john fred

Description

Products of the Morticians (1965-1970) was a 5 piece rock (Soul/Garage Punk, HI-Energy Fuzz Punk) made up of Jerry Montalbano (Singer/Organist), David Powers (Lead Guitarist), Brian Rodriguez (Drummer), Rooster (Bassist) and rhythm guitarist, Bob Waller. All hailed from Harahan, Louisiana located along the mighty Mississippi upstream 7 miles from and a suburb of New Orleans LA. After the record's release in the summer of 1967, the group's name was shortened to The Morticians. This was the single recorded in Memphis, Tennessee by the Morticians (Side A: Soul Clinic), written and sung by Jerry Montalbano (whom also played bass, lead/rhythm guitar, upright bass, congas, background vocals) was in the music business from June 1963 to November 1977. Jerry also recorded with other artists locally. After the 1970 disbanding of the group went on to play as a keyboardist with other groups such as Southern Heat with Hector Nieves/Ronnie Boudreaux/Dale Boudreaux and Calvin Goudin as well as Nantucket with Gary Gaspard (now deceased) from 1973-1977. Jerry also was in backup groups for many of the successful New Orleans-based Rhythm-and-Blues performers of the 1950's-1970's. The list of names included Ernie K-Doe (Certain Girl/Mother-in-Law), Benny Spellman (Fortune Teller), Oliver Morgan (Who Shot the La La), Art and Aaron Neville (of The Meters/Neville Brothers fame), Lee Dorsey (Ya Ya/Holy Cow) and many, many other artists including Bourbon Street's Chris Owens. Side B of the Soul Clinic recording ("Why") was sung by Brian Rodriquez and had backup in a 4 vocal accompaniment. It was written by the late, Bennie Lobrano who was the group's manager for the first 2 years, and ironically due to Jerry's 20 yr. old naive business skills allowed his name as writer with him on Soul Clinic. He actually played no part in the writing portion but played a huge part in the recording expense help and distribution. Although only 1000 records were pressed, the songs made local distribution and success to help the group's business gigs as that time's distribution would have taken larger pockets of money during an era that depended up DJ's payola and playing time, few who wanted to air it without compensation. Never-the-less, the Soul-Clinic song received popularity on its own having been played as part of the Mortician's flagship song during the 1967-68 years in local clubs and engagements. The high-energy song was influenced by a few of Jerry's favorite artists that included Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and John Fred and the Playboys (1967). Since the advent of the Internet, Soul Clinic became viral on the Internet and to this day is being admired by many classic artists and record aficionados with its energy and is considered a timeless classic lasting 45 years by 2012 - and still listed to regularly worldwide. More info: jerrytt@yahoo.com We encourage comments!