the Savoys / New Lime
Campbell County, Kentucky, 1962-72
The New Lime were one of the biggest bands in SW Ohio and northern Kentucky for years, keeping on top of the dance scene with several local hits and tight, professional sound.
The Savoys were formed in 1962 by high school students in the northern Kentucky/greater Cincinnati area. Gary Lee Fausz, from Campbell County HS, was the band's founder and lead singer. Other original or early members included Mickey Foellger on drums, Jim Geyer on keyboards, Fred Stanger on guitar, Mike Boyd on guitar, and Dave Cassell on bass. In 1964 the Savoys recorded their 1st 45 at King, a vocal ballad backed with a hot rod instrumental that featured Jim Geyer's electric piano playing. The 45 was issued on the band's own "TES" label.
In 1965 the band recorded a 45 for Fraternity, while changing their name to the New Lime as "Savoys" was already taken for a national recording band. The two sides set the blueprint for the New Lime "sound", commercially appealing pop-rock sides with strong vocals and distinct keyboard sounds. The record was a local hit and got the band into the top circuit of teen and college dances.
The New Lime recorded a 45 for the Louisville Boss label, two more originals featuring "Your Turn to Cry" which is a favorite New Lime side for fans of the 'garage' sound. Shad O'Shea got in touch with the band and signed them to Counterpart. Their first Counterpart 45, "That Girl" was a pretty big local hit and was picked up for national release by Columbia. Several more Counterpart 45s followed in relative short order during '67-'68. Included in these songs, all of which were done at the Allen-Martin studio, was the screaming "Ain't Got No Soul", the favorite of garage band fans (including the editors!). The New Lime hit again with "The Gumdrop Trilogy" which was also picked up by Columbia after hitting locally on Counterpart. It's important to note that almost everything the New Lime recorded were written by the band, primarily Fausz and Foellger. Few local bands have recorded as many quality original songs.
Dave Cassell had left the band after "That Girl" and was replaced by Jim Stanger who had been out of the group for a while but returned, moving from guitar to bass. Shortly afterward, Jim Geyer left, apparently after some 'girl trouble' between him and another band member. Ed Wilbers, formerly of the Wyngates, took over on keyboards. Mike Boyd left and the band added two guitar players, Ira Messing and Doug Mertens.
The New Lime recorded their last Counterpart 45 in '71, a 'joke' take on "Walking the Dog" that was done at Jewel. The band disbanded in '72, with Mickey Foellger and Ed Wilbers joining an outfit called the Apple Butter Band, although Wilbers did not last long due to a conflict with founder Danny Morgan. Gary Lee Fausz died of heart failure in 1990, his family had a history of heart trouble. Some of the surviving New Lime members played a 'reunion' show in late 2004.
Discography
Barracuda / Only You (Credited to Gary Lee Fausz and the Savoys) (TES
45-8)
Whenever I Looke In Her Eyes / And She Cried (Fraternity 947)
That Girl / She Kissed Me (With Her Eyes) (Counterpart 2577/8 ;
Columbia 44017) c. 8/66
The Girl With The Long Blonde Hair / There Goes My Girlfriend
(Counterpart 2593/4) c. 5/67
Meant To Be / The Perfect Girl (Counterpart 2599/600) 7/67
Ain't Got No Soul / The Gumdrop Trilogy (Counterpart 2609/10) 10/1967
Sunny / I Still Remember (Counterpart / Minaret 150) 1968
I Still Remember / Ain't Got No Soul (Counterpart 2620/09) 1968
Donna / The Gumdrop Trilogy (Counterpart 2627/8 ; Columbia 44597) 1968
Thank You (And Goodnight) / I Will Wait For You (Counterpart 2637/8)
Walking The Dog / Meant To Be (Counterpart 2660/1) 1970
Part Time Friends / Circle For A Landing (Counterpart No #) 1971