The Blazers were an obscure group who cut one fine instrumental single “Poison” / “Blue Blazin” with a Century Custom franchise out of Paducah, Kentucky, in the far west of the state.
Members were:
Bob Houghland – drums
Ron Griffith – rhythm guitar
John Adler – lead guitar
Harry Alexander – bass
Lead guitarist John Adler sent in the photo at top. Check out the skull in front of the bass drum, not to mention the instruments: a Kay Value Leader bass, a Danelectro Shorthorn double-cutaway, and a Gibson SG.
“Blue Blazin” was the original A-side, a bluesy guitar workout with plenty of room echo, written by Bob Houghland and Ron Griffith.
“Poison” has achieved some fame since appearing on an early volume of Strummin’ Mental (available now through Crypt Records). John Adler and Harry Alexander wrote “Poison”.
Bob Houghland passed away in 2014.
The Blazers recorded through the Century Custom Recording Service of Thomas F. Morris at 3029 Oregon St., Paducah, Kentucky. Fellow Paducah band the Moxies recorded their great last single, “I’m Gonna Stay” / “Drinkin’ Wine” through Century.
The Century Custom release number 18054 dates it to 1964.
I played with this group in high school. I was certainly surprised to see it resurface after all these years…Brings back a lot of old memories.
I also played with these guys. Enjoyed every minute. Wish our drummer was still around to see this.
My dad, who commented above, was on lead guitar! We have all just discovered this on here today! Wow! What a find! 😊Love this!
I remember you guys from Lone Oak and knew Harry Alexander well but, simply do not remember the band. Too bad for me, you really rocked.
Nice record, can you post the other side
Hey this is HARRY Alexander , I’m hoping to hear from John Adler again. You have my phone number .
when John called me & said sit down, I wondered, what now? Then he told me about this. WOW:
I played bass, & loved it. I did give the bass away but I still have the 1959 MGA I drove in 1963.
Hey, Harry, this is Ron….good to hear from you. So you still have the MG we wrecked and broke my nose on the dash. Man, that is cool. John gave your phone number to a while back and I been meaning to call you. Just haven’t done it yet. It would be cool if you and John and myself could set a time for a little reunion some day again.
Where can I buy a Blazers music CD with this song and some of the early 1960’s Surf instrumental hits on it ? 😔
Check out Strummin’ Mental Part 1
Was he the BOB HOUGHLAND OF HOUGHLANDS BARGE LINE?
Yes he was! He also was my handsome cousin!