THE OUTCASTS

Original members of the group were,Buddy Carson (Keyboards, harmonica), Rickey Wright (drums), and Denny Turner (guitar). Jim Carsten (guitar) and Jim Ryan (Bass) were added in late 1964. This was the nucleus of the group and played on all the recordings except for 1523 Blair and Smokestack Lightning II, which added Galen Niles replacing Denny Turner on guitar. The first release from THE OUTCASTS was "Nothing Ever Comes easy" / "Oriental Express". This single 45 was recorded at Texas sound in san antonio. Both sides were produced and authored by Mike Post. Yes, this is the same Mike Post who went on many years later to give us music for Hill street Blues, Rockford Files and many other TV series. He was in basic training at Lackland Air Force base and was redirected by the groups manager, Major John Carson to produce a show with Jimmy Hawkins (Donna Reed show, Elvis films) and a Jazz pianist from New York. The Outcasts were the back up band and learned much from Mikes direction. The song itself was a very tender, yearning ballad with some nice changes and arrangement by a talented composer. The B/side was Oriental Express, a surf instrumental that rocked in fifths to give that asian sound.

The second release for the band was "I'm in Pittsburg and its Raining" / The Price of Victory". This was the most commercially successful recording the band made. It was charted in San Antonio. Houston and Austin and recieved airplay in major markets all over the country. It started to take off in Pittsburg until one sharp native noticed the line "sittin' in the subway here complainin'". Since there is no subway in Pittsburg the song lost all local appeal and dropped from the play list. oh well, I guess you had to be there. The next two releases; "I'll Set You Free / Everyday" and "Route 66 / Everyday" recieved airplay but were never charted. The final hurrah for the group was "1523 Blair / Smokestack Lightning'. "1523 Blair" gets its' title from the address for Lelan Rogers (yes thats Kennys brother) studio in Houston Texas. Although it was played quite a bit regionaly,this psychedelic tour de force never caught on. It has gone on to recieve critical acclaim and with "I'm In Pittsburg" has been featured on a number of compilations of the music of this period.

The real appeal of this band was live performance. The year or so they played a constant schedule of military clubs before their big break opening for Hermans Hermits had tightned the group and the experience with Mike Post had given them a proffesional attitude and the ability to put together a show. This combined with the keen competion at regional battle of bands and for the hearts and favors of the profusion georgeous Texas groupies kept the group working hard to stay on top. Opening shows for Hermans Hermits in San Antonio and Austin was the catalyst for opening many doors for the group. After these two shows there was a fan club and calls for the best gigs in the state. It was the best of times. Sadly,the group disolved in a psychedelic haze in 1968.

We would like to invite you to send any comments, memories, information or pictures to our email below or to Jim Ryan , 312 Larchmont, San Antonio, Texas 78209 In a recent email Peter Weinberger pointed out the origin for the title to "I'm In Pittsgurg". It came from a great old movie called "Requiem for a Heavy Weight" that starred Anthony Quinn as the aging fighter. In the opening scene "Mountain" (Quinns character), in pummelled, and knocked out by a baby face Cassius Clay, who used his real name in the film. After they drag him delerious from the ring to the dressing room. Mishh, his manager (played by Jackie Gleason) asks him pleadingly, "Where are you Mountain, where are you". A barely concious, and sweating profusely Quinn answers " I'm In Pittsburg, and Its Raining". It should be mentioned that their were two bass players who filled in for Jim Ryan during the Summers of 1965, and 1966 when he returned to Oslo Norway where his father Lt. Col. James r. Ryan was stationed. Kurt Linhoff filled in in 1966, and John played the Summer of 1965. I apologizr that I have forgotten John's last name. If anyone knows this fact, please send it to me (JR)

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