J.A.J. / At the Mardi Gras

This single from the Dynamics was produced by local label, Seafair-Bolo Records. The A side features a cover of Dave Lewis’ (1938-1998 ) “J.A.J.”; although the original song was popular within the Seattle, Washington region, the Dynamics’ cover was popular enough to be distributed nationally. Side B features an original song, “At the Mardi Gras,” written by band members.

The Dynamics formed in 1959 around founding members, Terry Afdem (b. unknown), Jeff Afdem (b. unknown) and Pete Borg (1944-2010), and featured a rotating mix of members until they disbanded in 1968. The group enjoyed moderate success playing at house parties and at the teen dances organized by local DJ Pat O’Day (1934-2020). Most of the Dynamics’ singles and albums were produced by the record label, Seafair, or its sister, Seafair-Bolo. Seafair was owned and operated by Tom and Ellen Ogilvy, whose son would join the band in 1961 under the stage name Jimmy Hanna (b. unknown). The first Rock ‘N’ Roll single Seafair released was the Dynamics’ “Onion Salad.” Although the band only lasted until 1968, many former members continued performing with other local groups or found success as independent musicians. Hanna led his own band for a number of years before becoming a music instructor; Larry Coryell (1943-2017) was a successful Jazz guitarist, playing with a number of bands including the Free Spirits; trumpeter Mark Doubleday (1943-2004) performed for groups including Electric Flag and Janis Joplin (1943-1970); and drummer Ron Woods (b. unknown) worked with artists such as Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) and Barry Goldberg (b. 1942).