Category Archives: Knight (Schenectady)

The Cleaners from Schenectady & the East Coast Clique

Cleaners band photo, Schenectady
Can anyone please ID who is who in this photo

Cleaners Knight 45 How I FeelThe Cleaners came from Schenectady, New York, releasing two singles in 1966 and 1967.

Members included Larry Parks (listed in songwriting credits as Larry Podrazik), Bob Ives (Robert Iovinella), Bob Sands and Jay Camp.

Cleaners Knight 45 If You Want Me

The Cleaners’ first single was the super-soulful “How I Feel” b/w “If You Want Me” (described on the label as Rock-Jazz), both originals by Podrazik and Iovinella. A comment below mentions booking manager George DeVito recording the songs in his home studio. However, I have a 8″ laquer acetate of both songs from Earl Kennett’s studio. The sound of the bass, and the echo of the hand claps on “If You Want Me” suggests Earl’s studio rather than a home recording.

It was issued on Knight Records KN 3, of Bellevue Station, Schenectady, with a State Music Productions credit; the ZTSP 122826/7 codes indicate a Columbia custom issue, a styrene 45.

Podrazik and Iovinella copyrighted the songs in April and May of 1966, along with another original, “Just Until the End of Time” that was not released but would remain part of their live set.

Cleaners Kleener Style 45 DustIn July of 1967 Podrazik and Iovinella registered another original song, “Dust”. The Cleaners cut it at Kennett Sound Studio in Kinderhook, NY, along with a cover of “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me”, released on their own Kleener Style Records 0011.

These were among the earliest singles issued out of Earl Kennett’s studio, which would go on to record and release over twenty 45s into the 1970s.

From the 1967 index of copyright registration

Not long after, the East Coast Clique recorded “Dust” backed with another Podrazik/Iovinella original, “Last Stop (Everybody’s Getting Off)”, both with NemSong publishing. Released as Charter Records 0016, the Kennett Sound credit at the bottom indicates the studio, as does the 00 prefix on the release number 0016. The production on this version is fuller, with the drums more prominent and danceable.

The East Coast Clique, including at least two members of the Cleaners

A Schenectady news clipping about the East Coast Clique mentions a single on the “Cleaner Style” label, so the Clique were a continuation of the Cleaners with a new band name, and some different members. Larry Parks and Bob Ives had been in the Cleaners, and the East Coast Clique’s other members included Sal Cannavo, Kent Brust and John Malik.

The article states:

One of the group’s songs, “Just Until the End of Time,” arranged by Bob Ives, leader, and Larry Parks, will be dedicated to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the performance.

Now appearing at the Bavarian Lodge in Hudson, the East Coast Clique … record on the Cleaner Style label and have appeared on Hank Brown’s Twistorama over WKTV, channel 2.

There is an 12″ acetate from Kennett Sound Studio of three songs by the East Coast Clique: a later version of “How I Feel”, “Last Stop (Everybody’s Getting Off)” and “Just Until the End of Time”. The second song was issued as the B-side to their single on Charter Records, “Dust” but I am not sure if this is the same version.

Podrazik and Iovinella registered two additional songs in 1968: “Captain Miller’s Flying Circus”, and “Sleepy Boy” (this last one shows Earl Kennett contributing to the music arrangement).

Cleaners Kennett Sound Studio Demo 45 Baby I Won't Be Lonely
Kennett Sound Studio acetate for the Cleaners “Baby I Won’t Be Lonely”, from 1969. Scan courtesy of Brian Kirschenbaum

In January 1969, they registered “Baby, I Won’t Be Lonely”, which exists on a Kennett demo acetate as by the Cleaners, so it may have been considered for release.

Later copyrights include “I’m So Happy” (October 1969, with words by Brummer).

Al Quaglieri wrote a profile of Bob Iovinella for the March 8-14, 1990 issue of Metroland. He describes how Iovinella and Larry Parks had a five-year publishing contract by Nat Weiss, but only two songs saw publication in that time.

In 1970, Larry Parks had a solo composition “Pay Day” (using the name Adam Parks) recorded by Sha Na Na.

Starting in 1980, Iovinella and Parks would work together again as partners in Hendi-Parksives Productions.

Thank you to Brian Kirschenbaum for scans of the East Coast Clique 45 and the Cleaners acetate. Thank you to Bobby Iovinella for the photo at top and to Mikael for the news clipping.

The Vibra-Sound Recording Studio and label

Changing Times Vibra Sound 45 Free As The WindThe Vibra-Sound Recording Studio and label started in Schenectady or Rotterdam, New York circa late 1966. I’m not sure where exactly the studio was, but New York State business records list a residential address on Crestwood Drive in Rotterdam for Vibra-Sound, and also include a later starting date in 1969, with the business closing in 1992. However, several of the singles listed here such as the Heathens and Delirium are earlier, from sometime in 1967.

Nate Schwartz appears as engineer and also as a representative of the label in an local news item from the early ’70s. Initially the studio was located in Schwartz’s garage, with the control room in the basement without a window between.

Vibra-Sound had its own Vibra label, plus variations like Vibra-Sound, VSS, and others that were customized for the artist. Later productions often share publishing by Robert Barry Music BMI.

Below is a general discography in approximate chronological order of records made at Vibra-Sound / Vibrasound, with my comments.

Any additions or corrections would be appreciated, as well as info on any of the artists listed here.

45s:

Vibra L-103 – Elaine Brooks & the Pushers (Albany/Schenectady) “I’m So Blue” (Brooks) / The Pushers – “The New Thang” (C. Nelson) both published by Kama BMI
“The New Thang” is a cool instrumental with saxophone, tambourine and plenty of echo. I’m surprised to see what must be some connection to Kama Productions of Utica, NY in the publishing company (see the end of my article on the Roosters for more info on Kama and related productions).

Vibra L-104 – The Heathens (Schenectady, NY) – “The Other Way Around” / “Problems” (both written by Michael Dellario, arranged by Hooker-Stahl, Petticrew, Sheer & Marquez)
Maybe the most well-known garage single of the NY capitol region.

Delirium Vibra 45 Never Comin' Home
45 scan from the unparalleled collection of Bosshoss

Vibra L-136 – Delirium (Mechanicville, NY) “I Need Your Lovin'” / “Never Comin’ Home” (both songs by T. Sullivan, Wall Music BMI)
A very rare single, and musically as good as the Heathens. If anyone has info on this band please contact me.

Vibra L-137 – The Dimensions (Latham, NY) – “The Pilot” / “Dimension Beat” (both by Federici, Federici, Olson and Speciale for Wall Music, BMI)
Another fine garage single, According to copyright records from February, 1967, The Dimensions were Martin Federici, Arthur Federici, Dominick Speciale and David Olson. I’ve also found a new clip from 1965 verifying the members of the group.

Vibra Sound 423702 – Sound with Brass – “Shine Down on Me” / “Lollypops and Roses / Wall St. Rag”

Vibra-Sound 121969 – The Changing Times – “Free As The Wind” / “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” 1969
Good versions of both songs, the capitol region being one of the few places where the Myddle Class had extensive radio play. Label credits for “Free As the Wind” give S. Trimochi, S. Lane in error, as the original song was a collaboration between Gerry Goffin & Carole King, and Rick Philp & Dave Palmer of the Myddle Class.

The Changing Times were from Mohonasen High School, Rotterdam, NY, with members Kurt Eastman, Mark Eastman, Gary Esposito, Bob Launders. and David Cilberti on vocals (thank you to David for his comment below)

USS 102 – The Chimes of Freedom (Scotia, NY) – “Did You Ever” / “Jungle Rock” (Hamilton, Francis, Pytlovany)
For more info on the Chimes of Freedom see my post on the group.

unreleased demo – The Concepts (Ravena,NY) – “Faces Come, Feelings Go” 1968. Presumably from an acetate, this track is on the Garage Beat ’66 vol. 2 CD

Hemlock VSS-2/09 – Art Anderson and the Anderson Family – “Don’t Come Knockin’ At My Door” / “I’ve Been Searchin’ in My Dreams” (both by A. Anderson, Robert Barry Music, BMI, ZTSP 140404, 1968)

Marshall Hanson and the Hamps Knight 45 Dark CloudsKnight Records KN-1 – Marshall Hanson and the Hamps – “Dark Clouds” / “Waiting for My Love” (1966, State Music Productions, ZTSC122592/3)

Governor VSS-910 – Bob “Rebel” King and the Knights of Music – “Suspicious Illusions” (R. King) / “For the Good Times”

Al Knight Records VSS 2704 – Al Knight ”Dreaming Dreams of Yesterday”

Zep Records KN-4 Tim Ryan ”Angels in the Front Row”

Bob "Rebel" King - Governor 45 Suspicious Illusions
Scan courtesy of Brian Kirschenbaum
W.S. Highway 2710 – West Side Highway – “Spring Song” (J. Hochanadel) / “I’ve Got a Way” (D. Vroman) (both Robert Berry Music, BMI, Vibra-Sound 2710, ZTSP 140682/3)

Cobb 81935 – The Universal Set – “Ballad For Linda” / “Memphis Express” (both by E. Locke, Robert Barry Music, ZTSP 144640/1)

Darec VSS 81943 – The Dignitaries – “Steppin’ Out” (R. Gigliotti) ZTSP 144740

Hemlock 81946 – Cathy Lee, Anderson Family – “The Dark Side of the World” / “Our Side” (ZTSP 144893, Vibra-Sound 81946)

Kandy 101 – The Essentials – “Baby You Get to Me” (S. Wheeler) / “Oklahoma Blues” (F. Stay, S. Wheeler) both Robert Barry Music BMI, 1969

Kandy 82042 – The Essentials – “Sunshine Baby” / “Freedom” (both by Squeeky Stay for Robert Barry Music BMI, Vibra-Sound 82042, ZTSP-221980, 1970)

2nd Foundation JC 45 Wipe OutJC 82017 – 2nd Foundation – “Wipe Out” / “I Am The One” (D. Spensley, Robert Barry Music) (ZTSP 221697/8) – instrumentals produced by Johnny Cefala

Katy VSS 2705 Dusty Atcher and River Valley Boys – ”Right, But I Think It’s Wrong”

Little Records VSS-82043, Jimmy Lane and the Incredible 5 – “Deal With It” (J. Lane) / “What Kind of Man” (S. Brooks, J. Wortham) (both Robert Barry Music, BMI, A Little-Mickens Production, ZTSP 222378, Vibra-Sound 82043)

The Lightning Brothers Brothers Two 45 Wild Smoke
“Wild Smoke” is an excellent 70s rock song
Brothers Two 6023-13 – The Lightning Brothers – “Crazy Jane” (W. Braemer, S. Hansen, M Ilnicki, P Ilnicki) / “Wild Smoke” (W. Braemer, P Ilnicki) (both Robert Baby Music, an Albert Perrone Production, pressed by Queen City Album in Cincinnati)

Jinhea DC-100 – Squeeky Stay and Mark Galeo – “Slippin’ Away” / “Mrs. Jones”, early 1970s

Rambler 2712 – Jerry Madore and the New Prairie Ramblers – “Wishing” / “Blue Blue Eyes”

EROS Records VSS 1239 – The Ridgerunners – “Stop, Look and Listen” / “King and I” (Robert Barry Music, produced by Watrobski Enterprises Broadalbin, NY 1973)

CMS 5105-40 – Billy D. Hunter, the Country Joe Revue “My Heart’s Still Doin’ Time” / “Old Five & Dimers” A Conway-Murray Production

476-45P – Bunz Rock Show – “Doctor Rock & Roll” / “Raw Power” (both by S. Atwood, C. Cirrone, B. Deitz, R. Hull, 1976)

Neon Records 6084-24 – Skip Johnsen – “My Friend John” / “I Like You” (1976)

Sit’ n Bull 6072-31 – Night Conference – “I Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love)” / “Kansas City” (1976)

Alan 7054-25A – Alan Burn “Unless You’re Born Again” / “Jesus the Healer” with James Caulfield (backup vocal), and musicians Ernie Burnell, Joe Latorra and Mark Carnival

Also many square dance records on the Jay Bar Kay Records label by the Rustlers and others

LPs:

Vibra-Sound 8014N5 – The Common People – Come Rest In My Heart (need confirmation of this one)

VRS-741 – Yankee Doodle Band – Yankee Doodle … Comes To Town

Vibra-Sound 82031 – Birdcage Beat: The Moods & Sounds of Go Places with General Electric 1969

82055/6 – The Golden Fox Steakhouse Presents Live the Vito Mamone Trio and Carlos & Rosita (The Chaynas); Lou Mauriello, technical assistant.

Brian Kirschenbaum and Max Waller provided many additions to the discography.

Changing Times Vibra Sound 45 We Gotta Get Out Of This Place