Thursday, September 29, 2022

 


{Ed.: Baxters' Chat AKA Blue Sounds. Member Norman T. Manning died in 2008 at age 60 in a nursing facility in Galena, Kan.

Baxters' Chat

Formed
1965, Baxter Springs, KS, United States
Disbanded
1969
Members
Dan Brewster (lead guitar), Mike Brewster (rhythm guitar), John Green (bass), Norman Manning (vocals), Elmotie Scroggins (drums)
Dan & Mike Brewster (lead & rhythm guitar, respectively), John Green (bass), Norman Manning (vocals), and Elmotie Scroggins (drums), honed their musical chops playing school dances, roadside bars, teen clubs, wedding receptions, and anywhere else that would book them. The boys cut two 45's for Independence, MO label Pearce, in the vaunted Cavern Studios (2) where Pretty (6), Trinikas, & The Blue Things all recorded. "Loves Other Side" is a heavy dose of psych-fuzz and break beats, a wild departure from their Association/Turtles influenced other cuts. Aside from being one of only a handful of integrated acts in the 60's (drummer Elmotie Scroggins was African-American), Baxter's Chat was one of the most popular garage bands in Southern Kansas, and shared bills with future Lynrd Skynrd guitarist Steve Gaines' first band, the Ravens.