By David Meikle (62.252.128.10) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 03:38 pm:

Here's the latest news from Lee Philips in Michigan
"the Flaming Embers will go into a two week rehersal in my studio on April 17,2004. The original members are Jerry Plunk, Jim Bugnell, Bill Ellis and Mark McCoy (Mark replaces Joe Sladich on guitar, Sadly Joe has passed) One member is coming in from California and two are traveling from Tennessee with one still in the Detroit area. I have reviewed the rehersal tapes done in Tennessee and the group sounds fantastic! Just thought you might be interested, we are all looking forward to the reformation and subsequent tour."

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 12:30 am:

Hey Dave, we are gonna hook up with one of your main men on this site and do some recording. We are very excited about it. I'll let him tell you about it when the time is right. In the mean time we're comin in to do a video and see some friends. Millie are you listening? Hope to see you and Dennis when we come in. Make sure the weather is good, since I'm from California now I don't have time for that nonsense anymore.
Jim

By Eli (68.163.56.88) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 02:39 am:

Its Bobby Eli here!!

Well, I'll admit, I'm the "mystery producer"!!

Im hopefuly gonna hook up with the guys in Michigan and see if we can make some studio magic together.

Believe me, Flaming Ember are hotter than a firecracker and are gonna be back in full effect!!

By John Lester (81.132.166.55) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 04:08 am:

I wish all of you the best Bobby.......but mostly, just enjoy it

By David Meikle (62.252.128.10) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 11:37 am:

Best of luck to all you guys.

David

By Lynn Bruce (68.41.110.49) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 12:25 pm:

Jim,kick some Detroit ass at your session!!
Good Luck--Lynn

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 03:53 pm:

Hey Bobby, I'm still waitin for that call?
We are very excited to work with Bobby Eli. We are interested in the different styles of music that will come out of this collaboration. We've got the Detroit sound mixed with the Philly sound and put in some southern flavor along with some LA influence, it should be interesting and above all great fun. Can't wait!! Talk to you all soon.
Jim

By The Count (69.14.221.162) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 04:09 pm:

HEY JIMBO,sounds of groove again,keep those EMBERS burnin man.What great fun this will be for you guys and it will bekome the next big number one MOTOR CITY SOUND.
Hey,send me your e-mail and i'll send you some pics of the gig we put on at Dave Kovariks surprise party.
"COUNT"

By Millie (68.62.5.125) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 09:33 pm:

Jim,
I can't wait until you guys get to town!!! I'm so looking forward to seeing you and Jerry again...it's been way too long!! Let me know where you will be staying, send me some phone numbers, and Bobby Eli, I can't believe I'm finally going to meet you!!!!!! How exciting! Dennis and I are really looking foward to getting together with all of you, and if possible, let's all have dinner together...my house!!!! Detroit will never be the same....! I'd give anything to hear both Bobby and Dennis play their guitars together!!!! Yikes!!!! The thought of it!!! Bobby, will you be bringing Vonnie with you? I hope so! Jimmy, give me a call asap! What studio will you guys be recording at? Where is it?? Is there anyone else you guys want to see while you're here? Let me know, and I'll arrange it! Count, we're all counting on you joining us as well!!!

Love,
Millie

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 09:49 pm:

Bobby,
You know I'm in your corner on this project. A very good group is getting a very good producer. This could be interesting. Break a leg in Detroit old pal.

By The Count (69.14.221.162) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 10:42 pm:

Thanx Tillie,kall me when you need to,I'd love to hook up and just sit back and listin to all the great stories that will be told, and to meet the kool ones in person.
"COUNT"

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 01:32 am:

Hey all I'll tell you, this is gonna be something special. We have some dynomite material we're gonna do and I mean really good stuff. With Bobby producing it and several Joe Pullin and John Oates songs along with Bobby's songs he has for us to do this is gonna be bringing back the funk. Joe has Peter Framton playing some guitar on some of the stuff. We can't wait. Maybe we can talk Dennis Coffey into playing on some of the stuff with Bobby Eli and us to comeplete the circle. Let's do it right.Thanks for all the support.
jim

By Ron Murphy (68.42.90.140) on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 01:44 am:

yes sir this news is great to hear about,what's good about this is that with all the talent involved with this project you know the results will be fantastic.

By Eli (68.163.61.21) on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 02:12 am:

I just got off the phone with Jim and tomorrow its another three way(call that is) with Jerry, Jim and myself!
There are just so many GREAT songs and ideas floating around that it simply cannot lose.

This is gonna be a match made in soul/funk heaven!

By Andy Alonzo (69.54.205.165) on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 03:09 pm:

Hey Jim, as I said before, any backround singing you need let me know. Andy Alonzo The Shades of Blue

By DyvaNaye (209.212.74.212) on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 03:11 pm:

Excellent Eli: Go forth and prosper. And Paulie too. LOL.

By Eli & Paulie (68.236.27.208) on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 03:15 pm:

Paulie will be my bodyguard!!( and maybe my body double, too, capice???#$%^&*(

By DyvaNaye (209.212.74.212) on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 04:24 pm:

Da Nayeski and La Dyva from Da Bronx will see you's dere...unnnerstood?!

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 08:51 pm:

Just got off the phone with Bobby and Jerry and this is gonna be so much fun. We are very excited to hear that so many people out there are pulling for us and we thank you. I just hope we don't let you down. But how can that happen with Thee Bobby Eli producing us. Well as soon as I have more news I'll let you know. Bobby's bringing a tun of material he hears us doing so here we go. Thanks again from all of us.
Jim

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 12:41 am:

Make us proud guys, make us proud.

By Bob Yockey (24.236.135.15) on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 01:37 pm:

Hey Jim, Now this is about as fun as it gets. You guys have to be so hyped. We have to hook up during your Detroit session.
Hey, We are playing the weekend of April 23 & 24 at Chatters Lounge in Westland, Maybe you and Jerry can stop in and say HI. I'm sure Ray would like to see you both again also. Speaking of Ray, Don't forget to watch american Idol tonight, He is playing with the Funk Brothers Live. We are so pround of him.
Keep in touch, Bob Yockey

By Tony Russi (68.18.44.156) on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 02:42 pm:

Its great to hear about this magical event. Best of luck to Flaming Ember and the great Bobby Eli!! Your fans in Florida.

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 04:49 pm:

Hey Mr. Yockey we'll take you up on that, It will be good to see you and Ray again.

Ralph, We'll do our best.

Tony Russi, Thanks for the encouragement.

Andy If we need ya you know we'll call thanks.

Jim

By Lee Phillips (68.40.25.170) on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 08:52 pm:

Hay Jim.. If you guys don't let me jam with ya at least once the lap dog ain't going to make lunch for you guys!!!

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 12:14 am:

No problem if we can keep up with you.
Jim

By Eli (68.236.55.93) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 08:37 am:

I am so looking forward to this wonderful union!

I have been a F.E. fan from day one and thanks to the magic of SD, I am now able to connect with and go into the studio IN DETROIT with the guys and make some future gems.

Jim, Jerry and I speak all the time about this and the excitement is there, full throtle!

Lookout!

By Eli (68.236.55.93) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 08:45 am:

Here is a very recent pic of Jim of Flaming Ember with hall and Oates.
Daryl was talking to me on his cell phone just as the pic was taken!

\image(halloatesjim}

By Eli (68.236.55.93) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 08:46 am:

Il try that again.

By Malcolm T. (68.43.105.26) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 02:35 pm:

Heyyyy all,,I remember the Flaming Ember playing at Continental Lanes in Roseville and the Surfside in Detroit.. ~(;-)

By Lynn Bruce (68.41.110.49) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 04:29 pm:

Hey,I remember the Surfside if it's the same one.I worked there with Tommy Good and the Tabs.It was on Jefferson near the Belle Isie bridge.It had the stage way up on the second level looking out on the first floor and about 10 feet down to the dance floor.A nice type of crowd came in there.

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 01:19 pm:

Hey Malcolm T. and Lynn Bruce you are both right. If everything turns out as planned you'll probably see us again. Thanks for remembering.
Jim

By Lee Phillips (129.9.163.234) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 03:36 pm:

Jim I WILL take it easy on you guys at first, but after a few tunes ... then I'll drop the hammer! and mainly on the California dude! Start boilin those old strings bud!

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 01:21 am:

Hey Lee, You'd better get all the sleep you can now cause ain't nobody gonna be sleepin when we get there.
Jim

By Millie (68.62.5.125) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 08:58 am:

Jimmy,
You're sounding just ornery as you used to! So, is this the way it's gonna be? You and Jerry are gonna come to town, we're all going to party like it's 1969, and live through it? Geez...aren't you the eternal optimist!! Well, let's all give it out best shot, and whoever is left standing wins (we need to come up with a prize)!!! Where will you be staying? Give me some phone numbers, or should I just use your cell?? Will you guys be recording at Tera Shirma or Golden World? Oops...they're only in our memories! CALL ME!

By David Meikle (81.130.211.124) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 09:47 am:

Malcolm

Do you recall where the Surfside was in Detroit?

TIA
David

By Malcolm T (68.43.105.26) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 10:03 am:

Greetings David,, The Surfside(aka.The Surfer)was located on Jefferson at Van Dyke. I played drums and percussion with the Good Time Band there for three years..

By Eli (68.163.56.33) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 10:16 am:

hey Millie....GET THEM POTS AND PANS READY, IM COMIN

By Eli (68.163.56.33) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 10:18 am:

Millie,
Were recording at Fortune and Mike Terry is doing the charts!!!!

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 11:26 am:

Malcolm,
I lived right up the street and went to that club often to see the Good Time Band. At the time the keyboardist's wife was playing drums. ( She was very good ) I tried to sign this band to Motown but my friend and mentor, Harry Balk beat me to the punch.( his post Motown days ) I don't know what happened to the band after that. When were you playing with them?

By Lee Phillips (129.9.163.105) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 11:43 am:

Ya Ya Jimbo, gettin ready here I sent the neighborhood to Toledo for the two weeks!!!! let me know what you finally decided on the bass thing. And Mike... we have to put this PA together yet.

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 01:40 pm:

Hey Millie I hope Bobby can keep up us. He doesn't realize what he's in for eh? We are in the process of securing several studios and I really don't know which ones since Joe Pullin is handling it. We have some great material to do and Bobby's bringing a ton so we will be busy. But never too busy for Millie the wild one. Just don't embarrass us ok We have a guest from Philly with us thank you. I talked to Freddy Nassar on Sunday he was visiting Jerry for a few days and He wanted me to make sure I said hello to you. Oh yea Bobby wants some of Millie's home cooking he told me that so take his post literally. I will call you with the info you asked for. P.S We are gonna party till we drop and that is usually around ten or eleven o'clock so be ready.

Lee, Mike and Mark will be in touch soon to get set up. I'll send my bass ahead and let you know when so you can watch for it.
Jim

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 01:43 pm:

You guys can actually party until 10 or 11????

By Malcolm T (68.43.105.26) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 01:55 pm:

Greeting Ralph,, The Good Time Band is alive and well,playing in Canada ( Windsor April 16 & 17 ).George Webber played B3 and a moog with patch cords,,his wife Sue played drums. Whe I first joined, I was the percussion player then the band grew in size ,,two drummers,, two keyboard players and two front people ( Donna and Peter ). The Surfside had an outside patio,,perfect for some herb eh!! Ron Baltrus was a frequent customer. David Walsh owned the joint.

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 02:17 pm:

Malcolm,
Thanks for the up-date. George had one of the first Mini-Moogs and he knew how to use it. This was really a very good band. if you happen to talk to George, tell him hello for me. I knew Ron also.I wish I could have seen the band as it grew in size. Bet it was awesome!

By Malcolm T (68.43.105.26) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 02:32 pm:

Ralph,,That particular version of the band was incredible. Tom Saunders (trumpet ) and Alexander Zonjic ( guitar )not flute,,Jerry Paul and Shondu Akiem (latin percussion )would sit in also.YIKES!!HOT,HOT. Then there was a fellow with bagpipes that occasionally would sit in ,,no kidding.

By Lynn Bruce (68.41.110.49) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 02:45 pm:

Another small world,Ron Baltrusz is godfather to my youngest daughter.When he played music instead of booking and then running Harpos,we worked in a band together with Rod(Cox) Richards.He also went to highschool with me. Inkster Roosevelt now called Robashaud high school. I haven't seen him in years.

Any more I need a hit of speed to party till 10 or 11. LOL

By G_WIZ (68.43.17.149) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 03:27 pm:

jim flaming ember


glenn here again ,send me a e-mail i want to talk to you skiptracy@aol.com

By Bob Yockey (24.236.135.15) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 05:17 pm:

Hey Jim
On that gig at Chatters, Why not bring the whole band and play a few tunes for us. I'm sure the owner would love it. The place should be packed and we have the same instrumentation you guys have. All you need to do is show up. What you think? WAIT: Can you play a 5 string? Sure you can.
Bob Yockey

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 07:33 pm:

Lynn,
I didn't know you played with Rod. If this keeps up we may find we're related.

By Bruce (68.89.180.152) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 07:36 pm:

jim/ flaming ember/ is the joe pullin you refer to a bass and guitar player who grew up in livonia and had a rock band called the missiles?

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 08:50 pm:

Bruce, Yes that Joe Pullin
Jim

By Lynn Bruce (68.41.110.49) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 09:35 pm:

Yea Ralph,I loved working with Rod. He was everything a rock guitar player should sound like and he could do Chuck Berry better than Chuck Berry.Plus he could sing his ass off while wailing on his guitar.

By Lee Phillips - The RoadHog Band (68.40.25.170) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 01:20 am:

Ok Jim got it we will watch for it. The guys can setup anytime even if I'm not here. Looks like I have Jerrys drums comming this week. I will set them up where my drummer always does, it is a good spot and you can still get the amps behind you. http://mywebpages.comcast.net/wphillips111425MI/

By ejz (152.163.253.70) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 07:58 pm:

When will cd be released?

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 11:01 pm:

ejz, we have to decide what we're recording and then record it. No idea yet when we'll have a cd out, but you can bet we'll let SDF know first. WE may even sample some of what we do for this site. Thanks for your interest.
Jim

By Bob Yockey (24.236.135.15) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 08:43 am:

Hey Jim, You didn't answer my question, Are you ignoring me? haha
See Above
Bob

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 04:47 pm:

Bob, We will come and see you guys one of those nights. I don't know if we'll sit in though but we'll see. We'll have a good time anyway.
Jim

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 10:16 pm:

Bob, oh and alert Aurora.
Jim

By Bob Yockey (24.236.135.15) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 07:18 am:

Good Deal Jim, Looking forward to it.
Check out our Web Site
http://www.FlashGeezer.com

Bob

By Bob Yockey (24.236.135.15) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 01:08 pm:

Jim, Done Deal, That took me while to figure out. DAAAAAA
Bob

By Lee Phillips (68.40.25.170) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 07:22 pm:

Bob, that is a really great website you guys have!

By Bob Yockey (24.236.135.15) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 07:05 am:

Thanks Lee, I like yours also.
Someday we have to hook up.
Bob

By Millie (68.62.5.125) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 09:13 am:

Jimmy,
Where and when???? I have to contact the radio and television stations, not to mention all the newspapers! The Flaming Embers back in the Motor City!! This is big news!! Here's your agenda: you'll be playing at the Last Chance, we'll be stopping by the Gay Haven to say hello, then on to Joe Bathay's and the Cliche'! The last stop on our tour will be the Dearborn Town House so you guys can sit in with the Topics...DeAnne wants to sing "Cross Town Traffic" with you guys! Can't wait! Call me!

Millie

By Lee Phillips (129.9.163.234) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 10:06 am:

Yep bob, an sooner than later too... maybe I will get around with the guys when they are here and see you.

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 01:33 pm:

Hey Millie, I just got off the phone with Bobby and he'll be in on April 20th. He's like a kid again, excited to do what he loves as are we. I called you last week on Sunday and left a message for you and I got no reply. What's up with that HMMM? Listen try to keep the crowds down or at least under control will ya Millie.
That Itinerary for us would be great huh? E-mail and I'll give you all the info arshomes@comcast.net don't forget dinner at Millie's, talk to you soon.
Jim

By Lynn Bruce (68.41.110.49) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 01:37 pm:

Millie,sorry I missed you and Dennis the other night. Reading your post was like opening the pages of Panorama mag.
If we have time maybe we can hit Moreys and King Arthurs. lol

By Jack (68.40.245.154) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 02:19 pm:

Millie , Don't forget Moby Dick down the street from the Last Chance

By Millie (68.62.5.125) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 12:07 am:

Well, while we're on the subject, how about the Driftwood Lounge (the Nifty Drifty), Dun Roven, The Sip 'n' Chat", Chris' Pizza, Mexican Fiesta, Gino's Falcon Show Bar, The Sway Lounge, The Duchess Lounge, Mickey's Back Door, Mr. C's in Flint, etc., etc.!

Lynn...sorry we missed you and Sandy too! Are you two going to the Count's party on May 8th? Don't forget about George Young's reunion party at the Pier 500 on May 23rd.

Jimmy, I didn't get a message from you! I was away most of the weekend, but I always check my voicemail...hmm...let's talk this weekend, okay? Where's everyone staying? How long will all of you be in town? Ya gotta let me know so I can contact Entertainment Tonight, and of course, Joan Rivers!

Millie

By Millie (68.62.5.125) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 12:26 am:

Lynn,
If you know Ron Baltrusz, then you must know Joe Peraino...he owned Sterling Diversion, and is now part owner of Lorio-Ross. We worked together with Ralph at Motown in the early 70's. Joe was Luther Allison's producer. Does Ron still own Harpo's? I hate to say it, but that place is really a dump!

Millie

By Malcolm T (68.43.105.26) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 06:53 am:

Don`t forget the Pompei Lounge in Dearborn.

By Millie (68.62.5.125) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 09:27 am:

Malcolm,
Was that on Michigan between Schaefer and Greenfield?? Isn't it the Booby Trap now? I remember going there to see Jamie Coe and the Gigalos!!!

Jack,
When the Gay Haven burned down, we immediately moved over to King Arthur's! We made our nightly walk from King Arthur's to the Last Chance, to Moby Dick!! I probably couldn't make that same walk today!!!!

Millie

By Jack (68.40.245.154) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 09:40 am:

Pompei was on Michigan

By Lynn Bruce (68.41.110.49) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 11:37 am:

Millie,I probably was introduced Joe at Sterling Diversion by Ron but can't recall.I've lost track of Ron.He had some problems and kind of disappeared. I know he hasn't had anything to do with Harpos for over 10 years or more.I'll hook up with him one of these days.
Were going to be out of town for three weeks but hope to make it back for the Counts gala shindig.
Do we need advance tickets for George Young and the Youngsters Pier 500 reunion?
Lynn

By Millie (216.8.139.140) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 04:57 pm:

Lynn,
I honestly don't know whether we'll need tickets to the Pier 500 reunion or not. Maybe I'll start a new thread with George Young's name on it and ask what the deal is...

Take care.

Millie

By Lee Phillips http://mywebpages.comcast.net/wphillips111425MI/ (68.40.25.170) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 12:14 am:

Millie,HI! Did you ever get a copy or the recording of the Embers done at the Last Chance and the 52 Show Bar? It is four sets at each place about two years apart and the quality is very good. I bet you would like it. Sometime either I or Mike can give you one.

By Lee Phillips (68.40.25.170) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 12:21 am:

Jim, the PA is all set Mike had to make up new cables for the subs but we are ok.Mark is bringing the headphone mixer/amps and we have plenty of headphones We had a great time setting it all up. See we are having a ball and you guys are not even here yet!!

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 02:20 am:

Lee, Millie has the discs you are refering to, Mike sent them to her several months ago. Lee we will be at your place on Sat. the 17th the night we get in at about 7:30 or so to go over what we will be recording on Sunday the 18th, I hope that's ok, I know it's short notice but we have studio time on the 18th, 19th, and 20th to do the first set of material. I will call you Tomorrow and fill You In.
Jim

By Bruce (66.142.157.100) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 03:26 pm:

jim/flaming Ember can you please tell me what my old friend Joe Pullin is up to. Thanks.

By Lee Phillips (68.40.25.170) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 07:35 pm:

Ok Jim, I have to play that night, so I cannot be here, but we will figure out something to get you going then ive got to leave.

By Jim/flaming Ember (66.229.211.33) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 11:13 pm:

Bruce, Joe Pullin is the executive vice president of Harman-Kardin International. He is also a prolific song writer and entertainer. Whenever I was sick or couldn't play Joe was always who I called to fill in for me. Joe and I grew up together and went to Bentley High School. Of course I was a year or two older than Joe but with musicians that doesn't matter. We are also related by marriage, small world.
Jim

By Lee Phillips (68.41.111.3) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 01:40 pm:

Happy Easter forum!!!