Monday, February 8, 2016

EASTSIDE BANDS - THEE IMPALAS



BAND MEMBERS:

Al Anaya (Vocals)
Ronnie Reyes (Guitar)
Joe Alvarez
Willie Alvarez
Ruben Diaz - Baritone Sax

I don't know much about this band but would love to hear from any memebers, their family or friends. Please e-mail me at gaversa@aol.com Thank you.

I did however have the good fortune of sharing a Physical Education class with Al Anaya in 1968 at East Los Angeles College. By then, he was a member of Thee Midniters and sang on two tracks on the "Giants" album.

The first Impalas record was "Power Glide" which appeared as the B-Side of The Slauson Brothers "Rosalie" for Godfrey Kerr's Gee Kay label in 1964. (Gee Kay 1003)





The band's second record, "2 O'Clock Blues" was also the B-Side to another Slauson Brothers record "Baby Come Home" for Godfrey Kerr's Kay Gee label also in 1964. (Kay Gee 102).




In 1966, The Impalas recorded "Yes I'm Ready" and "Band Of Gold" for Eddie Torres' Whittier label. (Whittier 502). "Yes I'm Ready is a cover version of Barbara Mason's 1965 smash hit. "Band Of Gold" is a cover version of Don Cherry's 1955 hit.



You My Listen To Thee Impalas sing "Bamd Of Gold" here:



In the late 60's, early 70's it was released on the Mem-O-Ree label in yellow and in green








                You May Listen To The Impalas "Yes I'm Ready" Here:


                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pqUIUy-BsE




You May Listen To The Impalas "Band Of Gold Here:





The Whittier single would be reissued/bootlegged on the Mem-O-Ree label.






Later in 1966, The Impalas would record their second and final record for Whittier. "Come On Up" and "Oh Yeah (Whittier 506) "Come On Up" is a cover version of a Young Rascals tune.



You May Listen To Thee Impalas "Come On Up" and "Oh Yeah!" Here:











NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!! 

SOLELY FOR HISTORICAL & EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES AND FOR LISTENING PLEASURE.

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