I'm going back all the way to the beginnings of Mandala, before George was part of Natural Gas even. Yeah! It's hard to believe, as a fellow musician reminded of this early soul-funk, that Domenic Triano went on to write and produce the music for "Night Heat", one of my favorite Toronto t.v. shows.
The Mandala performed at our Brantford high school dances It was always a big deal when they were in town and played, one of the first bands with any type of a light show. One BCI dance, their light show kept blowing out the hydro, Kenner and Whitey Glan finished off the song without any accompaniment but there was not one person that could not hear the song to its end. The electrician was getting so pissed off at the circuits blowing that he threw his toolbox and it landed on Troiano's guitar
ahaha, george olliver is amazing. he is my aunts brother. every family event he is there. he's a really cool guy! and a talented musician. i was mandalazied at a young age!
spelling Bernie Labarge . Bernie is playing with the DAVID CLAYTON THOMAS BAND ....I have posted many videos here on jakebunnymusic with BERNIE& PENTI GLAN playing.there is a video of THE DEXTERS ALSO...
I actually met George once and he asked me to roadie for his band . My buddy " Bernie Larbarge " was playing guitar for him at the time and I had roadied for his band " Stem " , too bad I had to say no to George . But Bernie is in the Toronto band " The Dexters " , that used to play at the Orbit Room in Toronto . Anyone ever see them there ? Domic is Bierine's hero . Go to Berine Larbarge.com
I saw this Mandala band at The Brant Inn , in Burlington and with the candy stripe outfits and they were great . I worked at The Brant Inn , so i got in free . haha. I saw the Ugly Ducklings and the Paupers too .
After all these years, me and my mom finally figured what venue she saw Mandala at....it was The Cheetah in Santa Monica on the pier. The Cheetah was originally called the Aragon Ballroom, where her parents would see Spade Cooley. From what my mom recalls, there were buckets of neon paint on the edge of the stage that an audience member could take and paint things on the black walls. Do any of you old L.A. scensters remember that?
Amazing. I was one of their Hamilton fans and saw them several times, first as the Five Rogues at the old Hamilton Mountain YMCA - they were already doing soul crusade stuff and hauling George offstage etc. Then there was the infamous night they were refused service at the Chicken Roost restaurant because of their long hair (!). Saw the full Mandala several more times, then Mandala with Roy Kenner, and George Olliver & his Children; but you couldn't beat the excitement of the original lineup.
I can't believe I am seeing this!!! This is incredible. What a rare glimpse into this awesome band. Domenic Troiano was a monster guitar player. Thanks so much for this,
George Oliver is still gigging here in Southern Ontario with a hot band and is as charismatic as ever. Thanks for posting this one - wow such excitement!
I was there too. The Mandala was great, at the Hawks Nest. I saw them one night when Domenic broke a string on his guitar and he and the band continued to play , and he continued his solo while replacing the string. Amazin. Donsidering he tuned it as well.
The drummer was Whitey, formerly of Whitey and the Roulettes.
George sand in an audition I did at the Devils Den in Yorkville. anyone remember???
Where did you dig this up? I first saw them in January '66. Saw them several times after. We had some teenage band and used to go back stage after the show and talk with Carmello he was their roadie. He even let me noodle on Dom's guitar for a couple minutes while he took Whitey's drums down. Some one also mentioned the Myna Byrd - we played there over two weekends, but that was as far as we ever got.
I was wondering, did your Uncle play at the Myna Bird in Yorkville? We used to go and see him but I am not sure if it was the Myna Bird or another Cafe?
OMG I am on that video! 5:59! hehehe Holy...I haven't changed..that's a BAD thing....George Olliver rocked! That was my first intro to concerts on W5 in Agincourt Studios....what a GREAT find!!
This is a clip from the mandalas first appearance on the W5 show..mid to late 1960s.. George Olliver is my Uncle, my mothers oldest brother.. he was around the age I am now when this was recorded, so 19- early 20s.... for all of you that dig my uncles groove and great soul vocals, check out his website, and come out and see him with gangbuster.. he is just as great now as he was back then :)
I saw your uncle live many times at the Hullobaloo at the famous Sunset strip in Hollywood during 1966 & 1967 best band we ever saw at the strip. Too bad he left. I remeber an article in the local music magazine. He was called a genius of song & dance and questioned if Mandala could go on without him. They did but it wasn't the same.
Another GREAT Canadian band. I have a couple copies of their album and it's fantastic, but this song is not on it and the lead singer on the album is Roy Kenner, not George Oliver.
I had the pleasure to see both George and Roy on stage with Mandala. George was by far the better performer and singer. I guess Domenic Troiano believed that he could continue with the soul crusade withour George. It was as if the Beatles had lost John Lennon and tryed to replace him with Billy J Kramer.
I didn't see either , but very good friend of agrees with you. He said that Roy was very good, but George was fantastic. He saw Mandala (with George) in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Great seeing this black and white footage. Brings back memories of the old days. George Oliver is still going strong, saw him sing here in Mississauga on Friday.
I've got to comment again! How in the HELL does a band like this not take over the friggin' world, especially back then?! Damn, what went wrong?! This is as awe inspiring as a performance from The Doors. What was up with the guy carrying him back to the stage? "YOU DIDN'T GIVE ME MUCH OF A CHANCE NOW DID YA?" That was great.
The guy carrying him back on stage was part of the act. His name is Carmello Palumbo. They got this idea from the James Brown live performance. George was a fan of James Brow. and yes The Doors and Mandala performed at the Hullababaloo at the time and Jim Morrison had his moments when not intoxicated, but George Olliver was a showman in every sense of the word.
Ah I see! Thanks nosoyoso. I was just listening to my 45 of "Opportunity" on my new Thorens turntable (a 295 MK IV) and it just sounds out of this world. So wild, so distorted, so LOUD! I wish we still had George's white tie, such a friggin' shame that thing got destroyed with the years (eaten by moths I believe). It still blows me away that a band my mother told me about since I was a young kid has footage here on You Tube. Do you know if a comp CD will ever be released?!?!
Your mom has a very special story to tell regarding the soul crusade experience. You see most of the fans in the front rows were young girls and only she can relate her experience. Please have her visit "what people are saying about George and The Mandala" you will find my comments there my real name is Ben Arteaga. The best comments by far are by Erick Nelson, but none of us caught a white tie or a gangester's style leggins from George. The crusade deserves a femenine point of view.
WOW!! Does this ever bring back memories from Toronto. Mandala and Grant Smith and the Power on the same show. Best I have EVER seen and that was 35 years or so ago YIKES!!!! Great video!!!
As a teen, I was blessed with the opportunity to see these guys and play on the same show in Hollywood at the Hullabaloo. It had a revolving stage with bands on each side. I was in a group from East LA called the Moon Craters hahaha.
Another band on the bill was the Peanut Butter Conspiracy.
My mom saw these guys too in L.A. in 1967! I can't believe I'm actually seeing footage of them, I thought none existed! My mom actually caught the lead singer's skinny white tie when he threw it into the crowd! I still have their two original KR singles and two of the original "Member Of The Soul Crusade" buttons my mom got at the show. My mom said they were incredible and so full of energy! I can't wait to show here this!
Hard to believe this was 1966! These guys were it! A "live" Mandala show was like a religious experience.
In '66 and'67, my band "The UGLY DUCKLINGS" did 4 shows with "Mandala" & "Roy Kenner & The Associates" as a Triple Bill.George astounded me with his stamina,& Roy blew me away with a memorable "Summertime".
After each show Don Triano would compliment me & The "DUCKS" on our original music & "bad-assed" attitude.He was a perfect gentleman.
Canadian band THE UGLY DUCKINGS Dave Bingham, Glynn Bell , Roger Mayne ,John Read, Robin Boers.Songs Just in case you wonder, Just another rock and roll band, GASLIGHT. from [YORKVILLE] TORONTO ON. I talked to Robin this summer at the Orangeville Blues and Jazz festival. . I have a video which will be up soon of ROY KENNER doing Summertime at the TROIANO tribute this year.did you check my video of MOLLY JOHNSON doning SUMMERTIME at the Uptown Waterloo Jazz great tone.
Hey great review and testimonial. I was a booking agent back then for Top Ten and then later DMA in Detroit, but my memories of Yorkville and the great bands will remain in my heart forever. I especially admire the mutual respect all the bands had for each other. Thanks.
There's nothing quite like seeing the Mandala live. Thanks to Hunter-Hughes for giving us this treat. Now when do we get to see more like "lost love" or "give and take" or that show at the CNE when a riot broke out.
You know, you really have to wonder whether or not George is actually Dorian Gray. Other than the hairstyle, he looks pretty much the same after more than 40 years. 8-D
Looks more like the Four Rogues to me, George Oliver singing, Penty Glann playing drums, Domenic Troiano on guitar and Donnie Elliot on bass. They later added Joeseph Horphski(not sure of spelling) on organ, and became the Five Rogues, just before they went on to become the Mandala.
This film must have been shot just after they left the Bluenote in 66. My friends band the Peepers followed the Four Rogues at the Bluenote. The Peepers were ther for a couple of years.
Later after George left Mandala, he asked the Peepers to be his band, just after they too had left the Bluenote, as George Oliver and his Children
Unfortunately, they were busy with their own gigs/tour stuff and turned him down. Who knows where that combination would have gone. Sadly, we'll never know.
I'm going back all the way to the beginnings of Mandala, before George was part of Natural Gas even. Yeah! It's hard to believe, as a fellow musician reminded of this early soul-funk, that Domenic Triano went on to write and produce the music for "Night Heat", one of my favorite Toronto t.v. shows.
johnwattdotca 4 months ago
Just curious, did you ever meet a guy name Don Ogilvie? He was the road manager for the Mandala. He was my dad.
FionaOgilvie 11 months ago
The Mandala performed at our Brantford high school dances It was always a big deal when they were in town and played, one of the first bands with any type of a light show. One BCI dance, their light show kept blowing out the hydro, Kenner and Whitey Glan finished off the song without any accompaniment but there was not one person that could not hear the song to its end. The electrician was getting so pissed off at the circuits blowing that he threw his toolbox and it landed on Troiano's guitar
yokobird1 11 months ago
ahaha, george olliver is amazing. he is my aunts brother. every family event he is there. he's a really cool guy! and a talented musician. i was mandalazied at a young age!
Cutiechica18 1 year ago
spelling Bernie Labarge . Bernie is playing with the DAVID CLAYTON THOMAS BAND ....I have posted many videos here on jakebunnymusic with BERNIE& PENTI GLAN playing.there is a video of THE DEXTERS ALSO...
THEBLUEICEREPORT 1 year ago
I actually met George once and he asked me to roadie for his band . My buddy " Bernie Larbarge " was playing guitar for him at the time and I had roadied for his band " Stem " , too bad I had to say no to George . But Bernie is in the Toronto band " The Dexters " , that used to play at the Orbit Room in Toronto . Anyone ever see them there ? Domic is Bierine's hero . Go to Berine Larbarge.com
phobias1000 1 year ago
I saw this Mandala band at The Brant Inn , in Burlington and with the candy stripe outfits and they were great . I worked at The Brant Inn , so i got in free . haha. I saw the Ugly Ducklings and the Paupers too .
phobias1000 1 year ago
Mandala's 'Soul Crusade' will finally be released on CD by Pacemaker Entertainment at the end of the month!
jfrey1 1 year ago
After all these years, me and my mom finally figured what venue she saw Mandala at....it was The Cheetah in Santa Monica on the pier. The Cheetah was originally called the Aragon Ballroom, where her parents would see Spade Cooley. From what my mom recalls, there were buckets of neon paint on the edge of the stage that an audience member could take and paint things on the black walls. Do any of you old L.A. scensters remember that?
MattHatter 1 year ago
Before they werethe Mandala, they were The 5 Rouges ...
thisisdoc 1 year ago
Amazing. I was one of their Hamilton fans and saw them several times, first as the Five Rogues at the old Hamilton Mountain YMCA - they were already doing soul crusade stuff and hauling George offstage etc. Then there was the infamous night they were refused service at the Chicken Roost restaurant because of their long hair (!). Saw the full Mandala several more times, then Mandala with Roy Kenner, and George Olliver & his Children; but you couldn't beat the excitement of the original lineup.
Vehiatua72 1 year ago
I can't believe I am seeing this!!! This is incredible. What a rare glimpse into this awesome band. Domenic Troiano was a monster guitar player. Thanks so much for this,
rodthesein 2 years ago
George Oliver is still gigging here in Southern Ontario with a hot band and is as charismatic as ever. Thanks for posting this one - wow such excitement!
revbrian11 2 years ago
I was there too. The Mandala was great, at the Hawks Nest. I saw them one night when Domenic broke a string on his guitar and he and the band continued to play , and he continued his solo while replacing the string. Amazin. Donsidering he tuned it as well.
The drummer was Whitey, formerly of Whitey and the Roulettes.
George sand in an audition I did at the Devils Den in Yorkville. anyone remember???
bond181292 2 years ago
How are you related to Dom and do you have any stories and or videos to share?
nosoyoso 2 years ago
Where did you dig this up? I first saw them in January '66. Saw them several times after. We had some teenage band and used to go back stage after the show and talk with Carmello he was their roadie. He even let me noodle on Dom's guitar for a couple minutes while he took Whitey's drums down. Some one also mentioned the Myna Byrd - we played there over two weekends, but that was as far as we ever got.
ZappaBlues 2 years ago
i saw the rogues at the blue note in toronto many times.........before they became mandala
m1vgp21 2 years ago
I was wondering, did your Uncle play at the Myna Bird in Yorkville? We used to go and see him but I am not sure if it was the Myna Bird or another Cafe?
starshine1ca 2 years ago
OMG I am on that video! 5:59! hehehe Holy...I haven't changed..that's a BAD thing....George Olliver rocked! That was my first intro to concerts on W5 in Agincourt Studios....what a GREAT find!!
starshine1ca 2 years ago
This is a clip from the mandalas first appearance on the W5 show..mid to late 1960s.. George Olliver is my Uncle, my mothers oldest brother.. he was around the age I am now when this was recorded, so 19- early 20s.... for all of you that dig my uncles groove and great soul vocals, check out his website, and come out and see him with gangbuster.. he is just as great now as he was back then :)
mattlindsay1414 2 years ago
I saw your uncle live many times at the Hullobaloo at the famous Sunset strip in Hollywood during 1966 & 1967 best band we ever saw at the strip. Too bad he left. I remeber an article in the local music magazine. He was called a genius of song & dance and questioned if Mandala could go on without him. They did but it wasn't the same.
nosoyoso 2 years ago
i no penti glan
Wolfsuck 2 years ago
Another GREAT Canadian band. I have a couple copies of their album and it's fantastic, but this song is not on it and the lead singer on the album is Roy Kenner, not George Oliver.
DONGOE 2 years ago
I had the pleasure to see both George and Roy on stage with Mandala. George was by far the better performer and singer. I guess Domenic Troiano believed that he could continue with the soul crusade withour George. It was as if the Beatles had lost John Lennon and tryed to replace him with Billy J Kramer.
nosoyoso 2 years ago
I didn't see either , but very good friend of agrees with you. He said that Roy was very good, but George was fantastic. He saw Mandala (with George) in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
I do really like the album - have 3 copies.
DONGOE 2 years ago
I have a cd with all the songs recorded by Mandala with George and Roy. Visit George Olliver's site. It is available.
nosoyoso 2 years ago
Wow !!! Thanks !!!
DONGOE 2 years ago
What is this from??? This is incredible.
Motown65 2 years ago
'W5' TV program (or What, With, Where, When and, Why,?) I'm guessing...CTV?
"step no. 1, I want you to all stop clappin' and, do it right like this!" lol
mayblob 2 years ago
Love when Dom adjusts his tie at 1;32, this stuff is gold thanks@!
jsilence418 2 years ago 2
Great seeing this black and white footage. Brings back memories of the old days. George Oliver is still going strong, saw him sing here in Mississauga on Friday.
telemyz 2 years ago
hawks nest blue note gogue inn frankie's surf club{port carling} STROBE LIGHTZ
cenwt 2 years ago
This is really ersatz, hokey shit...
maestrosalieri 2 years ago
Music just don't come this great anymore
4mer4dguy 3 years ago 4
This band is incredible! Now I KNOW THE FIVE STEPS OF SOUL! I've been Mandalazied!
riverboatsong 3 years ago 6
I've got to comment again! How in the HELL does a band like this not take over the friggin' world, especially back then?! Damn, what went wrong?! This is as awe inspiring as a performance from The Doors. What was up with the guy carrying him back to the stage? "YOU DIDN'T GIVE ME MUCH OF A CHANCE NOW DID YA?" That was great.
MattHatter 3 years ago 4
The guy carrying him back on stage was part of the act. His name is Carmello Palumbo. They got this idea from the James Brown live performance. George was a fan of James Brow. and yes The Doors and Mandala performed at the Hullababaloo at the time and Jim Morrison had his moments when not intoxicated, but George Olliver was a showman in every sense of the word.
nosoyoso 2 years ago
Ah I see! Thanks nosoyoso. I was just listening to my 45 of "Opportunity" on my new Thorens turntable (a 295 MK IV) and it just sounds out of this world. So wild, so distorted, so LOUD! I wish we still had George's white tie, such a friggin' shame that thing got destroyed with the years (eaten by moths I believe). It still blows me away that a band my mother told me about since I was a young kid has footage here on You Tube. Do you know if a comp CD will ever be released?!?!
MattHatter 2 years ago
Your mom has a very special story to tell regarding the soul crusade experience. You see most of the fans in the front rows were young girls and only she can relate her experience. Please have her visit "what people are saying about George and The Mandala" you will find my comments there my real name is Ben Arteaga. The best comments by far are by Erick Nelson, but none of us caught a white tie or a gangester's style leggins from George. The crusade deserves a femenine point of view.
nosoyoso 2 years ago
WOW!! Does this ever bring back memories from Toronto. Mandala and Grant Smith and the Power on the same show. Best I have EVER seen and that was 35 years or so ago YIKES!!!! Great video!!!
boomgone 3 years ago 2
As a teen, I was blessed with the opportunity to see these guys and play on the same show in Hollywood at the Hullabaloo. It had a revolving stage with bands on each side. I was in a group from East LA called the Moon Craters hahaha.
Another band on the bill was the Peanut Butter Conspiracy.
Good times.
fredfrajo 3 years ago 2
My mom saw these guys too in L.A. in 1967! I can't believe I'm actually seeing footage of them, I thought none existed! My mom actually caught the lead singer's skinny white tie when he threw it into the crowd! I still have their two original KR singles and two of the original "Member Of The Soul Crusade" buttons my mom got at the show. My mom said they were incredible and so full of energy! I can't wait to show here this!
MattHatter 3 years ago 2
Hard to believe this was 1966! These guys were it! A "live" Mandala show was like a religious experience.
In '66 and'67, my band "The UGLY DUCKLINGS" did 4 shows with "Mandala" & "Roy Kenner & The Associates" as a Triple Bill.George astounded me with his stamina,& Roy blew me away with a memorable "Summertime".
After each show Don Triano would compliment me & The "DUCKS" on our original music & "bad-assed" attitude.He was a perfect gentleman.
Dave Bingham
The UGLY DUCKLINGS.
Nothin66 3 years ago 6
Canadian band THE UGLY DUCKINGS Dave Bingham, Glynn Bell , Roger Mayne ,John Read, Robin Boers.Songs Just in case you wonder, Just another rock and roll band, GASLIGHT. from [YORKVILLE] TORONTO ON. I talked to Robin this summer at the Orangeville Blues and Jazz festival. . I have a video which will be up soon of ROY KENNER doing Summertime at the TROIANO tribute this year.did you check my video of MOLLY JOHNSON doning SUMMERTIME at the Uptown Waterloo Jazz great tone.
jakebunnymusic 3 years ago
Hey great review and testimonial. I was a booking agent back then for Top Ten and then later DMA in Detroit, but my memories of Yorkville and the great bands will remain in my heart forever. I especially admire the mutual respect all the bands had for each other. Thanks.
awoosoul 3 years ago
There's nothing quite like seeing the Mandala live. Thanks to Hunter-Hughes for giving us this treat. Now when do we get to see more like "lost love" or "give and take" or that show at the CNE when a riot broke out.
awoosoul 3 years ago 2
You know, you really have to wonder whether or not George is actually Dorian Gray. Other than the hairstyle, he looks pretty much the same after more than 40 years. 8-D
Mike Harrison
Toronto Canada
bass0111 3 years ago
MANDALA started The FIVE STEPS OF SOUL with new manager Riff Markowitz
jakebunnymusic 3 years ago
I checked with George and the name is Mandala.they had just changed to Mandala and wore the CANDY KANE suits .only as Mandala.. Spelling
Joey Chirowshi, Pentti Glann sometimes Penti
Glan fyi July 8 1946 was Whitey Glan b day posted this reply July 8 2008
jakebunnymusic 3 years ago
@jakebunnymusic its Chirowski...polish name, i know this because he's my uncle.
DarkRavski 3 months ago
Looks more like the Four Rogues to me, George Oliver singing, Penty Glann playing drums, Domenic Troiano on guitar and Donnie Elliot on bass. They later added Joeseph Horphski(not sure of spelling) on organ, and became the Five Rogues, just before they went on to become the Mandala.
This film must have been shot just after they left the Bluenote in 66. My friends band the Peepers followed the Four Rogues at the Bluenote. The Peepers were ther for a couple of years.
Scruggsnut 3 years ago
Later after George left Mandala, he asked the Peepers to be his band, just after they too had left the Bluenote, as George Oliver and his Children
Unfortunately, they were busy with their own gigs/tour stuff and turned him down. Who knows where that combination would have gone. Sadly, we'll never know.
Scruggsnut 3 years ago
I agree we don't see or hear Joe Chirowsky at all in this video and he was an important part of the sound of mandala.
nosoyoso 2 years ago
Excellent work. I have been looking a long time for some live footage.
Morlock68 3 years ago