John
Bauer ~ Saxophone
Jim
Dunlap ~ Vocals
Dave
Maitland ~ Guitar
Doug
Morrison ~ Organ
Gary
Puckett ~ Guitar, Vocals
Pat
Primiano ~ Drums
Larry
Roberts ~ Bass
Carl
Wilson ~ Guitar
In
Memory of
Pat
Primiano
I used to go see Mr. Lucky and the Gamblers and The Redcoats at various venues in SW Portland. At some point, near the end of the existence of both bands, The Gamblers and The Redcoats exchanged singers and guitarists. Jim Dunlop and Dave Maitland became Gamblers and Allan Gunter (I think) and Carl Wilson became Redcoats.I also remember the Grudge match between the two, although I didn't attend it. I remember seeing The Redcoats not long afterwards.
These were both hot bands at the time: The Gamblers looked immensely cool in their matching morning suits and had a very tough English-style attitude. The Redcoats had a great organist in Doug Morrison; Larry Roberts was a very personable bass player and Jim Dunlop was Gentleman Jim, so what more could you say about him. When Dave Maitland joined them I became a fan forever. He was great! So was Carl Wilson. They were arguably the best guitarists in Portland at the time.
The last time I saw The Gamblers was at the Crystal Ball in downtown Portland in 1968 (I think) or perhaps late 1967. They opened for The Buffalo Springfield and for the only time in my memory, did not wear their morning suits; no doubt to appear cool to the Springfield or something. The Springfield were great but I thought The Gamblers equally as good and still think so to this day.
It's a shame their recording history is so slim because they were among the best of the NW bands of that era. They deserved better documentation than they got and so did The Redcoats.
Brian Trainer, October 2005
I attended the 'Grudge Match' battle of the bands between the Redcoats and Mr. Lucky & the Gamblers at the Wooden Shoe (about 1966). There was a huge turnout because the losers were to have their heads shaved. There was also a near riot when it was announced the voting was a tie (obviously rigged) and both bands went home with full heads of hair.Greg Hodes, August 2007
If you have corrections, a neat photo or more information, please send it to:
Last Update: 25 August 2007
Credits: Don Rogers, Robert Van den Akker, Mark Presley, Denny Randall, Dave Lutjen, John Duval, John Bauer, Larry Kulai, Brian Trainer, Carl Wilson, Larry Roberts, Greg Hodes
Band
# 0020