When it comes to early Texas rock groups you may hear names like Kit and the Outlaws, The Nightcaps or even The Briks. The band that stands out in my opinion is Kenny and the Kasuals. Being mostly a cover band, this group still could hang with more popular groups of the day, like The Wailers or The Sonics. The Kasuals got their start in Dallas, Texas in 1964 first called The Illusions Combo then in 65’ changed their name to Kenny and the Kasuals. Competition in Dallas was fierce in the music scene, competing with The Nightcaps, The Chessmen, The Outcasts and The Five American’s. The group played small dances and frat parties until 1965 when Mark Lee became their new manager. The group became the house band for the first upscale all teen club in Dallas called The Studio Club. The group released their first single “Nothin’ Better To Do,” later releasing their full length IMPACT.
Full length records were not common for small rock bands of this day and age, however The Nightcaps had done it with success. The full length was recorded live at the Studio Club. They were known for their live performances making it the only option to record the full length live. The Kasuals consisted of Kenny Daniel (vocals and guitar), Jerry Smith (lead guitar), Tommy Nichols (harmonica), Paul Roach (organ/keyboards), Lee Lightfoot (bass), and David Blackley (drums). Impact consisted of a slew of covers: “Gloria”, “All The Day And All of the Night”, and “Farmer John” most notably The Kinks cover of “It’s All Right” and “I’m Not Talking” a cover of Mose Allison. Both hopped up punker versions. Opening with screaming guitars, wailing vocals and driving bass lines, these versions give the originals a run for their money, Dallas style. This record was recorded in 1966 originally. Only 500 copies were pressed making the originals quite rare, I was able to grab one of the rereleases from 1977.
