“Steve Taylor was instrumental in the founding of what became the ‘Fugitives’ in the basement of Smetana’s Deli in Towson (York Road). While I (Tommy Carson) was still singing with the Lafayettes on the weekends, Dale Coleman (guitar), Steve (on bass), Pat Moran on drums and myself started playing on the tiny dirt floor of Gus Smetana’s sub shop. The group got so popular so fast that bookings started coming in and I had to make a decision as to which group to stay with. I opted for the Lafayettes, so Frank Bonarrigo took my place and it became Frank and the Fugitives (later Fugitive Six).”
Additionally, there was Joe Luppold (keyboards ex-Dynamics), Jimmy Loomis (sax ex-Tommy Vann’s Echoes), Al Dahlstrom (sax ex-Sentries). Original drummer Pat Moran was replaced with Gary Chalmers (ex-Gary & the GTO’s). Seen at Sperl’s, Satyr House. With the earlier success of the Lafayettes, Frank was able to secure a contract with RCA but soon he left the group and was replaced with vocalist Jimmy Sporrer. Additional guitarists included Leo Smith, and Eddie Macon (ex-Lafayettes)
The group was renamed the Fugitive Six. After about 6 months Sporrer left and Tommy Carson (ex-Lafayettes) returned. While recording at Green Recording Studios in D.C., RCA learned that Bonarrigo was no longer with the group and dropped them from the label. They recorded in the studios on Belvedere Road under the direction of Burgess MacNeal and George Massenburg. A single was released in 1965 as the Fugitive Six titled “Betrayed” b/w “Sore Finger” (Satyr 6608). The group could be seen locally at Hollywood Park – later the Toad Stool, 1521 Club, summer gigs at Ocean City’s Beach Club, and Thursdays as house band at the Latin Casino. They also played the college circuit such as Princeton, Bucknell, Penn State…
An appearance on the Kerby Scott Show showed the Fugitive 6 with only five members. They set up a mannequin for the sixth man. Kerby actually noted the quiet sixth man while interviewing the group.
By late 1966 Loomis was filling in as sax player for the Majestics. He and Chalmers were selected with several other local musicians to join the Mitch Ryder Show although Chalmers soon returned to the group. Loomis toured with Ryder and became musical arranger for the band that became known as Spiritfeel. On a brief return to Baltimore Jimmy played in the Mike Jones Band. He again moved on to work in New York and later in L.A. where he built sound systems, mixed for concerts, and continued playing music and touring with stars such as Bill Withers. In the mid-’80s he returned to Baltimore and played in a country band called Raging Country. He also played in the oldie’s revue Big Cam & the Lifters before retiring from music.
The Fugitive Six opened for the Beach Boys at Merriweather Post Pavilion on July 28, 1969.
Macon went on to join The Package, Tony Vee & the Zodiac. Coleman went on to join Tommy Vann’s Professionals and was replaced with guitarist Don McCleary (ex-Summer’s Misfits). Dale returned in 1969 with McCleary going on to join Raintree, One Another, and later with Krackerjax, Bell System, Pat O’Brennan’s band… With the return of Coleman, the band became known as Ulysses.
Ulysses ad at The Toad Stool February 1969
Ulysses was also seen at the Toad Stool. Members featured Tom Carson (vocals ex-Lafayettes), Dale Coleman (guitar), John Armetta (bass), Tim Boone (keyboards), and Gary Chalmers (drums). Record releases by Ulysses include an independent 1969 single “Madness” b/w “On the Road Again” (Dynapat 3231) produced by Larry Sealfon and Barry Rick, and a single in 1970 “Rock and Roll Woman” (a cover of the Buffalo Springfield song) b/w “Broken-Hearted Man” (Buddah 170). The records were arranged and conducted by Chalmers.
Carson later joined Legend, Summer’s Misfits. Armetta joined the Bruce Westcott Trio. Dahlstrom was later with the Majestics, Legend, and most recently in the ‘90s-00s with Mary Lou & the Untouchables. Luppold joined the Persuasions, Smith joined A New Day. Coleman and Chalmers both went on to join Expressway.
Single release by the Fugitive Six
1965 Satyr 6608 Betrayed / Sore Finger
Single releases as Ulysses:
1969 Dynapat 3231 Madness / On the Road Again
1969(45) BRC 3377 Broken Hearted Man / Rock And Roll Woman
1970 Buddah 170 Rock and Roll Woman / Broken-Hearted Man
