The Sentinals (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Defunct | 1965 |
| Headquarters | San Luis Obispo, California , United States |
| Products | Surf rock music |
The Sentinals were a surf rock ensemble originating from San Luis Obispo, California active between 1961 and 1965, recognized for blending Latino rhythms into their sound, exemplified by the track "Latin'ia" (1962). Prominent members comprised Tommy Nuñes on guitar, drummer John Barbata (who later joined The Turtles and Jefferson Starship), and keyboardist Lee Michaels (then known as Michael Olsen).
Background
Although primarily identified as a surf music group, The Sentinals distinguished themselves by integrating Latin musical elements into their compositions.[1] John Barbata characterized the band’s style as rooted in rhythm and blues.[2]
1960s
During the summer of 1962, The Sentinals embarked on a nationwide tour, serving as the opening act for notable performers such as The Coasters and The Righteous Brothers.[3] That same year, through Norman Knowles, they established a connection with Tony Hilder,[4] whose company Anthony Music later initiated legal action against Del-Fi Records for $122,000 in unpaid royalties related to master recordings of albums by The Sentinals and other surf bands.[5]
In 1963, The Sentinals were featured in the Central Coast Living section of The Tribune, with Kenny Hinkle appearing on the cover.[6] Their album Big Surf was also released that year under Del-Fi Records.[7]
By 1965, the group’s lineup consisted of John Barbata, Ron Gornell, Kenny Hinkle, Norman Knowles, and Tommy Nuñes.[8]
1970s to 1980s
In August 1984, The Sentinals reunited for a live show at the San Luis Obispo Officer's Club coinciding with their twentieth-year class reunion.
1990s to present
Del-Fi Records issued the compilation album Big Surf Hits in 1996, which included their song "Big Surf" alongside tracks from artists such as The Impacts, Dave Myers and The Surftones, and The Lively Ones.
Members
- John Barbata: drums (1961–66)
- Ron Gornell: organ (1965–66)
- Peter Graham: guitar (1961–62)
- Kenny Hinkle: vocals and bass (1962–66)
- Bobby Holmquist: saxophone (1961–64)
- Norman Knowles: saxophone (1963–66)
- Lee Michaels (Michael Olsen): organ and vocals (1966)
- Tommy Nuñes: guitar (1961–66)
- Ronnie Page: vocals (1966)
- Ben Trout: bass (1962–64)
- Harry Sackrider: guitar (1962–64)
- Doug Scott: drums
- Gary Winburne: bass (1961–62)
Discography
| Title | Release info | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Roughshod" / "Copy Cat Walk" | Admiral 900 | 1961 | |
| "Latin'ia" / "Tor-Chula" | WCEB 23 | 1962 | |
| "Latin'ia" / "Tor-Chula" | ERA 3082 | 1962 | |
| "Christmas Eve" / "Latin Soul" | ERA 3097 | 1962 | |
| "Big Surf" / "Sunset Beach" | Del-Fi 4197 | 1963 | |
| "Infinity" / "Encinada" | ERA 3117 | 1963 | (credited as The Sentinel Six) |
| "The Bee" / "Over You" | Point 5100 | 1964 | |
| "Blue Booze" / "Bony Maronie" | Point 5101 | 1964 | |
| "Hit The Road" / "I've Been Blue" | Westco WC 12 | 1964 | |
| "Hit The Road" / "Tell Me" | Westco WC 14 | 1964 | |
| "Tor-Chula" / "Latin'ia" | Sundazed S 208 | 2010 |
| Title | Release info | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Surf! | Del-Fi Records DFLP 1232 | 1963 | Stereo edition DFST 1232 |
| Surfer Girl | Del-Fi Records DFLP 1241 | 1963 | Stereo edition DFST 1241 |
| Vegas Go Go | Sutton SSU 338 | 1964 | |
| Big Surf | Del-Fi Records DFLP 1232 | 1996 | Reissued version |
| Surfer Girl | Del-Fi Records DFLP 1241 | 1996 | |
| Big Surf! | Rumble Records RUM 2011086 | 2014 | Reissue |
| Title | Release info | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Surf | Del-Fi Records DFCD 71232-2 | 1994 | Reissued CD |
| Surfer Girl | Del-Fi Records DFCD 71241-2 | 1996 | Reissued CD |
References
- ↑ The Golden Age of Rock Instrumentals, Steven Otfinoski
- ↑ Take Me to a Circus Tent: The Jefferson Airplane Flight Manual, Craig Fenton
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedtribune - ↑ Surfin' Guitars: Instrumental Surf Bands of the Sixties, Robert J. Dalley
- ↑ Billboard, 26 Mar 1966
- ↑ The Tribune
- ↑ Billboard, June 29, 1963
- ↑ Surfin' Guitars: Instrumental Surf Bands of the Sixties, Robert J. Dalley