MEMBERS OF THE SWINGERS

JOCKO DULONG

Co-founder of the Marina Swingers, co-writer and producer of “I’m a Swinger” and by far the most versatile in offering various skill sets, Jocko along with Eddie, during their years at LMU, created the Marina Swingers. Though Jocko initially sported a beard and was engulfed in the progressive music scene involving English bands like ELP, Yes and Genesis, he quickly recognized that his skills as a recording engineer, writer, editor, producer, vocalist, musician, synthesist and performer allowed him to easily transition into the Marina Swingers style of writing and performing. Jocko’s co-producing of “I’m a Swinger” clearly demonstrated his multiple talents and versatility. He was, with Eddie, the core foundation of the Marina Swingers and responsible for their success and longevity.

Back in 1977 Jocko was already heavily into early synthesist Wendy Carlos, had an Arp 2600 synthesizer (one of the original gigantic modules) and assembled Oberheim modules that he could trigger with his custom made keyboard. The Marina Swingers, as a group, started in 1978 and following Jocko’s leadership quickly assembled a mobil four track recording studio in a very prominent Beverly Hills architect’s office next door to the landmark Chasen’s Restuarant. Eddie had a janitor business and this cozy little office was one of the clients he had been servicing for years. The very young Swingers recorded all nite, cables running to the different architect’s cubicles where we positioned the different amplifiers. Drawings of future homes for Kenny Rodgers and Olivia Newton John sat undisturbed on the desks above the equipment.

Jocko recorded the Swingers first four tract recordings and the Swingers left the office at 6:30 AM just prior to the architect’s office staff arriving for the next day’s work. The architect did mention to Eddie that Chasen’s management had called about some unusual noises coming from next door to the restaurant. Jocko’s recordings that nite clearly demonstrated to Paul, Jocko, Toddius, Esteban and Eddie that something was going on with their new formed group, but they were not sure what it was. Those original versions of “Admiralty Way” “Casual” and “She Wears the Pants” were screaming with energy and creative performances. Thanks to the legendary architect Harold W. Levitt - an amazing innovator in 60’s art deco architecture for helping us get going. Jocko was brilliant in so many ways. “As Time Goes By - Live from the Sweetwater” in the “Outhere Section” of the website was classic Jocko…..

NORHAM

Swinger co-founder Jocko had heard that another Mattel Toy designer was a talented drummer, so Jocko approached Norham in the company cafeteria and invited him to listen to “I’m a Swinger,” a track that he and Eddie had written and recorded at Mattel. Norham went up to the recording studio and after hearing the track, the Marina Swingers were officially formed. Norham not only fit the part, but brought an element of excitement, energy and drumming expertise to the band’s original sound.

Norham was taught how to drum by high school classmate Sal LaRocca, with Sal’s intent to have Paul replace him as the lead drummer in their High School Band. Sal LaRocca went on to a professional career where he played with Teddy Wilson (big band) and taught a lot of touring pros.

Norham was heavily influenced by Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Sandy Nelson, the Wrecking Crew’s surf drummers, Mitch Mitchell and Ginger Baker. Eddie was a former drummer (mediocre at best), but appreciated the importance of drumming and arranged numerous Swinger songs with open spots for creative drum parts. Norham fit right in with some explosive performances that frequently blew the minds of fellow Swingers.

Norham was always challenged trying to fit his drums in a small yellow Porsche and getting home in time to let his beloved dog, Heathcliff out of his apartment after shows…. After a gig one night, Norham's greatest dilemma was not only fitting his drums into that small Porsche, but also fitting a bass amp, bass guitar, and Toddius, who needed a ride home.  It looked like a Circus Clown Car. Norham and Eddie are still producing music and video productions today 2022.  Norham is an amazing talent and Eddie has commented that standing on stage in front of Norham during one of his infamous drum rolls would almost knock him off the stage.

EDDIE

While attending LMU, playing in the LMU Pep Band and working in the LMU Television Studios, Swinger co-founder, Jocko Dulong, introduced Eddie to a TEAC four track recording machine and the two became fast friends and began their journey recording soundtracks for student films and TV productions and working in the KXLU radio studios.

Eddie lived in an apartment in Park La Brea near Hollywood and at night he would haul his drums and a couple cold beers in his VW Squareback to an empty field next to the vacant and deteriorating Pan Pacific Auditorium (currently the Grove) to practice drums and arrange drum parts for songs he was writing. Out in that dark, desolute, weed ridden field in the middle of LA, he could practice away when no-one could see or hear him. Eddie said it was creepy and lonely out there, but he practiced until LA PD showed up one nite and asked him “what are you doing out here?”

During this time Eddie was introduced to early recordings by Devo, Talking Heads, Blondie, and local punk bands the Weirdos and Dickies. This new music movement was already growing in LA, New York, London and around the world. Eddie and Jocko went to see “The Tubes” In 1977 at the Pantages. The performance was over whelming, so Eddie motivated by the new music scene and the Tubb’s show, fleshed out some ideas for a couple songs and Jocko arranged synthesizer parts. A rough draft of “I’m a Swinger” was created and the two guys strategized how to record it. Jocko and Eddie knew they had something going with “I’m a Swinger” and the Marina Swingers were established.

Eddie’s early influences include the USC Marching Band, Big Band jazz, Stones, Beatles, Beach Boys, Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, 60’s garage bands and Motown. Writing songs was not an issue for Eddie, but creating a band that could perform them was always challenging.

Eddie worked with Jocko and assembled a great band (Esteban, Norham and Toddius) and asked his buddy, the brilliant and uniquely talented Michael Muffins to be the featured artist fronting the Swingers. Toddius Maximus booked the first Marina Swingers paid gig at “LMU’s Birds Nest.” It was a spectacle. When Mike left the band shorty after, the true journey began. The Swingers had a single “I’m a Swinger,” was receiving some airplay, but had a young band with limited live experience. Eddie, never a vocalist before, jumped to the front of the stage, grabbed the mic and boy did the challenges continue.

John Bliss

In 1981 John Bliss was drumming one nite in a band that Eddie (assistant manager at the Sweet Water Nite Club) had booked for a Sweetwater Hootnite. After John’s set with the band, Eddie and John hoisted a couple beers and Eddie asked John if he would be interested in helping the Swingers out as a drummer. Norham (the previous drummer) had temporarily left the band and the Swingers were looking for a drummer to do some recording sessions with, as well as future performances.

John was a special talent, not only gifted as a powerful metal, punk and surf drummer (influenced by Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest), but also possessed skills as a comedian, writer and performer. The Swingers still think Blissigula’s vocal performance during the co-written song “Get On Down Now” (in the “Outthere” section of the website) though poorly recorded, is an absolute classic and became a southbay favorite when the Swingers performed live.

John was a driving force as a drummer, with a pounding kick drum and machine gun snare rolls that blazed through their performances (“Fun Fun Fun” live can be found in the “Sunken Treasures” section of the website). John was hilarious and there was constant joking and chatter throughout stage routines. During the shows, Eddie and bassist Willie stuck their heads in John’s mounted toms and experienced ear shattering drum rolls as John attached his drums. Blissigula brought a lot of life and energy to the Swinger’s live performances during his tenure.

Actually a year and a half after joining the Swingers John rejoined his previous band members and formed a “speed metal band” named “Powertrip” that recorded a great LP. John was also the genius responsible after a show for parking his van behind a closed and abandoned bar near Lake Elsinore that had an old damaged cocktail glass marquee hanging from the roof. Apparently John grabbed a ladder, some tools, climbed up on top of his old van and detached the cocktail glass that he later took home, repaired and painted. The glass with it’s flashing bulbs became a fixture at all the Swinger shows. A black n white snap shot of that old cocktail glass can be seen below - pretty funny..

Jimmy Burque

While working as an assistant manager at the Sweetwater Nite Club, Eddie booked Jimmy and his brother for a hoot nite. The Burque Brothers vocal style reminded Eddie of early Everly Brothers. Eddie played drums for a local rockabilly singer during the same hoot nite, so Jimmy asked Eddie to play drums on his upcoming recording session. Eddie and Jimmy became friends, so when Jocko left the band in 1983 only to later return for most all Swinger recording sessions, Eddie asked Jimmy to rehearse with the Swingers as a bass player.

Jimmy performed live with the Swingers and has written, recorded and produced a number of songs with the Marina Swingers. Jimmy brought a calmer more patient style (kept great time) of playing to the band. He wrote beautiful syncopated melodies, was a quick learner and creative arranger. Jimmy helped inspire the Swinger’s alternative rock, surf version of Brubeck’s “Take Five.”

In the mid eighties, Jimmy and Eddie along with Jocko, recorded “Repetition” and “Darkest Nite” at Sound Solution Studios in Santa Monica with the great recording engineer Keith Wechsler. DJ John Logic played “Repetition” once on KROQ and Dr. Demento said “Darkest Nite” was one the best recordings he had heard that year. It was definitely something new and very different. Jimmy was influenced by the Beatles, Kinks, Bee Gees, and composer Aaron Copeland. Jimmy was a major contributor and influence on the Swinger sound from the early 80’s to the present. He continues to write and record songs up in Northern California.

TODDIUS MAXIMUS

Toddius was a fellow LMU Communications Art major like Jocko and Eddie. He was an original member and though versatile in playing other instruments (drums and guitar), was an amazing talent as a bass player; creative, very fluid and powerful. Toddius actually sang back ground vocals on the single “I’m a Swinger.”

Toddius was the Swingers most gifted player even though Esteban, Norham and Bliss were not far behind. That classic first Swinger show in 1979 at LMU’s Bird’s Nest, featuring Michael Muffins, was an event and Toddius’ singing of a duet of Proud Mary with Mike Muffins literally tore the house down. Toddius was an important contributor in writing the Swinger’s earlier compositions. He was a very funny guy and we had some tremendous times together. He was a major influence in the development of the Swingers original sound, concept and live performances.

When Toddius played with the Swingers, the band was powerful and aggressive. When Todd left, the band realized they had a lot of work to do to catch up. Toddius Maximus is an active musician, producer and writer in Los Angeles today and a tremendous talent.

MICHAEL MUFFINS

In the late 70’s Mike and Eddie became close friends while working at LMU on Eddie’s Masters Production, a brilliant and epic video production entitled “A Hollywood Fairytale.”  Besides Mike’s amazing songs, original script, sets, costumes, make-up and creative genius (he brought his 54 Edsel, cat Eddie flying in a harness and his dog into the studio) he was an amazing actor and live performer.  Mike helped inspire Eddie as he began developing his vision for the Swingers.  

Mike performed as the featured artist and front man during the Swingers first three shows in1979 (at LMU’s Birds Nest and the Sweetwater in Redondo Beach). The Swingers have always been indebted to Mike for his inspiration and encouragement in exploring their imaginations, utilizing comedy in their shows and never holding back.  Mike has been an important artist in Hollywood for a number of years.  See his amazing portfolio of work at Michael Muffins.com

GARY JONES

In late 1981, John Bliss introduced the Swingers to his cousin Gary Jones, a talented guitarist, great vocalist and creative artist (drew the “Pelican at the Bar” cartoon). Though Gary lived aways in Lake Elsinore, he joined the band and fit in the Marina Swinger concept perfectly. Gary had amazing stage presence, was a terrific team player and creative contributor to the Swingers image.

Gary looked great on stage and his guitar playing blended beautifully with the arrangements Eddie and Gary worked out. As cousins, Gary and John Bliss’s vocals sounded great together. Under the “Sunken Treasures” Recordings section, Gary provides lead vocals on “Mommy and Daddy” an obscure reggae song.

Though the band endured a number of changes during Gary’s tenure, Gary was a tremendous talent. He was always willing to experiment with the Swingers routines that at times were goofy, were tough to do and didn’t always work. Swingers audiences were beginning to dramatically increase during his tenure with the band. Gary also helped Eddie rebuild his Pinto station wagon (nicknamed time bomb) after it was knocked up on to the sidewalk by a hit and run driver while the Swingers were performing inside of a nite club. Eddie and John knew Gary had amazing talent hidden under his easy going facade and while being a “Swinger” Gary did not receive the recognition he deserved. He returned to Lake Elsinore and the Swingers never saw him again.

Cynthia LeRiche

Cynthia was a bartender with Eddie at the Sweetwater and had seen the Marina Swingers numerous times. Cynthia told Eddie she was crazy about music, was studying saxophone at the local JC, was a singer and could play a little keyboards. Eddie recognized Cynthia’s tremendous potential and that her 5-2 stature and athletic build would look great on stage.

Cynthia had a wonderful personality and great enthusiasm, so though still learning her craft as a saxophonist, she joined the band and the Swingers arranged her parts based on her capabilities. The audiences loved her stage presence and comedic antics while sitting on top of a human pyramid singing Human Being, standing on the tables playing her saxophone or sitting on John’s shoulders while he road his Harley into the club. She became a crowd favorite and helped the Swingers build their fan base in early 1982.

MIKE BRISON

Mike Brison, another LMU grad, has worked with the Swingers since before they were born. Eddie and Mike played in bands while attending Daniel Murphy High School and LMU and wrote songs and played at the Toubadour together. Mike performed with the Swingers on stage at the LMU talent show in 1978 with his blue Mosrite surf guitar. He introduced Mike Muffins and the Marina Swingers during their first official show at LMU’s Birds Nest. Mike got married, had kids and moved to San Diego.

When he came back to LA in the late 80’s he would join the Swingers in the studio playing guitar and adding vocals. He wrote terrfic lyrics to “I Bring Fear” which was later produced into a “Swinger” video and Mike added guitar and vocals on “The Barrack Obama Song” and “Silicon Beach.” Mike has been a true inspiration and influence on the Swingers musically and comedically over the years.

DAVID RAY STEPHENS

Eddie had asked Mike Brison to listen to a track that he, Esteban and Jimmy recorded together back in the late 80’s. Mike added lyrics and titled the song “I Bring Fear.” They were pleased with the music tracks, but needed help with the lead vocals.

Mike’s buddy, David Ray Stephens, was an accomplished musician and volunteered to sing the lead vocal track. Powerful and gritty, David performed beautifully and the Swingers worked with artist/animator Austin Jones to create the music video for “I Bring Fear.” David is one amazing and versatile talent. Check his music videos on YouTube under “David Ray Stephens.”

STEVE LEYTON

Steve was a close friend of Esteban’s. When Norham temporarily left the band, the Swingers used drum machines which Jocko and Eddie had been experimenting with for years requiring the band to perform with only three members. Eddie sensed the Swingers needed something else to help them get thru their live shows until they could find a new drummer.

Steve, influenced by the English progressive scene, was a talented singer and had an unusual and intriguing stage presence. He would sit on a stool with a cigarette, very low key and sing lead and back up vocals on a number of songs. He helped us out for a couple shows. Later he worked with the Swingers and wrote the last two verses of an earlier Muffins / Eddie song entitled “Patti.” The Swingers recorded “Patti” with Steve, Jimmy, Eddie and Esteban’s other buddy Mark Barton - it is a unique piece of work — a terrific Stevie performance.

SONNY JIM

In the late 80’s, Eddie and Sonny Jim were shoe managers at a large Department Store in Downtown LA and became friends, frequently driving Jim’s baby blue 60’s Cadillac limousine after work around downtown enjoying cocktails and talking music at local bars. Jim was a stocky Irish Navy veteran, with freckles and a contagious personality everyone, but his supervisors loved.

Eddie understood Sonny’s passion for music and asked Jim if would like to go in the studio and cut a few tracks. Eddie recorded the music tracks for “3 PT Dad,” “Bud English” and “Bud Spanish” and Jim, never realizing his amazing vocal talent, dove right into the project providing original and unique vocal performances that were hilarious. You can find these recordings in the “Out There” section of the website’s audio releases.

Eddie has not seen Sonny Jim since that time, but wonders what happened to this talented man and friend. Jocko provided some great synth and affects tracks to beef up “3 PT Dad.” Unfortunately there are no photos of Sonny Jim - and we have no idea what he would have been like on stage —- Sonny Jim was something else…..

JD KOBIASHI

JD was a friend of Jimmy Burque and though not active in playing guitar live, was an accomplished student of the guitar. JD and Eddie worked on a number of Swinger songs and recorded guitar parts and vocals on “the Barrack Obama Song,” “Go Johhny Go” and “Metro Claus.” JD has been a friend and contributing part of the Swinger fraternity for years…..

MARK BARTON

Mark was an old friend of Esteban and Steve Leyton and had a small apartment studio. He was an accomplished keyboardist and recording engineer. After rehearsing with the Swingers, he engineered and recorded, play keyboards and added back ground vocals to “Patti,” featuring vocalist Steve Leyton. Mark has been a good friend of the Swingers since the earliest days and helped arrange other Swinger songs.

WILLIE

When John Leisure left the Swingers, they went back to “Club 88” searching for another bass player as the Swingers were booking shows and needed a good player to step in. Once again “88” management recommended a local musician Willie, so they all got to work. Willie was a competent player, easy going and had great stage presence. Willie rolled with the Swingers outrageous and at times zany stage routines. The Swingers were beginning to attract larger audiences wanting to see the live show. The energy and band’s look with Gary Jones, Cynthia, John Bliss, Willie and Eddie were helping generate energy during live shows that southbay locals wanted coming to see.