Texas bands in the late sixties began to change their sound from more of a frat rock sound to a more psychedelic sound. This evolution began with the Elevators; The Clique is no different, with their Elevators cover of “Splash 1.” Lacking a jug, however, still encompassing the new psychedelic sound, this track helped push this sound into Houston, Texas. The Clique formed after the demise of three bands: The Lavender Hour, The Roustabouts and The Sandpipers. The original band members were: John Kanesaw on drums, Bruce Tinch on bass guitar, Cooper Hawthorne on lead guitar, David Dunham on saxophone and Larry Lawson on piano. This single (Splash 1 and Stay by Me) was recorded in the summer of 1967 in Andrus Studios in Houston, Texas. Splash 1 gave the group some fame in Texas staying on the Houston charts for a number of weeks. The single also achieved the number 113 spot on the national charts. Later that year and the year following, the group opened for many larger groups including: The Dave Clark Five, The Association, Sam and Dave and George Carlin.
The fact remains that on “Splash 1,” the Clique managed to do the Elevators justice, where everyone else’s attempts fell short. The song was released on the local Cinema (shown in scan) and then Wand labels, followed by a national release on Scepter – none of which garnered much attention. Later their tunes rose to a broader audience backed by record producer/songwriter Gary Zekley. Singles like “I’ll Hold Out My Hand” and “Sugar on Sunday” gave this little band from Houston fame, not to mention one of their tracks “Superman,” was covered by REM in 1986.
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I went to Bruce Tinch`s house in Nederland, Tx. in 1967. I walked in his front door into the hallway and there were 2 framed gold albums in the entrance way of his house.I took the first left doorway and it was his bedroom.There were some 45`s that were framed and they also were gold.He came home while I was there and ran us out of the house.The only thing I really remember was that he had a problem with acne.He treated me like a turd,but that is the way 19 year olds treat 13 year olds. I often wonder what he is doing now.
I am from the Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange area of Texas which is called the Golden Triangle.There were many good bands that came from here. Janis Joplin was from Port Arthur. Johnny and Edgar Winter from Beaumont and ZZ Top was a local favorite. They played in Groves, Tx. at a place called “the townhouse” when I was in high school.I never went to see them, but wished I had. I saw them later in Houston after they released “tres hobres”. Most members of the Clique were also from here.They had to travel 100 miles to get to a recording studio,which was in Houston,Tx. Bill Swicegood`s parents owned a music store in downtown Beaumont where I purchased my cornet for band class. Very sorry to hear that he is no longer with us.
Jerry, Bruce Tinch is living in Arlington. Check out his website.
Thanks Roger. I found his website and plan on emailing him this weekend ! Appreciate the info !!!