.Remember that one? Get in touch asap. Steve The Count.

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.191 - 63.96.230.191) on Saturday, May 04, 2002 - 03:29 am:

Hey Steve, I remember that gig for the Stilletos
that was a great party. send me an email with exact date and a number where I can reach you.
andyalonzo@hotmail.com What dates are the kruise nights ?? I'll let the guys know about it.

By Millie (65.59.43.15 - 65.59.43.15) on Saturday, May 04, 2002 - 04:08 am:

Hi Andy!

I have Sam Kaplan's phone number...he lives in Los Angeles and is still dabbling in the record business. You know that he owned the rights to "Hello Stranger" by Barbara Lewis, although I think it's public domain now. Are you coming up to the Clawson Inn Saturday night?

Millie

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Saturday, May 04, 2002 - 05:54 am:

Thanks very much Andy.
I guess Fab and Herscel later formed The Tempos? Are you and Fab still living in Detroit?
Was the Me-O label connected to Danceland?
Sorry about all the ????s
Best wishes, Graham

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.189 - 63.96.230.189) on Saturday, May 04, 2002 - 03:15 pm:

Hi Millie, yes I would like Sams number, I've got a solo CD soon to be released and I need some advice.I'd like to get up to clawson but I've got a graduation to party to attend, maybe next Saturday. You can email me the number at.
andyalonzo@hotmail.com Thanks Andy

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.189 - 63.96.230.189) on Saturday, May 04, 2002 - 03:20 pm:

Graham yes they did,Fab lives in Detroit and I live in Dearborn Heights. No M-eo wasn't connected. Where do you live Graham ?? Andy

By The Count (166.90.227.107 - 166.90.227.107) on Saturday, May 04, 2002 - 11:52 pm:

Hey Andy, i know your a regular listiner of OLD&GOLD which i go on when Dottie and Sal cant make it.Boppin Bob & myself do the shows together on Sundays from 5pm--7pm.Bob is also in our car club so you will see him at Buffalo Wild Wings also.Anyhow,listin every Sunday when you can and starting tomorrow (May 5th.)The Clawson Sept.6th. gig will be anounced.Plus all the great Doo-Wop music and rare Detroit sounds and Motown sounds.Have any requests,post them here or Email me.See you soon Andy. Steve The Count.90.9FM.

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Sunday, May 05, 2002 - 02:20 am:

Andy, I live in Taiwan, an island off the southeast coast of China. Yes, it's a long was from anywhere.
Graham

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.196 - 63.96.230.196) on Sunday, May 05, 2002 - 04:43 am:

Hey Count, I listen to OLD&GOLD when ever I can.
Play some Ty Hunter for me. Thanks Andy

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.196 - 63.96.230.196) on Sunday, May 05, 2002 - 04:48 am:

Graham, My son just came home from Lantau Island
Where he's been for the past 4 months, he loved it and is going back in September.

By acooolcat (211.78.28.79 - 211.78.28.79) on Sunday, May 05, 2002 - 03:43 pm:

Hi Andy,
I'll probably pass your son somewhere over the Pacific as I'll be flying to Detroit in September.
Graham

By acooolcat (211.78.28.79 - 211.78.28.79) on Sunday, May 05, 2002 - 04:08 pm:

Andy - I'll attempt to detail The Martiniques on the various recordings;

Danceland 777 - Unknown Love/Tonight Is Just Another Night
Bobby Martin (lead?), Herscel Hunter, Robert Walker and Buford Glanton.

Danceland 779 - Broken Hearted Me/Everything Will Be Alright
Me-O 1002 - If You Want To Call Me/My Baby She Can't Dance
Bobby Martin, Andy Alonzo and Fletcher Sawyer

Please let me know where I've gone wrong.

Can you remember who The Metronomes were?

Also, if you have a copy of "Broken Hearted Me," please send me the ZTSC martix numbers that are printed on the labels.
Thanks,
Graham

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.178 - 63.96.230.178) on Sunday, May 05, 2002 - 06:37 pm:

Graham, Bobby Martin lead on Tonight is just another night,Hershel Hunter on Unknown Love. "Broken Hearted Me"(87545)Danceland/ "If You Wan't to Call Me" on M-eo were Bobby Martin,
Hershel Hunter and Andy Alonzo. Let me Know when your in town and we'll go out for great Mexican Dinner. and I have couple of Latin Counts records for you. Andy

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Monday, May 06, 2002 - 08:00 am:

Thanks Andy - You've got my mouth watering now - I really miss Detroit's Mexican Town. Taiwanese food just doesn't cut it for me.
I guess "Everything Will Be Alright" is ZTSC 87546?
Graham

By lynn Bruce (68.41.108.38 - 68.41.108.38) on Friday, May 10, 2002 - 09:13 pm:

Andy, I remember when you sang with the Martiniques at Sullivans bar when I was playing there. I belive you took Bufords place. I remember going to I think united Sound to record some material,Popcorn Wiley was on piano& I played drums. I don,t remember who else played on that session, but I remember on the last cut they let you sing lead&when we played them back you kicked ass.It was kind of embarassing for Bobby martin as he was the lead singer!!I heard you guys at ST. Annes church hall last year. I want to say I,ve worked with some of the best,but in my opinion your one of the best of the singers Viva la raza Lynn Bruce

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Saturday, May 11, 2002 - 05:24 am:

Hello Lynn, and a warm welcome to the forum.
Can you remember who else you played with, or any recording studios that you worked at?
Graham

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.150 - 63.96.230.150) on Saturday, May 11, 2002 - 06:32 am:

Hey Lynny, those the good old days at Sullivans,we had some good times and we worked hard for the (little) money. At that session was pretty Willie on guitar, I don't remember the bass player but the only one who knew the song besides me was Pretty Willie. I wrote it and worked out the arrangement on the spot. Are you still playing ? How are you? Thanks for the compliment. As I remember you were a great trap man yourself.

By Lynn Bruce (68.41.108.38 - 68.41.108.38) on Sunday, May 12, 2002 - 01:13 am:

Cool cat, man are you asking for alot!! Here it goes.the del-royals,gigalos,johnny&the hurricanes,the facinators,that band was the original hurricanes,paul tesluk,butch mattice,dave yorko,mike murdza taking johnnys place.The enchanters,the 20,th centuries bob babbit-bass,the moving violations with danny woods singing,tommy good &the tabs,the good/rainwater company,the royal tones at west fort tavern babbit,dennis coffey,george kasakis&me,but that did,nt last to long.Mr Bo&the blues boys,for the last23 years till recently I,ve worked with the blue notes larry franks keyboard, don maclane&steve unsicker sax,&the contours guitar player Jorome when hes not on tour with the contours in that case we used a cat called Adrian who worked ata music store in dear born. Right now I,m (ahem)between gigs. sorry Andy for taking up so much space

By acooolcat (211.78.28.75 - 211.78.28.75) on Sunday, May 12, 2002 - 06:42 am:

Thanks Lynn,
I know I ask a lot of questions - but that's the only way of learning. Sorry, but here's a few more....
You'd mentioned playing on some Johnnie Mae Matthews' sessions - was that on the Mr Bo & The Blues Boys recordings, or something else?
Danny Woods recorded a few records that were released on Smash, Bob Babbit was involved, so you may have played on those too. I'm not aware of the Moving Violations, but does the song "90 Days In A County Jail" ring a bell? It was releasd in 1967.
20th Century? I think there was a 45 on a label called JOY by a group with that name. Mike Terry was the arranger if I'm not mistaken.
Thanks again for your help.
Graham

By Ian W (213.122.14.209 - 213.122.14.209) on Sunday, May 12, 2002 - 09:58 pm:

Lynn, is that the same Fascinators as "Sweet Baby"/"The Bells Of My Heart" on Your Copy label?

By David Flynn (213.1.132.254 - 213.1.132.254) on Monday, May 13, 2002 - 11:26 am:

Any more details on the Me-O label, anyone......where it was based/discography.

I've got the Martiniques "If you want to call me" (1002) and Tootsie Rollers' "Give me love" (1005). The name Thurman Hollis is on both.


ALSO - no one's mentioned that the "You can lump it" on Act IV was also on Mid-Town as The Seminoles, with a far better sound reproduction/mix.

Flynny

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.174 - 63.96.230.174) on Monday, May 13, 2002 - 06:19 pm:

Hi David, As far as I know those were the only releases on Me-o based in Toledo Ohio, The owner and manager of the Martiniques Thurman Hollis passed away about a year or so ago. The Seminoles
and the Embers were the same group only with a new lead singer, Sal Prado (currently in the Valadeirs aka Latin Counts) Andy

By Marilyn (67.217.183.242 - 67.217.183.242) on Tuesday, May 14, 2002 - 03:56 pm:

By the way,I sent a letter to Mike Muedza telling him about this site and our get-together in Deptember. I don't know if he has a computer or not,since he moved up north. Hopefully he'll join us.Marilyn

By David Flynn (213.122.204.216 - 213.122.204.216) on Tuesday, May 14, 2002 - 05:44 pm:

Well, if their numbers are 1002 and 1005, I for one have my fingers crossed that another few releases on Me-O may emerge yet! :-)

Flynny
-p.s. Need a WD of #1005, if anyone can help me out, please! :-)

By Lynn Brucel (68.41.108.38 - 68.41.108.38) on Tuesday, May 14, 2002 - 09:58 pm:

Andy, thanks for the compliment.I,m having a computer built as we speak. The one I have run,s like a 49 ford,the one I,m getting will run like a Jaguar xk8,I can receive but I can,t send.In a week I,ll be sending like a mammy-jammer!Man,I miss Joe Morreno not only as a friend,but as a person like yourself that I could call up and talk about the Harp-Tones or Spanials,or Elmore James and he would talk about who sang what and when.I took him with me this one gig I played.Jerry Butler&the Impessions just released your precious love&were on the show promoting it.All the way home he kept saying,Man did you dig those tenors,Man did you dig those tenors. Viva la raza, Lynn.

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.130 - 63.96.230.130) on Tuesday, May 14, 2002 - 11:14 pm:

Hey Lynn, Yes I miss Joe too he was my sister inlaws brother but we called each other cousens.
For those who didn't Know Joe Moreno, he sang with me in my first group the Grenadiers in 1956
and as of a couple of years ago he sung with the Mellows another great Doo Wop group, Joe is deceased. We should get together soon and talk about the days. Andy

By thecount (65.56.185.30 - 65.56.185.30) on Sunday, May 19, 2002 - 04:09 pm:

ANDY,Steve "The Count" here,I went to the Clawson lastnite, a wonderful time.I met with Lee Alan and George K. Dennis Coffee,Millie,wish you could of been there.Anyhow,when I got home(1.30),I went downstairs and dug through some old tapes and vinyl.I found a tape of The "Latin Counts" from when I fly home from Vegas in 1983 when you were at the 6ix Grand and we recorded it.Let me know if you want a copy,I'll put it on a CD for you.I also found a few tapes of the "GEORGE BAND" from the live OLD & GOLD show. Steve "The Count"

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.167 - 63.96.230.167) on Sunday, May 19, 2002 - 06:50 pm:

Steve, Yes I'd love a copy, email me for the address.Do you have any recordings by the Latin Counts? if not I'll send you a couple. Thanks Andy
andyalonzo@hotmail.com

By thecount (64.152.152.55 - 64.152.152.55) on Wednesday, May 22, 2002 - 08:46 pm:

Andy, here are some pictures when we played at the Stilletoes Dance. Remember this night, I sat in on drums for George Bedard and the Kingpins, then you asked me to stay up for one set with you guys. In one of the pictures,of the Latin Counts, you cant see me but the Count was there. I will make your cd soon. Here is what I have by the Latin Counts. This record, you gave me when you and I went to your soundman's house, off of Oxford and Telegraph. You had two of the original Pearls and I was to play drums for you guys, but the rest did not show. Remember that night? That is when you gave me the album and we went back to your house and had a few beers.
Steve the Count

By thecount (64.152.152.55 - 64.152.152.55) on Wednesday, May 22, 2002 - 08:48 pm:

George Bedard and the Kingpins...same night as the Latin Coutns

By thecount (64.152.152.55 - 64.152.152.55) on Wednesday, May 22, 2002 - 08:50 pm:

The Count on drums at the Stilettoes Dance

By thecount (64.152.152.55 - 64.152.152.55) on Wednesday, May 22, 2002 - 09:31 pm:

Here is the record you gave me.

By thecount (64.152.152.55 - 64.152.152.55) on Wednesday, May 22, 2002 - 09:33 pm:

Latin Counts flip side

By Millie (63.212.144.200 - 63.212.144.200) on Thursday, May 23, 2002 - 03:32 am:

Andy, did you get a hold of Sam Kaplan? Hope you gave my regards to Stu Avig.

By Lynn Bruce (68.41.108.38 - 68.41.108.38) on Thursday, May 23, 2002 - 03:49 pm:

Andy,mynew computer is up & running.My e-maill adress is Lbruce23@comcast.com I live in Dearborn my numbers in the book.If you have trouble sending it's because I don't know what the hell I'm doing.I have a feeling I,m going to be real pals with the comcast help line.

Lynn

By Lynn Bruce (68.41.108.38 - 68.41.108.38) on Thursday, May 23, 2002 - 07:19 pm:

Andy, try Lbruce23@comcast.net I'm having some problems with comcast.If that does'nt work. I'm going to get two cans with some string.*&^&*^%$

Lynn

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.143 - 63.96.230.143) on Friday, May 24, 2002 - 04:52 am:

Steve the Count, The other is a 45 on Corona
" You don't know it" and the flip is "Night Cheater" I'll send you a copy. Andy

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.143 - 63.96.230.143) on Friday, May 24, 2002 - 04:58 am:

Millie, I havn't called Sam as yet, I'm waiting on the release of my First solo CD. Should be within three weeks. Andy

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.143 - 63.96.230.143) on Friday, May 24, 2002 - 05:00 am:

Lynn, I'm gonna give you a call I live in Dbn Hghts, talk to you soon. Andy

By thecount (65.56.188.90 - 65.56.188.90) on Saturday, May 25, 2002 - 04:05 pm:

Hi Andy,Steve here,I'am goning to try to post a few pictures of the INVICTAS and our records that made the bottom 40 with an anchor and will include the guys in the group.Many changes from starting out in 1959---1965. Steve "the Count"

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Saturday, August 10, 2002 - 10:13 am:

Andy - I'm sure I can smell those tacos here in Taiwan.
Graham

By xxxclub (152.163.194.209 - 152.163.194.209) on Monday, August 12, 2002 - 01:23 pm:

I'm kind of new to this forum thing. What are all of the groups you were with Andy?

xxxclub

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.148 - 63.96.230.148) on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 - 03:20 am:

I was in The Grenadiers,The Latin Counts,The Martiniques, The Act Four, The Royal Jokers, The Originals and now currently in The Latin Counts aka The Valadiers.

By Davie G (213.251.162.249 - 213.251.162.249) on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 - 11:47 am:

Andy,

You were in the Originals ?! - please tell us
more. When were you in the Royal Jokers and did
you record with them ? - from what I recall
they changed lineup slightly with almost every release.

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.146 - 63.96.230.146) on Thursday, August 15, 2002 - 04:10 am:

I was in The Originals for about a year with CP Spencer, about a year ago. I have been in the Jokers for 5 yrs, and still with The Royal Jokers along with Willie Jones, Thearon (T-Man) Hill and Don ReVels we just don't get that many gigs, but to tell you the truth it's probably one of the best groups around.

By Davie G (213.251.162.249 - 213.251.162.249) on Thursday, August 15, 2002 - 12:51 pm:

Thanks Andy,

I'd no idea that the Royal Jokers were still
active - they must be one of the longest
survived acts in the city. It's a shame that
all that experience doesn't get you more bookings - still, as long as you keep digging it
long may you run.

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.199 - 63.96.230.199) on Thursday, August 15, 2002 - 05:23 pm:

Davie G, It is one of the biggist mystery's of all time. I've tried to get them booked but maybe I don't know the right people. If anyone out there can help let me know, were not getting any younger we've lost about 10 great singers from Detroit in the past year.
andyalonzo@hotmail.com

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.171 - 63.96.230.171) on Thursday, August 15, 2002 - 07:40 pm:

I just wanted to let everybody in the forum know about my web site andyalonzo.com check it out. Andy

By MEL&THENSOME (195.219.7.55 - 195.219.7.55) on Thursday, August 15, 2002 - 09:20 pm:

Was Richard Wright and the Star-vells with Give your love to me on Meo-1001?MEL.P.S.is this the same Counts that recorded on Highland Records/someday Im gonna get you?

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.183 - 63.96.230.183) on Friday, August 16, 2002 - 04:57 am:

I never heard of Richard Wright and the Star-vells. The Latin Counts only recorded on The Corona label. Andy

By dowoplady (24.46.200.124 - 24.46.200.124) on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 03:49 am:

Hi Andy,

I've been reading this thread, your website, and cross-referencing your groups with various discographies that I have. I have several questions I hope you can help with.

Were you performing with the Royal Jokers group who performed at the UGHA (United in Group Harmony Association) in NJ about 5 years ago? If so, then I saw and met you, and may have some photos.

I have heard only good things about your current group, Royal Counts, and would like to know if any of your recordings (either from years ago or in recent times) are available on a CD? I co-host an internet "radio" show called Harmony Train and would love to feature one of your songs on a future show.

The record on Corona shown above, when was this recorded/issued? It shows it to be a 33. Did you record as the Royal Counts on any 45 rpms?

I'm a little confused about the Royal Counts aka Valadiers combo. Were you with the Valadiers who recorded on Motown in the early 60s? Or is this a totally different group?

Thanks for your time and your help.

In harmony

Nikki

By dowoplady (24.46.200.124 - 24.46.200.124) on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 03:56 am:

P.S. Andy - I forgot to add this: The Grenadiers. I can't find this listed in any of the publications. Did you record with them? On what label? Who were the other members of that group? Thanx again,

Nikki
http://www.harmonytrain.com