Music That Requires No Thinking
The Eschelons play 1950s and 1960s rock ‘n’ roll, do-wop, ballads and blues, often displaying three and four-part vocal harmonies reminiscence of the music of that period. Some of the songs that we play are Sea Cruise, Sh-Boom, Where or When, Kansas City, Mustang Sally, When Will I Be Loved, Yakety Yak and more. Some artists we cover are The Lettermen, The Coasters, The Velvets, Dion & the Belmonts, Curtis Lee, The Stereos and more.
It Was The Fifties
They were young, energetic, and loved Rock 'N' Roll. In 1957 two brothers, Dick and Ron, decided to join the fun. Starting with one old guitar, a bass drum the size of those used by marching bands and a snare drum, they practiced while searching for others that were interested in making music.
Efforts began to find band members and build the band's play list. During 1958 the members were selected, the music was ready and during the first quarter of 1959 the band tried its wings with a few private parties and tryouts. The band settled with six-members who are considered the original Eschelons and were featured on the band's first record, "Lonely Christmas," released in 1961. They are: Vic Hill, Jack Hazewinkel, Jim VanPutten, Al Bischoff, Dick Beatty, and Ron Beatty.
The Eschelons first official gig, a private party, was February 21, 1959. The band and its name retired in the mid-sixties. The band's first official paid gig was June 6, 1959 at a Kiwanis Club Carnival. After forty years the six original Eschelons and two new members, Warren Beatty and John Hoekstra, reunited for a performance on June 4, 2005.
The Recordings
The first recording was of an original song called "Waiting" written by Ron. It was a demo disk the band sent to record companies. The first 45 RPM record recorded and released was "Lonely Christmas" backed with "This Broken Heart", both written by Ron.
The Eschelons recorded two more 45 RPM records, but by then, the original six had changed. Five originals remained and the band added three more members, Gil King and two female vocalists. The band went through at least one more membership change before breaking up in the mid-sixties.
After 40 Years
One evening in December 2004, Dick called Ron and asked if he would be interested in getting The Eschelons together. Ron told Dick to go ahead and find out what the guys say and let him know. It is interesting to note that they did not discuss which ex-Eschelons Dick was going to call, but they were both thinking of the same guys. All members agreed without hesitation.
The Eschelons have now performed several gigs since 2005, and are still out there entertaining with a great blend of music that has appealed to crowds of all ages.
Consider The Eschelons for your corporate and private parties, special events, and class reunions. Visit our Website for more information, and to listen to our original recordings & sample clips from our 2005 demo CD:
