The Soultans - Biography

The original Fuzz, Flaykes, & Shakes (volume 4) misspelled the name of The Soultons as The Soultans. The new (2019) seven volume box set misspells it on the reproduction of the volume 4 sleeve, but corrects it in the included booklet. The name was never spelled that way when the band was active. The notes for The Soultons in the new booklet, are good except for the statement that “Rain Down Soul” (1968), was The Soultons only single. They recorded a second single in 1970. The photo of the band is a later photo, not one of the band of 1968. It is the band in 1970, with the horn players and after vocalist Bob Watkins had left the band.

In 1966, The Fourth Estate formed in Santa Clara, California as a four member garage band. After a few member changes, the band was made up of Chuck Cali on lead guitar, Frank Bringino on rhythm guitar, Mando Reyes on bass and Steve Ehrat behind the drums. In the Spring of 1967, they met Bob Watkins while playing at Moffett Field Naval Air Station. Bob, in the Navy at the time and stationed at Moffett, had a talent for singing Soul and R/B music. After sitting in on several songs, he joined the band. The Fourth Estate started learning songs to feature their new lead singer. That Summer, they changed their name to The Soultons. In 1968 they cut their first single after winning a recent battle of the bands. For winning the competition, they had received recording time and copies of the 45s. They cut "Rain Down Soul" and "Baby, I Don't Know" on Bay Town Records (Hayward, Ca.). In early 1969, they added a three piece horn section, Chris Vasquez on trumpet, Dennis Buldo on sax with Frank Bringino on trombone when not playing rhythm guitar. As a seven member band, The Soultons finally had the sound they wanted. In the Summer of 1969, Bob’s stint with the Navy was over. He left the band and went back to the east coast to be with his family. Without Bob singing vocals, The Soultons began playing less Soul Music and started playing more brass influenced Rock. In the Spring of 1970, The Soultons decided it was time to cut their second single. When ready to record, they chose Jaguar Records which was partially owned by their booking agent, Barry Wineroth. Barry was also the bass player for San Jose band, The Jaguars, and co owner of Guitar Showcase, a San Jose music store. They cut "Cloud Nine" and "Proud Mary” on Jaguar Records (San Jose, Ca.). The Soultons backed Rodger Collins several times. Later in 1970, they backed Odia Coates. They briefly changed their name to The Entire Phase, at the request of Odia's manager. They backed Odia for three weeks over the Christmas holidays at Harrah's Casino in Reno, Nevada. After that, they went back to being The Soultons, made a couple member changes then broke up later in the Spring of 1971.

Soultons Core Members: Bob Watkins - lead vocal, Chuck Cali - lead guitar, Mando Reyes - bass guitar, Frank Bringino - rhythm guitar and valve trombone, Chris Vasquez - trumpet, Dennis Buldo - sax and Steve Ehrat - drums.

Soultons Short Time Members: Pete Franusich - coronet, Jimmy Munoz - organ, Eric Benson - organ, Dave Daly - drums and Rich Navarro - temporary lead vocal.

« Back to Discography

Edit This Biography : Biography Credits