The Landlords from Winchester, MA released one 45 on the Reed label before disappearing.
Erik Lindgren provided the lineup of the band in a comment below:
Roger Millen – lead vocals and harmonica
John Buzzotta – lead guitar
Bill Brusseau – rhythm guitar
Bobby Mouradian – drums
Jimmy Mouradian – bass
Michael Kelley wrote a comment that I’ll reproduce in part here because it’s informative:
The Landlords were from Winchester, MA. Their one single, pictured above, was released by Jolar/Reed Record owner John J. Sullivan in 1967. The Landlords did back up labelmate Jonna Jaye on some live peformances, but not in the studio. However, she did come with her father to the Landlord’s recording session in New York. Jonna’s last release “Detour On A Dead End Street” was backed by the Maine garage band The Barracudas who recorded on Critique, Flair, and Jolar.
“I’ll Return” is a well-crafted love song, lyrically interesting, with tasty guitar reverb. The quality recording lets you hear an experienced, cohesive band that was probably gigging regularly. “I’ll Return” was written by Richard R. Errico. My copy is inscribed “To Pvt. Rossi – Good Luck – Dick Essio”, poignant given the escalation in the Vietnam War going on in 1967 when this was released.
“I’m Through With You” is as weepy as they get, and I wish I could have made a less noisy transfer of it. This side was written by John Buzzottu and Bid Woods.
Anyone have a photo of the group?
Hi, Growing up in Boston area during the 60’s and collecting local 45’s for years I beleive that the Landlords were from Worcester, Ma. have copy of this record found in thrift store maybe 30 years ago Ed
The Landlords were definitely from Winchester MA and included Bobby Mouradian on drums, Jimy Mouradian on bass, Bill Brouseau on rhythm guitar, John Buzzotta on lead guitar, and Roger Millen on lead vocals and harmonica. Roger was from England which explains his British accent. Jimmy Mouradian has a guitar store in Porter Square, Cambridge. I’ve gotten the whole Landlords story from John Buzzotta who is a great guy. Apparently they were a real rockin band influenced by the Yardbirds but their singles focuses more on moody/folk rock originals which are brilliant. Also, I believe that they are the backing band for most, if not all, of the 3 or 4 singles by Jonna Jaye on Jolar.
Your all spelling my uncle Bill’s name wrong. It’s Brusseau.
I can get the recording if anyone wants it.
with pleasure
Hi Paul, thanks for your comment, I’ve corrected the spelling of your uncle’s name in the article at top. Contact me if there’s anything you’d like to add about the Landlords.
Here is some more information about The Landlords to add to Erik’s post. The Landlords were from Winchester, MA. Their one single, pictured above, was released by Jolar/Reed Record owner John J. Sullivan in 1967. The Landlords did back up labelmate Jonna Jaye on some live peformances, but not in the studio. However, she did come with her father to the Landlord’s recording session in New York. Jonna’s last release “Detour On A Dead End Street” was backed by the Maine garage band The Barracudas who recorded on Critique,Flair,and Jolar. I met with John Buzzotta and Roger Millen a while ago and did an extensive interview with them about the Landlord’s history. We had a great time, talked, laughed and listened to the recordings. They gave me some great photos of the group and we took a updated picture. The group’s history will be included with the CD release of the entire Jolar/Reed Record Company’s output of music from 1962-1968. Currently 20 of the 32 recordings are mixed from the original 4 and 8 track session tapes in stereo. Unfortunately 12 masters/mono mixes are lost. I have one last hope of a place to look, if not, the remaining recordings will be transferred from vinyl sources. If you would like more information about the CD, shoot me an email. mjosephkelley@hotmail.com
ya, i was the drummer for that great band…..we were like brothers….i loved every second…tons of stories to tell,i miss my rogers drums, etc……any questions?, i can answer them…thanks for looking.
John is my cousin,coolest guy you’ll ever know. I remember this song when i was a kid, great to hear it again.
Does anyone have any photos of the group?
man, i was the drummer, and i don’t have ONE pic! please let me know if you find any., thanks
Hi Bob,
I’ve just posted on this site. I’m a Uk musician as you can see from my post and have just recorded a version of your song “I’ll return”. A great experience doing a really good song. I have to say that your drumming is spot on and it took quite a few takes to get anything near it, even now it falls short of yours, but we have somthing like it! Did you get a photo? If so we would love to put it on the inside sleeve of the album as recognition for you guys. Hope you are well and hope to hear from you.
Regards,
Dave T Smith
Was the record label owner John J. Sullivan — Winchester’s longstanding Town Moderator!?
No John Sullivan was a music agent from Winchester- by the way the autograph on the record to Pvt. Rossi is mine and is signed as Dick Errico my r’s looked like S’s back then.
RRE
I had a copy of this 45 which my father had given me back in 1967. He had worked with Richard Enrico’s father Lou for many years
and was given an autographed copy. The Enrico’s were in fact from Winchester, Massachusetts. Although I was only about five years
old at the time and these songs likely received zero airplay (even at the local level), I thought they were good and basically played the
record in heavy rotation along with many of my other 45s (noting that this one was never relogated to a box of unused records). Having not heard these songs in 30+ years up until now I think they still sound good and truly reflect what was happening in music during that time period.
Steven C
I’m told the record got a lot of airplay in New Hampshire. The Mouradian kids were terrific musicians. Jimmy still plays in between building and repairing (and selling) quality guitars. His store is now relocated from Cambridge to Winchester, the old stomping grounds. One of the many great cultural attractions in Winchester.
I just wanted to thank you all for the great information provided here. While I can’t remember exactly *where* I got it, I just cleaned up a JOLAR 45 (132) and was looking for about it. Thanks for providing more than I expected.
I lived down the street from the Mouradians and used to hear them practicing in their family garage as I passed by on the sidewalk (1960″s). Saw them live a number of times in Winchester – fond memories of well – executed Yardbird and Who covers – good band. Would love to see a photo or hear a live recording.
Hey guys, thanks for the info on this band. I’m a UK musician from just outside Liverpool, and have just recorded a version of “I’ll return” for a concept album about a young conscript in the Vietnam war. I first heard the song whilst researching on Youtube and was taken by surprise by it’s mood and perfect feel for the time. Like Bob the drummer says, if anyone has a photo of the band I’d love a copy and will put it in the album. A copy of my version will also available to anyone who wants it, just contact via the website.
Regards to all garage fans,
Dave T Smith
The Barracudas from Bangor, Maine backed up Jonna Jaye in the studio in the late 60’s. The band’s primary record, “No Matter What You Do” was sold to Mercury for national release in 67 or 68.
Rick Bronson
Manager of the Barracudas
Bangor
This Sunday that jist past I was invited to go to a Spiritual Church session, which was held at a nearby hotel.
I sat throughout the entire meeting behind and older gentleman. After the class we all stood around eating crackers and cbeese and drinking coffee etc.
I ended up talking with the older gentleman and he asked what I do, I mentioned that I am a producer/artist. He said that he had been involved in music a long time ago. I asked the name of the groyp and he said that they were called The Landlords. He said that he was the singer/harmonica player and that it was a good time. He enjoyed going to New York with the band.
His right eye is lazy, he’s very tall, probably close to 75 years old, smoke cigarettes, wore a greyish brown suit, slicked back grey hair and he had an accent, it almost sounded English at times.
He introduced himself to me as Roger Millen and he said that he hopes to see me again.
I just met Bob Mouradian. He’s a super nice guy, who’s done many things in his life