PACHUCO SOUL

Released in 2004 on both compact disc and vinyl LP by the Vampisoul Label and licensed from Rampart Records/Gordo Enterprises, PACHUCO SOUL - A COLLECTION OF RARE EAST LA GROOVES is another fines set of track tracks from the vaults of Rampart Records showcasing the East Side Sound.

For LA's East Side kids, Eddie Davis was The Man. Eddie founded what would become the Motown for the California Chicanos: Rampart Records, and from the beginning of his career as a record producer in 1958 into the early nineties, his groups gave rise to a unique genre eventually dubbed "The West Coast Eastside Sound" or "Pachuco Soul": the music coming out of East L.A. in the early 60s from bands formed by Mexican American musicians. Eddie "was trying to do with Chicanos what Motown was doing with Blacks". Davis' "family of musicians" was an outlet of expression for the young Chicano scene, and helped give legitimacy to the culture of lowrider cars, "cholos and cholas": Mexican American kids had found their own scene and dances. Davis was in the right place at the right time, and his dedication to the music helped a scene of young L.A. musicians establish a new sound. In the words of KPFA Berkeley music director, Chuey Varela, "Eddie caught the vibe and laid the foundation for everything that followed". In this compilation, a tribute to that magnificent musical adventure, you can find the very best and hottest music that ever came out from Rampart Records. The best way to celebrate and discover the scorching beat of the "Pachuco Soul"! (Taken From The Vampisoul web site vampisoul.com)

Pachuco Soul LP (Vampisoul)

In checking the Vampisoul web site, both the CD and LP versions of this collection are out of print but with an ambitious search of the internet or local retailers they will turn up.

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!

Solely for historical, educational and listening pleasure.

RECOMMENDED READING - HISTORY OF A BARRIO EAST LOS ANGELES

Though this book does not deal with music, HISTORY OF A BARRIO - EAST LOS ANGELES by Ricardo Romo, it is an insightful look at the story of the East Los Angeles barrio in it's formative years 1900-1930.
  Author, Ricardo Romo examines the resourcefulness of Mexican Americans who attempted to sustain a culture within a culture in the face of social, economic and political dicrimination.
  The foundation that would be built during these years would set the stage for massive migration of Mexicans into Southern California and their involvement in industrial and commercial growth. in the 1950's and 1960's.
Their successes and failures would ultimately lead to expression not only in the political area but also in art, music and literature. Through their expression in music, the East Side Sound would be born.

Ricardo Romo is an author and associate professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin.

The book is readily available and well worth seeking out.

EDDIE DAVIS WEST COAST EASTSIDE SOUND ARCHIVES

The University Of California, Santa Barbara, Department Of Special Collections web site has a link to the Eddie Davis West Coast Eastside Sound Archives.
  They present a documentary on the East Side Sound through video footage. The documentary is divided into five parts.
Chapter 1 - The Eddie Davis Story
Chapter 2 - Cannibal & The Headhunters
Chapter 3 - Vietnam Draft
Chapter 4 - Rampart's Library
Chapter 5 - Early Influences.

This is yet another highly recommended source of information into understanding the East Side Sound.

You can find the documentary here:

http://cemaweb.library.ucsb.edu/Davis1.html

LEGENDS OF THE EASTSIDE SOUND - AN INTERVIEW WITH MARK GUERRERO (PARTS 1 & 2)

Posted on the LA Eastside web site is an insightful interview with Mark Guerrero, son of Lalo Guerrero, the gather of Chicano music. Mark & his band the Escorts were part of the East Side Sound and the East Los Angeles music scene during the 1960's and into the 1970's.
  In the interview, Mark answers questions about the East LA music scene; the venues, what other artists were on the bill, musical styles, drug culture, clothing, hang outs, cruising and much more..
   There are many great pictures, flyers, posters and business cards from Mark's collection.

You can find Part 1 here:

http://laeastside.com/2009/05/legends-of-the-eastside-sound-an-interview-with-mark-guerrero-part-1/

You can find Part 2 here:

http://laeastside.com/2009/06/legends-of-the-eastside-sound-an-interview-with-mark-guerrero-part-2/

THE EAST SIDE SOUND - THE REAL STORY

Written by Luis J. Rodriguez for Q-VO Magazine, "The East Side Sound" is yet another well-written and insightful article dealing with the East L.A music scene going back to the 1950's.
  The article has quotes from many of the pioneers of that scene including Eddie Davis, Max Uballez and Steve Salas, There are also many pictures of the artists that are worth checking out.
  I highly recommend you reading this article for it's historical and educational information.

You can find the article at this link:

http://www.q-vomagazine.com/eastsidesound/TheEastsideSound.htm#

THE EAST SIDE SOUND VOLUME 2

This is the second of  two discs released by Bacchus Archives and Dionysus Records. Released in 2000, this disc contains fifteen more tracks from the East Side Sound and features the group, Mark & The Escorts.
  Also included is a booklet with two articles written by Mark Guerrero entitled "The Mark & The Escorts Story" and "The East L.A. Rock Music Scene (1964-1966)".
  It is also available on vinyl released on Dionysus Records. Both the vinyl & CD versions are still available and well worth seeking out.

NO COPYRIGHT INFRIGEMNT INTENDED!!

Soley for historical & educational purposes and for listening enjoyment.

THE EAST SIDE SOUND

Not to be confused with the four disc set on the Varese Sarabande label THE EAST SIDE SOUND is the first of a two CD set put out by Bacchus Archives and Dionysus Records.
  Released in 1996 and sporting 30 tracks, this is another fine compilation and includes tracks not found on the Varese Sarabande sets.
  Also included is a booklet with an interview with Eddie Davis, also known as "The Godfather Of The East L.A. Sound" conducted in 1992 by Lee Joseph and Carmen Hillebrew. In the interview Mr Davis answers questions about the music business, the East Side artists and their records
  A vinyl version of this compilation was released on telstar records.

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!

Soley for historical, educational and listening enjoyment. 

RECOMMENDED READING - BARRIO RHYTHM (MEXICAN AMERICAN MUSIC IN LOS ANGELES)

I did not have this book in my library untill recently when it was recommended to me by a good friend and fellow collector.
  In his book, BARRIO RHYTHM, author Steven Loza gives a scholarly survey of the history of Mexican and Mexican-American music in Los Angeles. He traces it's history going back to the Eighteenth Century all the way up to 1990.
  The section entitled "Musical Life: Los Angeles, 1945-1990" is an informative and fascinating read. The book is full of rare and historical photographs and is most definitely a must for all historians and collectors of the East Side Sound.

Steven Loza is an author and professor of ethnomusicology at the University Of California at Los Angeles.

WEST COAST EAST SIDE SOUND VOLUME 4 - VIVA TIRADO

West Coast East Side Sound Volume 4 - Viva Tirado. Volume 4 in a series of four compact discs.

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!

Soley for historical, educational and listening enjoyment.

WEST COAST EAST SIDE SOUND VOLUME 3 - FARMER JOHN

West Coast East Side Sound Volume 3 - Farmer John. Volume 3 in a series of four compact discs.

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!

Soley for historical, educational and listening enjoyment.

WEST COAST EAST SIDE SOUND VOLUME 2 - LA LA LA LA LA

West Coast East Side Sound Volume 2 - LA LA LA LA LA

The second volume in a series of four compact discs.

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.

Soley for historical, educational & listening enjoyment.

WEST COAST EAST SIDE SOUND VOLUME 1 - LAND OF 1000 DANCES

Released on the Varese Sarabande label courtesy of Rampart Records in 1999 the West Coast East Side Sound is a collection of four compact discs & is yet another must have for the true lover of the East Side Sound. Every effort was made to find the best souce material for each track and each disc comes with a booklet of liner notes telling the story of each song & their artists.
  In searching the Varese Sarabande catalog I could not find that these discs are still available and may be out of print. However there are outlets on the internet that have them in stock if you desire to own your own copy. Happy hunting!!

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!

Soley for historical, educational & listening enjoyment.

CHICANO SOUL AT NICK'S TASTE OF TEXAS APRIL 30TH

This looks to be another fabulous show promoted by Ruben Molina. I have been to Nick's Taste Of Texas in Covina, CA a number of times & it's a great venue to see a show. The food is also great, real Texas style.

  I have seen Larry Lange & His Lonely Knights before & they put on one hell of a show. Westside Oldies!! Of interest to me will be seeing El Monte's own David Luna & Ray Juarez of the Royal Chessmen & "Beggin You" fame.

  I have heard that Alfred Garcia of Alfred & Joe will be honored at the show. Alfred was at the last Soul Spinners Show & it was a thrill just to meet him. Alfred & Joe had a big Eastside hit with "Darling Dear" a remake of the Counts (Dot Label) tune which was release in 1964 on the Kay Gee label.

Check it out here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POOv8zvsCAA

See you at the show.

VINYL CLASSICS - EAST SIDE REVUE (RAMPART RECORDS)

I bought this two record set back in the late 60's at Sounds Of Music Record Store on Whittier Blvd in East Los Angeles, California when I was still a DJ at East LA College.
  It has been my favorite piece in my music collection for the past 40 years and I played it mo much I had to buy a second copy.
  This fabulous collection put out by Rampart Records is the epitome of the Eastside Sound. The major artists are all represented here. Thee Midniters, Little Ray, Cannibal & The Headhunters, The Salas Brothers and many more. Each of the 40 tracks are great in their own way and take their place in the American Music Scene and the history of music from the East Los Angeles area.
  If you only pick up one piece to add to your collection, this would be the one. Though I believe it is long out of print there are copies still floating around. You can find it as a two record set or as two individual volumes on yellow wax and on colored vinyl.

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!

This is solely for historical, educational and listening pleasure only.

Posted By: Guy (East LA Guy)

RECOMMENDED LISTENING - THE BROWN UNDERGROUND

DJ Silent plays the best in classic R&B, rare & hard-to-find soul, Philly favorites, slow love jams, low rider oldies, Motown and the East & Westside Sounds.

  The tunes Silent plays help me get through my work day and mellow me out in the evening while I'm having my favoite adult beverage.

  Absolutely one of the finest put together stations playing 24/7. Please check it out at:

http://www.brownunderground.com/

RECOMMENDED LISTENING - EAST LA REVUE RADIO

Steven Chavez has put together quite a site dedicated to the preservation and awareness of "THE EASTSIDE SOUND" and its origins in Los Angeles, California.
  He has a fabulous line-up of disc jockeys which include Frankie Firme, the Beto-Man, Chico, Sapo, Ray & Josie Ramos and many more.

  A special added feature to the site is the section called Vinyl Classics where you can hear rare & out-of-print vinyl LP's.

  Please check it out at:

http://eastlarevue.com/

RECOMMENDED SITE TO VISIT - MARK GUERRERO

Mark Guerrero is a singer/songwriter, author and music historian. He has a degree in Chicano Studies and is the son of the late legendary singer/songwriter Lalo Guerrero. His band, Mark & The Escorts were part of the Los Angeles music scene in the 1960's and helped shape the Eastside Sound.  His site is an mecca for any fan of the Eastside Sound and is loaded with information about himself and many, many of the artists of the artists who performed in the greater Los Angeles area from the 1960's- 1980's
.
  I can't say enough about Mark and his site. You will just have to see it to believe it. You can find the site at:

http://markguerrero.net/

RECOMMENDED VIEWING - CHICANO ROCK! (THE SOUNDS OF EAST LOS ANGELES)

This documentary tells the story of generations of young Mexican-Americans who proudly expressed their identity through music. The program is filled with intimate first-person storytelling, rare film and photos, and exuberant music from artists such as Lalo Guerrero, the legendary Ritchie Valens, and classic bands such as Cannibal and the Headhunters, Thee Midniters of "Whittier Blvd." fame, El Chicano, Tierra and Los Lobos.

Narrated by Edward James Olmos, in watching this film you would almost swear you were walking the streets of Whittier Boulevard back in the day. Chicano Rock! is still available & highly recommend you get a copy and see for yourself.

RECOMMENDED READING - CHICANO SOUL (RECORDINGS & HISTORY OF AN AMERICAN CULTURE)

Author Ruben Molina takes you into the world of a vital & often overlooked chapter of the American Musicical experience. Chicano Soul is explored in this historical and educational piece of literature.
  The information about the artists and their music is divided up regionally and makes for an absolutely fascinating read. Loaded with biographical data, pictures and a discography this is yet another must have.


Ruben Molina is an author, record collector and Chicano Soul historian. He continues to promote live concerts in the Southern California area. He is also part of a group of record collectors group called "The Soul Spinners" who spin their vinyl 45's at local venues.

RECOMMENDED READING - THE OLD BARRIO GUIDE TO LOW RIDER MUSIC 1950-1975

Now this is the book that really got my collecting juices flowing. The Old Barrio Guide To Low Rider Music is a truly fascinating look into the world of low rider/cruising music. Ruben Molina takes you back to the roots of rock & roll, through to rhythm & blues, doo wop & soul. The Eastside Sound is well represented here and lists hundreds of songs Chicanos were listening & cruising to.
  The artists are listened in alphabetical order and the author gives biographical data as well as listing the artists' key songs. Ruben also gives you insite as to where you can find & collect these precious songs.
The book is also chocked full of pictures of artists and rare vinyl.
  Now in it's third edition this well written book is an absolute must for the serious collector as well as the casual listener and lover of cruising oldies.

Ruben Molina is an author, record collector and Chicano Soul historian. He continues to promote live concerts in the Southern California area. He is also part of a group of record collectors group called "The Soul Spinners" who spin their vinyl 45's at local venues.

RECOMMENDED READING - L.A. R&B VOCAL GROUPS 1945-1965

Authors Steve Propes & Galen Gart have put together a powerful book exploring the Los Angeles rhythm & blues music scene spanning the years 1945 to 1965. Artists relating to the Eastside Sound are well respesented in this book as well as soul, rhythm & blues and doo wop. It reads like a dictionary with the artists being listed in alphabetical order. Loaded with historical facts gathered by Steve Propes through actual interviews and listings of  records from his own collection, this is another must have.
  One of the most interesting things in the book is a Greater Los Angles Music History Map which shows where high schools, record companies, movie theaters etc. were located during those years. I'm sure you can tell by the looks of my book that I refer to it a lot.

Steve Propes is a disc jockey, record collector and music historian. I first started listening to Steve on the radio in the early 1980's on KLON-FM out of Long Beach, California. He currently can be heard on station WPMD out of Cerritos, California over the internet on Saturday mornings called "The 45's Show", He doesn't just play the records. He gives lots of historical information on the labels & the artists themselves. His guests sometimes include record collectors or artists from that musical era. I recommend you check out his show.

From what I've heard Steve is currently working on expanding & revising the book.

RECOMMENDED READING - LAND OF A THOUSAND DANCES

Written by David Reyes and Tom Waldman "Land Of A Thousand Dances" chronicles Chicano Rock & Roll from Southern California. It tells the story beginning with Lalo Guerrero and Chico Sesma, the musical forefathers in East Los Angeles through the Chicano music scene with artists like Ritchie Valens, Thee Midniters, Cannibal & The Headhunters, Lil' Ray, El Chicano, Tierra, Los Lobos and everything in between.
  This highly acclaimed and well-written book is loaded with stories, interviews. facts, pictures and a selected discography and is an absolute must into understanding the Eastside Sound and it's musical roots
  It is still available through internet retailers and I highly recommend you pick up a copy if you don't already have it..

ABOUT THE SITE

This site was created for historical and educational purposes only and for listening enjoyment. Those who wish to share their music and memories are more than welcome to come on board.
  The site was created with the record and music collector in mind but may also appeal to the casual listener of "Oldies But Goodies", Chicano Rock, Chicano Soul, Low Rider Music, Sweet Soul Harmony, Doo Wop and the Teen Sound.
   The site is to be used as a tool to collecting rare and hard-to-find 45's, LP's and CD's and will help you find those which are still in print or still available. You are encouraged to seek out these recordings in their original and re-issued forms and to support the artists and record labels who recorded and produced such music.
  The site was NOT created for monetary gain. You will NOT be asked for money or donations. What I do ask is that if you visit this site that you treat it and anyone involved with the site with the utmost in respect.
  If you are copyright owner of any of the material posted on this site please contact me: gaversa@aol.com and it will be removed.


This site will mainly involve the music and memories of the Eastside Sound but will not be limited to that. Crusing "Oldies But Goodies" and the sounds of Chicano Soul will be included. Sweet Soul Harmony, Doo Wop and the Teen Sound that we all grew up with will also be included. You will find music from rare and out of print 45's, LP's and CD's.

Please feel free to leave comments or contact me if you would like to be a contibutor or have ideas for the site.

ABOUT ME

I was born & raised in East Los Angeles, California half a block from Whittier Boulevard on Arizona St. My mother was a huge Elvis Presley fan so I was exposed to the Rock & Roll Era at a very early age. My father served in the Navy and when he was discharged, opened a television & radio repair shop where he also sold records on Whittier Boulevard. We did have a record player in the house & at the age of four, I recall picking up a 78RPM record of Patti Page's "How Much Is That Doggie In The Window" and played it and was fascinated to hear a dog barking through the speakers. I was hooked!! My mother & father were soon divorced and in 1958 my mother married a man from Pacoima, California. One day he brought home a 45 RPM record of Ritchie Valens "La Bamba" Though he did let me listen to it, I was bounded and determined to get my own copy. I saved up two weeks allowance and bought my own copy. I wanted to hear what was on the other side & when I heard "Donna" I was blown away! That was the start of my love for what I call the "Eastside Sound"
  Growing up I listen to all genres of 50's & 60's music and was even heavily influenced by the Beatles. There were many disc jockeys I listened to but none better than Huggy Boy & Art Laboe. I would stay up late at night doing my homework with my transistor radio listening to what are now know as "Oldies But Goodies" I have many recollections of those days but I will leave that for another time.
  I spent many a weekend night on the boulevard watching the cars go by hoping that I saw someone I knew who would let me cruise with them. When I turned 16, my step-father gave me his '59 Dodge with the fins in the back. Now I could cruise the boulevard with my friends and thats what we did almost every weekend.
  At that time 4-track stereo players had just hit the market so I saved up & had one installed. There was a record store on the boulevard (I don't recall the name) that would make 4-track tapes from vinyl so I dragged by collection down and had my favorites taped. I thought man, now I can cruise in style with my favorite tunes. It was a great life with many memories and I took on many odd jobs in the neighborhood just to support my music & cruising habit.
  From time to time my friends & I went to see local bands play mainly at El Monte Legion Stadium, Montebello Ball Room & Kennedy Hall. My cousin Mickey had started a band called Mickey & The Invaders and through his influence I continued to be fascinated by the Eastside Sound.
  In 1967 I attended East Los Angeles College and became a disc jockey. Because I loved it so much I enlisted an Architect major friend of mine & we built a sound proof booth. I soon became station manager & the first thing I did was write letters to local record companies asking for records to supply the station. Though I received only a minimal responses, one was from Art Laboe who invited me to Original Sound Records in Hollywood. There, he & his staff treated me to lunch, a guided tour of the facilities and a complete set of his "Oldies But Goodies" LP's and a bunch of 45's. When I left East LA College I took about half of the recods with me & left the rest for future DJ's to play. I wanted to pursue a career as a DJ but friends & family soon convinced me otherwise.
  Over the years I never stopped listening to & collecting records and when the Internet was created I was able to share and enjoy music and memories with people from all walks of life.
  I have wanted to have my own site for several years now & though I am not skilled at putting a site together. I will learn as I go.
  I wanted to create a site that would appeal to those who lived & experienced the great & forgotten music from back in the day and also appeal to the youth who will pass this music down to generations to come.
  I am getting up there in years but still attend local clubs and concerts and follow the artists which still perform these old tunes today.
  I appeciate anyone who visits this site and shares in the music and memories. I am not here for any financial gain and do not wish to infringe on any one's copyrights. My e-mail address is posted if anyone would like to contact me. I am by no means an authority on this music (I will post links to those who are) but still enjoy listening to & learning about music which is now more than 50 years old.

Sincerely,

Guy (East LA Guy)

DISCLAIMER

This site is solely for historical, educational and public enjoyment purposes. If you are a copyright owner of any of the material found here contact me and it will be removed. Please contact me at: gaversa@aol.com.

The links associated with music on this site are NOT downloadable. They are posted only for listening pleasure. I encourage you to support the artists and buy their music. If they are still performing live go out & see them.
Copyright Disclaimer:

"Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."