My name is Rev. Mick Szymanski. I am writing this to you because of an article I read on the web regarding Bunny Wailer and the ’stolen’ El Tempos song originally titled ‘My Dream Island’ or ‘My Dream Isle.’ It was originally recorded for VeeJay Records circa 1963. The reason I am interested is that the El Tempos were personal acquaintances of mine and as a musician, they were some of my heroes growing up in the Steel City of Lackawanna, New York.

I remember when that song came out. I was 14 years old and a drummer in a soul group. The El Tempos always took the time to help school us young, up and coming musicians. The guys names were Al ‘Bunk’ Johnson-guitar player and lead singer, Willie ‘Fish’ Lowe on keyboards, Otis’Screamin’ O.T.’ Toliver on bass and Leroy Brown on drums. Leroy was my personal hero and taught me a lot. And they used to let me sit in with them which was always a special deal. Fish and Otis have since passed away in the past few years. Leroy moved to Toronto years ago and hasn’t been seen for ages. Al Johnson became a Jehovah’s Witness and dropped out of sight although I did stop by his house about 8-10 years ago and brought him a cassette copy of his songs. He didn’t even have a copy for himself.

A friend of mine uncovered a CD copy of the El Tempos songs with also 2 never released. The CD was called ‘My Dream….’ Songs from a Chicago Street Corner Volume 3 - a release of the now defunct VeeJay catalogue. It was a Japanese import.

Anyway, sir, I’m glad that someone other than me and some local compatriots have taken up the El Tempos’ cause. They were a bunch of nice guys that deserved a bigger break than they got. As a side note, Otis Tolliver went on to play with Dyke and the Blazers, another R&B group from the Buffalo area that made some sweet soul music in the late 60’s and early 70’s.

I’m still a R&B player in my heart as well as being an Anglican Deacon with an interesting past. I hope to hear from you in the not too distant future.

Sincerely,

Mick Szymanski