Category Archives: Golden State

Frantic Records, Vardan Records, and Arvey Andrews

Business card for Psycho, from Chico, with Guy Williamson and Marty Howard’s contact info

Arvey Andrews headed two record labels in 1965 and 1966, Frantic Records and Vardan Records. He was also part of Management By Martin, Inc., with George Martin and Robert Clark. George Martin co-produced some of these singles and handled bookings for the groups.

In 2020 I bought a collection of records and 1/4″ tapes that belonged to a previously unknown investor in Management By Martin. I am not disclosing his name at this time, but he is now in his mid-90s. He was a colonel in the Air Force, and obviously a music enthusiast. One could map his likely military postings from his record collection: Ty & Johnny on Red Wing suggests Eglin Air Force Base near Pensacola, FL, and Wailers & Sonics records obtained while stationed at McChord Field near Tacoma.

At Beale AFB in Yuba County he met Arvey Andrews, who would involve this officer in his Frantic and Vardan operations. It would be a fruitful but one-sided association. This investor would describe his dealings with Andrews in an Air Force Statement of Witness dated March 2, 1970:

… while stationed at Beale AFB, California I became a stockholder in a corporation known as “Management by Martin, Inc.,” a firm which handles bookings and recordings by “rock and roll” groups. Other members of this corporation at its inception were Captain Arvey I. Andrews (hereafter called Subject), George Martin and a Robert Clark. I contracted a law firm known as Athearn, Chandler and Hoffman, 593 Market Street, San Francisco California to represent me and to establish the corporate structure of Management by Martin Inc. I am the Secretary-Treasurer of this corporation …

I noted that shortly after Management by Martin began to move forward that certain high expenses at Ikon Recorders … as well as fees paid to Lance Associates, a “public relations outfit,” might cause the business to fold… I told the other partners of the corporation that I would remain as a corporation officer but would no longer make financial contributions to the corporation’s support. Also, at this time, I told Subject [Andrews] that he must commence paying back the indebtedness. At that time, I believe it was the spring of 1967, Subject repaid me $100.00 a month for three consecutive months and stopped shortly thereafter. I told Subject that if he did not continue with the monthly payments, I would resort to legal action to recoup the loaned monies. Shortly after this, I became knowledgeable of Subject’s filing for bankruptcy.

These unfortunate transactions seem to have ended this investor’s involvement in the music business, though he continued to collect records and radio shows into the ’70s.

This Management By Martin, Inc ad ran in Billboard every week from April 30 – July 30, 1966
The bankruptcy probably harmed Arvey Andrews as well. He remained involved with the Lovers as they changed their name to the Pacesetters and signed to Liberty / Minit, but I don’t believe he produced or released music again. Andrews would reach the rank of major by 1970, before retiring from the Air Force. On May 12, 1982 Andrews incorporated the Vardan Recording Institute of America at 1108 Black Knight Drive in Valrico, Florida, but I know of no releases from this company. Arvey Isaacs Andrews died on April 5, 1994, aged 59.

In the collection were at least one copy of every Vardan and Frantic single except Sonny Oliver & the Statics on Vardan, and the Boy Blues “Coming Down to You” / “Living Child” on Frantic. Most of these were promo copies, and there were multiple stock and promo copies of the Boy Blues “Living Child” / “Think About It Baby” on Vardan. There were Emotions singles on Gate and Philips as well as the Vardan issue.

There were also a couple 45s on Ikon. Along with Golden State Recorders in San Francisco and Sountronic Recording Studios in Lodi, Arvey Andrews used the Ikon studio, but I do not believe he was involved in any releases on that label.

Many of the records have warping and/or insect damage from years stored in an attic.

The Lovers “Leave Her” test pressing

Below is a description of the unique items:

The Lovers unreleased test pressing

Most notable among the 7″s was a styrene test pressing of two unreleased songs by the Lovers, “Leave Her” / “The E.T.”, numbered 2125 / 2126. For some reason Andrews did not release that single, and those numbers appear on the Styx single “My Girl” / “Stay Away” on Frantic Records CR-2125/CR-2126.

Test pressing for Psycho’s “You Think You’ve Got Me” / “Need Me”, released on vinyl as Frantic Records CR-2127/CR-2128

Psycho test pressing

There was also a styrene test pressing for Psycho’s “You Think You’ve Got Me” / “Need Me”, released on vinyl as Frantic Records CR-2127/CR-2128. The dead wax codes are in a different hand than the released version, though the versions sound identical.

Both test pressings are stamped June 13, 1966.

Also included were two test pressings of Custer and the Survivers, “I Saw Her Walking” / “Flapjacks”, which saw release on Golden State and Ascot. Production was by Shower Of Stars, another company of George Martin and Arvey Andrews with a Yuba City address.

Golden State acetate 45 of Psycho “Need Me”

Psycho acetate, and “What’s in the Bag, Goose” demo

Also in the collection were two acetates. One is a Golden State Recorders acetate 45 of Psycho “You Think You’ve Got Me” / “Need Me”; same versions as the released single. The Psycho business card at top was found in a tape box.

Audiodisc acetate 45 of “What’s in the Bag Goose”

The other was an unlabeled Audiodisc acetate with one song, “What’s in the Bag, Goose”. This cut also appears on two other 1/4″ tapes, one dated January 22, 1966. Apparently Drusalee and the Dead cut “What’s in the Bag, Goose”, however, there is no organ on the cut, and it doesn’t sound much like their Vardan single. Hear an excerpt.

The song is a novelty take on a Granny Goose potato chip commercial, with song writing credits to Nick DeCaro, Dave Pell, and Joe Saraceno. I like this performance more than the only released version I know of, from the T-Bones LP, No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach’s In).

Sountronic Recording Studios sheet in tape box compiling Frantic masters by the Lovers, Mystic, Boy Blues and D. Witherspoon

Sountronic Recording Studio tape

One of the tapes had ten songs compiled from the master recordings in either mono or 2 track stereo, according to an info sheet from Sountronic Recording Studios at 880 East Pine St., Lodi, CA. Dated September 22, 1966. Included are the A and B sides of four singles from the Frantic label: The Mystic’s “Weekend People” / “I Get So Disgusted”, the Boy Blues “Coming Down to You” / “Living Child”, and D. Witherspoon and the Future, and the Lovers “Without a Doubt” / “One Way to Love”. Also included are two songs by the Lovers with the Harlem Brass that never saw release: “She’s Supreme” / “Truly Truly”.

“She’s Supreme” has only been known on acetate. “Truly Truly” is a backing track without vocals. Alec Palao tells me it is the same backing track used on a rare single by the Kashos on Work Records 45-827, which I haven’t heard. Stanley and Archie Casher wrote that song, and possibly the backing track was reused from the Lovers session.

Joey D. told me that this is the first documentation from the Sountronic Studio that he has ever seen. This tape may be the only tape source for these songs in existence.

Tape box with unreleased cuts by Boy Blues, Psycho, and Drusalee & the Dead

Tape of unreleased songs

Another interesting tape was faintly labeled in pencil with only band names, but contains unreleased songs by the Boy Blues, Psycho and Drusalee & the Dead.

The Boy Blues cuts are both originals. The best, titled possibly “Baby Doll”, has a fuzz riff, tasteful use of horns, an extended guitar break and double-time ending.  “Little Red Rooster” is not the Howlin’ Wolf standard but a light original with a more prominent horn arrangement.

The Psycho cut is “That Girl”, a good jangly original song with excellent harmonies.

The last two cuts are “What’s in the Bag, Goose”, as discussed on the Audiodisc acetate above, and a ballad. Although the tape box suggests Drusalee and the Dead, neither song sounds like the Vardan single.

Audio quality and occasional drop-outs suggest this tape is a later generation copy.

Stereo rehearsal tape by Psycho
Mono rehearsal tape by Psycho, the two original songs are early versions of “That Girl” and “You Think You’ve Got Me”

Psycho rehearsal tapes

There are two rehearsal tapes by Psycho. The first contains all cover songs, and is recorded in stereo. Two songs featured on the Up From the Grave CD were taken from a cassette in mono, so this tape is an upgrade.

The second tape is in mono, but includes a couple of originals as well as more cover songs. There are two takes of “You Think You’ve Got Me” titled “Why Can’t You Say” on the tape box. The vocals are upfront; the band’s harmonies are very good at times. I appreciate hearing these early versions, even with some rushed tempo changes.

The other original is “My Girl” perhaps more appropriately titled “Without That Girl”, which did not appear on their Frantic single.

They do a good job on many of the cover songs, and it’s cool to hear them try “It’s No Use.” The singers forget a line in the last verse of “Turn Turn Turn”.

Lastly, there’s a tape of a folk group with vocalist Sandy Knox, recorded at Ikon.

———-

Members of the bands mentioned in this post (sources include notes to Up From the Grave and 60sgaragebands.com):

The Emotions & Lovers (Beale AFB): James Gregory (Greg), Daniel Saunders, Melvin Williams, McHenry Otis (Mike), and Bob Coleman

Psycho (Chico): Bob Williamson, Marty Howard, Jim Conley, Ron Murphy and Randy Reaves

Boy Blues (Chico): Jim Conley, Randy Reaves, Rick Wagner, Bob Brien, Mark Cipolla, Chris Howard, John Palmer, and Jeff Gadbois

Drusalee & the Dead (Marysville): Drew Sallee, Ernie Apodaca, Bob Covic, Bob Rathbun, Gordon McCollum, and John Piper

Statics (Marysville): Sonny Oliver, Freddie Bidasha, Johnny Rollins, Frank Lester

Custer & the Survivors (Oroville): Gary Gibson, Jodell Bruce Payseno (Jody Payseno), Mike McLoughlin, Bob Blade, Martin Blade, Richard Daugherty, and Claire Hinton

Mystics (Boise, Idaho): Tim Woodward, Vance Shirley, John Hynes, Rich Smith, and Dennis Schaffner

Custer and the Survivors Management By Martin promo photo

Thank you to Gary Gibson Jr. for sending in the photos of his father’s band, Custer and the Survivors. The group cut two unreleased songs at the same Los Angeles session as “I Saw Her Walking” and “Flapjacks”, including “With Love in Her Eyes”.

Custer and the Survivors photo
Custer and the Survivors, Custer with the goatee, second from left. Other personnel unknown.

Golden State Records singles discography

Custer and the Survivers Golden State 45 I Saw Her WalkingGolden State Recorders used the Golden State Records label for acts that did not have a deal with another company. The music can range from soul to hard rock to gospel, but Custer & the Survivers, Zorba & the Greeks and the Poor Souls all have good garage sounds.

The changing numbering system makes it difficult to put in exact chronological order without knowing the dead wax of each release. Early singles have white labels with simple black print or yellow and greenish blue labels with bridge logo. This changed to red, green, purple, etc in later years without the bridge logo.

I’m sure there are many more releases than I have listed here, any help with this discography would be appreciated.

GSR 653 – The Astros – Space Walk” (B. Please, Rap Music ASCAP and DeGar Music ASCAP)

654 – Lanny Duncan – “I Didn’t Lie” / “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me”

GSR – 656 – Weyland Jennings – “Nashville Bum” / “Gulf Coast Belle”

GSR-657 – Custer and the Survivers – “I Saw Her Walking” / “Flapjacks” (both by J.B. Pavseni, Mark Nine Music BMI, produced by Arvey Andrews) (Nov. 1965, also released on Vardan and Ascot)

Arvey Andrews also produced the Mystic “I Get So Disgusted” / “Weekend People”, D. Witherspoon & the Future, and the Lovers “Without a Doubt” on Frantic Records, and the Emotions “Love of a Girl” / “Do This For Me” on Vardan.

453 – The Lo-Kals – “Look Out Baby Here I Come” / “I’m So Tired” (Bobby King, Guard Music BMI) (J.H. Lewis Production)

GSR-597-A – Zorba and the Greeks – “One and Only Girl” / “You’ve Had Your Chance” (Nov. 1966)

GSR-597-B – Zorba and the Greeks – “Shockwave” (Myrin, Guard Music BMI) / “Memories of You” (Johnson) (Nov. 1966)

GSR-45-606 – The Donnybrookes – “Time Will Tell” / “You’re Gonna Cry” (Nov. 1966)

GRS-1721 – The Poor Souls – “Baby Let’s Wait” / “It Ain’t Enough” (Frank Marseguerra, Degar Music ASCAP) (Oct. 1967)

GSR-1351 – David London – “Tomorrow’s OK By Me” / “Lara’s Theme” (produced by Leo Kulka)

GSR-501 – Gold – “Summertime” / “No Parking” (production: A-side Country Joe McDonald, b-side George Benz)

GSR – 4-69 – Mel Davis – “Just Another Smile” / “The Life I Live” (1969)

GS106 – Spyders – “I Can Take Care of Myself” / “Make Up Your Mind” (W. Cox) (1968)

GSR-1969 – The Voices of Victory Choir – “I Feel Good” / “There’s No Hiding Place”

GSRC-2452 – Seventh Dawn – “Don’t Worry Me” (Phillips, Phillips, Noyer; Guard Music BMI) / “Wings of Flight” (1970) gold label, G.S.R. Custom Records, band from Oroville

GSR-7695 – Swinging Granny – “Irall Waltz” / “Da-Dippty” (both by Irral Berger, 1969)

GSRC 437 – Joy Higgins – Come Back Big Jack” / “Shoulda Told You” (1978)

recent pressings of unreleased soul recordings:

GS-2001 (GSR346) – The San Francisco TKOs – “Make Up Your Mind” / “Send My Baby Back”
GS-2002 (GSR352) – George & Teddy – “Oh Yeah” / “Lover”
GS-2003 GSR362) – Spyders – “I Don’t Care” / “I Can Take Care of Myself”

33 and 1/3 rpm 7″ custom pressings:

M-1967 – Leo & Flora de Gar Kulka – A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
GSR-1562 – Garland Dudley & the Voices of Frederick of the Third Baptist Church – “He Touched Me”, “Touch the Hem of His Garment” / “Sweet Sweet Spirit”, “You Must Live Right” (7″, 33 1/3rd rpm)

LPs on Golden State include Paul LaMont – Psychedelia (Opus 1 & 2), War Songs of the Third Reich, and Joel Andrews – Harp Soundings.
Poor Souls Golden State 45 It Ain't Enough

The Donnybrookes

Donnybrookes Golden State 45 You're Gonna CryThe Donnybrookes came from Fairfield, California, about halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento.

Members were:

Terry Gifford – vocals
John Tipton – lead guitar

Jim Ladd – rhythm guitar
Ric Eittreim – keyboards

Larry Pindar – bass

Pat Sheridan – drums


In late ’66 they entered Golden State Recorders at 665 Harrison St. in San Francisco to record their only single, “Time Will Tell” / “You’re Gonna Cry”, released on Golden State 608 in November, 1966. Terrry Gifford wrote both sides, but the labels credit Sneaky O’Fenneman with the lead vocals.

“You’re Gonna Cry” starts slow, reminiscent of Them with Van Morrison, but quickly picks up steam. When the organ kicks in the sound has an awesome power. There’s a fuzz guitar solo, and Larry Pindar’s bass lines stand out in both songs.

Early in ’67 the band had changed members and names, becoming Stonehenge, who would do some recordings that would not see release at the time. By 1968, Ric Eittreim was the only member remaining from the Donnybrookes, the band becoming Maze, with the LP Armageddon released on MTA.

Larry Pindar ended up in the Portland, Oregon group Total Eclipse.

Anyone have a photo of the Donnybrookes?

Donnybrookes Golden State 45 Time Will Tell