The Story of Six
The origin of Six (and later of Ivan Pavlov) was the collaboration
of Martin Brzezinski and Jerry
Davis in high school. Jerry played keyboards and would compose most of the
music and Martin wrote most
of the lyrics. Their first song was the legendary composition "Banana Fever".
They were joined by Mathew Brzezinski on
drums, John Hawley on accordion, Stan Chavey on guitar, and Mark Posthill on
bass. The original line-up quickly evolved with Stan, Mark, and John dropping
out, and David and Mark
Brzezinski stepping in on guitar and bass. The band originally was dubbed
"Deep Six," but was eventually
shortened to just "Six."
Aside from their original music, the band drew heavily on what is now called
classic rock- the Beatles , the Stones, the Doors. But there was also heavily
represented the local Michigan heritage: the MC5, Iggy and the Stooges, and
Mitch Ryder. There was nothing subtle about their approach, Six was heavy, loud,
and fast.
The career of Six eventually culminated in the recording of the 45 rpm 7 inch
single "Happy Again/Out of My Mind", which was released in 1980. Even
in recording of these two songs, signs of discord could be discerned. The basic
tracks were recorded without Jerry (who was out of town), and were only added
at a separate session. Once the single was released, the band seemed to drift
apart. Everything Six could accomplish had been fulfilled, and both Jerry and
Mark left the group. No further shows were performed.
The postscript to the story of Six is that the band was revived under a new
influence, and under a new name: Ivan Pavlov's Salivation
Army. The new incarnation was more original, more danceable, and more popular
than ever.
(Learn more about the various lineups in the Deep Six, Six and Ivan Pavlov bands here.)
