60s Pop, Vocal Pop, Psychedelic Pop: The Californians - Selfmade Home Singles Collection 1967-69

A major local group, the Californians came together in May 1966 as a product of a change in the Black Diamonds (Sheila Deni left to go solo). The original Californians comprised the remaining members of the Black Diamonds, Roger Clark lead, Pete Abberley bass and Keith Evans on drums, with John O'Hara as lead vocalist.

They were managed by Roger Allen. Later members included Mick Brookes (from the Cobras) who took Roger Clarke's place, Bob Trevis (from Choice) who replaced Keith Evans, Adrian Ingram (ex-Choice, Gilt Edge, Evolution) who became an extra guitarist and Geoff Parkes who became a second vocalist.

Their intention was to produce close harmonies, reminiscent of the Beach Boys and the Four Seasons. Their success as a harmony group was very much down to the tuition they received from George Taylor, a pianist who had been a member of the Hedley Ward Trio. From the start the group was very popular in the local area because of its clean-cut image and because they made a very pleasing sound.

They were to release quite a number of records from 1967 to 1969, mainly on Decca.
Their first release was called Golden Apples, other titles included Sunday Will Never Be The Same, Congratulations, You've Got Your Troubles. While they never reached the Top Twenty, their records sold well, they toured extensively and made a large number of radio appearances.

They appeared on one very major package tour in 1967 with Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, Engelbert Humperdink and the Walker Brothers. (historywebsite.co.uk)

Teensville Records released a compilation this year with everything The Californians and members of the band have worked on, including Finders Keepers, Royalty, Sight And Sound, Tony Jackson Group, Paul Craig and of course under their own name. Since the album is still very new, I don't want to post it here yet, but I've put together a compilation of their singles myself and hope you like the band.

You can buy the Teensville album here: The Californians & Friends - Early Morning Sun: 60s Harmony Pop Produced by Irving Martin

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