The Left Banke - LeftBanke.nu

»Sarita Heredia

Vocalist Steve Martin Caro's mother Sarita Heredia was born in Almeria, Spain. An accomplished Flamenco guitarist/singer, she learned her craft from her father from the age of six. She was part of the famous Gypsy family "Los Clauijos" and was renowned during the 1950's and 1960's as "the only female Flamenco guitarist in the world." She performed for the likes of Andres Segovia and Carlos Montoya as well as all over the world, traveling with her family across the globe.

»Harry Lookofsky

Keyboardist Michael Brown's father, Harry Lookofsky was a classically trained violinist who put out pop records under the name Hash Brown, a name given to him by Quincy Jones. Lookofsky was responsible for getting The Left Banke signed to Smash records in 1966. He also arranged and produced most of the songs on their first album. His 1958 Stringsville album is a favorite among Jazz fans. He was also part owner of the studio (World Artists, later Sound Ideas Studios) where the Left Banke recorded their hits.

»Montage

Friends of Michael Brown, they recorded an album on Laurie records where Brown wrote most of the songs and did the vocal arrangements. Although the members of Montage were nowhere as talented as the original Left Banke members and their cover of "Desiree" is sub par at best, their self-titled 1967 album is still quite good. It did not do well however, and the band was never heard from again.

»Bert Sommer

Bert sang lead on three songs under the Left Banke name: Men Are Building Sand," "And Suddenly," and "Ivy Ivy." He performed on the first day of Woodstock and was a member of the cast of Hair. His highest charting single as a solo artist was "We're All Playin' in the Same Band."

»Stories

Featuring vocalist Ian Lloyd. Michael Brown was a member on their first album, then left during the making of the second due to low record sales and creative differences. A revised lineup of Stories produced the hit "Brother Louie" in the summer of 1973.

»The Beckies

Another group Michael Brown was a part of. This short lived band produced one album in the mid-70's. Guitarist Jimmy McAllister from the Kansas City group, Chesmann Square was a member. McAllister played guitar on Strangers On A Train in 1978 and continued to work with the Left Banke on other projects though the years until he passed away in 2006.

»Les Fradkin

Les is a multi instrumentalist best known for his talents on both the 12-String and midi guitars. He was the original "George Harrison" of "Beatlemania" on Broadway and has been composing and recording since the 1960's. Many Left Banke members recorded with Les in the early to mid 1970's. The most notable recording they did together was "I Could Make It Last Forever." View the video for it on YouTube.

»Tom Fair

Tom Fair (aka Feher) contributed greatly to the Left Banke's second LP by composing several of the songs as well as playing guitar. He also filled in as live keyboard player after the departure of Emmett Lake. Tom has worked with several bands and as a solo artist for many years. He also teaches music in his home in California.

»Alan Wauters

Alan Wauters has worked on and off as a guitarist for The Left Banke though the years. He also was a member of Birth of Spring along with Jeff Winfield and Alan Merrill. He is one of the editors of the book The Gospel of the Nazirenes and is currently a recording artist on Cherry Bomb Records.

»Charly Cazalet

Although he declined an invitation to join The Left Banke in the 1960's, Charly remained friends with the group and recorded songs with Steve Martin Caro as well as George Cameron in the 1970's, which are now available on his CD Rough Mix - NYC. He also played bass on the Strangers On A Train LP.

»Alan Merrill

Alan auditioned for the Left Banke in 1968, practicing in Tom Finn's hotel room on several songs. He nearly got the job as lead guitarist, but it never fully worked out due to the chaos and poor management of the group. Alan went on to have success internationally with bands The Lead, The Arrows, Vodka Collins, and as a solo artist. He also performed and toured with Meatloaf and Derringer. He is best known in the US as the composer of the rock anthem "I Love Rock n Roll" which he originally recorded with The Arrows in 1975, later to be covered (most famously) by Joan Jett as well as other notable artists.

In 2007, Alan recorded a tribute EP to the Left Banke entitled Rive Gauche. A machinima video for "Walk Away Renee" can be seen on YouTube.

»Gerry Polci

Gerry Polci has worked as a drummer and vocalist with Michael Brown on several recordings, including a cover of The Left Banke's "Desiree" which can be found on Leftbankeisms 2.

Gerry was lead singer and drummer with Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons from 1973 until the early 80's. His voice is prominately featured on several of their hits such as "December 1963 (Oh What A Night)" and "Silver Star." Gerry is a native of New Jersey and has been playing drums since he was 13 years old. He majored in music at Montclair State College and later studied with Joe Morello.

»Jon Ihle

Jon Ihle is a New York based drummer who has performed and recorded with legendary performers such as JT Carter's Crests, Chuck Berry, The Four Tops, The Righteous Brothers, and many others.

»Shane Faubert

Shane has been a singer and lyricist for Michael Brown since the 1980's. He also helps in the digitizing and cataloging of unreleased tracks. His cover of "I Haven't Got the Nerve" was on the Left Banke tribute CD.