These are some strange times we are living in. But sometimes the Universe throws you a bone — or a musical lifesaver.
I was working at my computer a few weeks ago and got an eMail someone sent me via my contact form on my blog. That’s always nice to see — in and of itself. But color me gobsmacked when I read that eMail. It was from Russell Ferrarelli: brother-in-law of Rich Ramppen: a member of the Smoots band in one of the lineups before Gary dissolved the band and moved to Seattle & started doing actions with Greenpeace.
The eMail:
I have some old Jr Smoots recordings. If you search for jr smoots on ebay you’ll see what i have. If you can make use of it, let me know and i’ll send them off to you and end the listing. These came from my brother in law Rich Ramppen who was in the band at the time….. russell
I received two CDs of a Smoots gig at Club Spanky from 1983. Club Spanky (located on Ocean Boulevard in Long Branch, NJ) was a very popular spot for Monmouth College students during the 1978–82 time frame. The drinking age at the time was only 18, so the club would often be filled with students, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. I do believe I was actually at this show—now that I found this photo of Club Spanky on the Monmouth Magazine website. It’s wild the things you find when you’re trying to piece together history!
Smoots Band Members Over The Years
Original Members:
Gary Crosslin: Lead Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Melodica
Judy Jutes: Vocals, Percussion
Kevin “Emergency” Ward: Guitar, Vocals
Paul Roberts: Bass
Tracy Lawrence: Organ, Keyboards
Vito Roast: Saxaphone
Tommy Meares: Trombone
Kenny Douyotas: Drums
Later Members:
Denny Kronemeyer: Guitar
Rich Ramppen: Bass
Rich Stout: Drums
Frank Lacy: Trombone
Jersey Shore Report Articles by Robert Santelli
It was pretty wild for me to see and read these articles by Robert Santelli. There may be some “facts” in these articles that might have been embellished a bit. And some that sound like absolute fiction. Having lived with Gary, Judy, & Kenny from 1982 to 1986 there are some stories that Robert relays that border on fiction. But that’s history for you. The further we get away from a moment in time, the more “interpretive” recollections can be. Anywho … it was still great to get these articles from Russell along with the Smoots music.
Kevin “Emergency” Ward and I have recently reconnected via Facebook. He has just moved to South Carolina where Kenny Douyotas also lives. They have been jamming together too. It’s just good to hear two friends and early member of Smoots band are reconnecting. Kevin and I were chatting today via FB Messenger. He talked a bit about Smootstory:
I played with the original members. I had answered an add in the APP [Asbury Park Press] for a reggae, rock, jazz, band. I met Gary in 1981.
In the beginning it was just he and I, we sat and listened to African recordings and other types music from around the world. He told me he was auditioning drummers and in walked Kenny [Douyotas]. I had to laugh I just played CBGBs with him the year before with a band called Streets.
The first bass player was Neil Holloway. He was a thumper. He didn’t last; wish he did he was cool.
We took Paul Robert’s for bass, then came Judy. Kenny had a band with her before she took one look at Gary and they were in love and together every day after that—quick.
After that came Tracy [Lawrence]. He came to rehearsal with a Hammond B3 organ tied to the roof of his old Cadillac with a rope. That’s when we started getting the sound and we hired Tommy Mears from Clarence’s [Clarence Clemons] band and Gary hired Vito Roast [saxophone].
That’s the band I played with from 81 till 84, and OMG so much shit happened in that time I could write a book about it.
After I left, Kenny, Paul, Tommy left. Gary hired Rich Ramppen bass, Denny [Kronemeyer] took my place, Frank Lacy on trombone.
Tommy and I went on to play for Jah Love [another reggae band from the Jersey shore area] from 84 till 90. We played a lot. Jammed with Bruce, opened for the Wailers, and a lot of other shit then.
Tom Hank and I formed Blue Gumbo in 1990 and we did a lot of shit we opened for BB king.
I have another mystery tape that Russell Ferrarelli sent me: I think it’s a demo or showcase tape Gary included with the Smoots press package he gave to club owners to get gigs. That will be for another post — once I find a cassette player to play & digitize the tunes.
Russell also sent me this photo, which I think is either the Smoots band last show or the one off reunion show. If anyone knows, please leave a comment. Thanks!
Hope you enjoy this show! And don’t forget to tip your bartender or waitress!
Junior Smoots And The Disturbers @ Club Spanky • July 15, 1983
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