hi-techs

HI-TECHS: EARLY 80’S BAND FROM ROCHESTER NY

HiTechs' Ned Hoskin - guitar and Peggi Fournier - soprano saxophone, 1980
HiTechs’ Ned Hoskin – guitar and Peggi Fournier – soprano saxophone, 1980

By 1979, I had left “New Math,” Peggi Fournier was playing with The Targets, and Martin Edic was working behind the counter at Record Theater in Midtown Plaza. I was working downtown too, at Carey Studios, and I spent many a lunch hour in the record store where we decided to put a band together. Martin bought a bass for our first rehearsal, an instrument he had never played. He called “the plank.”

We called ourselves “Hi-Techs.” We all liked dance music and pop. We were asked to record a track for an album that Tom Kohn and Marty Duda were putting out called “From the City That Brought You Absolutely Nothing.” I never cared for that title. We recorded “Pompeii,” a song that Peggi wrote, at Robert Slide’s parent’s house. Robert was the bass player in New Math. Duane Sherwood added synthesizer swooshes to the 4-track recording. Martin was an active bass player and fun to play with. Peggi sang, played soprano sax and Farfisa organ.

Ned Hoskin - guitar/vocals,Peggi Fournier - saxophone/farfisa/vocals, Paul Dodd - drums, Martin Edic - bass. Hi-Techs promo photo for promotional postcard. Photo by Linnae Fischer.
Ned Hoskin – guitar/vocals,Peggi Fournier – saxophone/farfisa/vocals, Paul Dodd – drums, Martin Edic – bass. Hi-Techs promo photo for promotional postcard. Photo by Linnae Fischer.

As Martin remembers it, “We were at a party at Karen’s on Park Ave. Ned Hoskin was there, I knew him from grade school, and he was wearing a Sex Pistols button which surprised me.” He said he was playing guitar so we invited him to join us. ” Ned played rhythm, not lead, and we became a four piece. Ned liked The Clash and Bruce Springsteen. He wrote and sang ernest, working man anthems. His reggae tinged “Right To Be Free” was one of our most popular songs.

Hi-Techs performing at Scorgies in Rochester, New York
Hi-Techs performing at Scorgies in Rochester, New York

We played around town and quite a bit in Buffalo where we met Paper Faces and Tony Biloni. Richard Storms released two of our singles on Archive Records. The second one, “Screamin’ You Head” got pretty popular at Danceteria, in New York and the band attracted the attention of Cachalot Records. We performed at Rochester’s Channel 31’s TV studio, the same night Ozzy Osbourne played there, one of his last gigs with guitarist Randy Rhodes. The video from that night is featured below.

Hi-Techs backstage, Martin Edic, Peggi Fournier and Paul Dodd
Hi-Techs backstage, Martin Edic, Peggi Fournier and Paul Dodd

HI-TECHS STUDIO RECORDINGS

Hi-Techs "Screamin' You Head," A side of Archive Records 45 recorded by Dwight Glodell at CSE Audio 1981.
Hi-Techs “Screamin’ You Head,” A side of Archive Records 45 recorded by Dwight Glodell at CSE Audio 1981.
Hi-Techs "A Woman's Revenge," B side of Archive Records 45 recorded by Dwight Glodell at CSE Audio 1981.
Hi-Techs “A Woman’s Revenge,” B side of Archive Records 45 recorded by Dwight Glodell at CSE Audio 1981.

See Kevin Patrick’s review of this record on So Many Records So Little Time

Hi-Techs "Boogaloo Rendezvous," A side of Archive Records 45 recorded by Dwight Glodell at CSE Audio 1980.
Hi-Techs “Boogaloo Rendezvous,” A side of Archive Records 45 recorded by Dwight Glodell at CSE Audio 1980.
Hi-Techs "Subscriptions (Are My Prescription)," B side of Archive Records 45 recorded by Dwight Glodell at CSE Audio 1980.
Hi-Techs “Subscriptions (Are My Prescription),” B side of Archive Records 45 recorded by Dwight Glodell at CSE Audio 1980.

Hi-Techs "Incoming Mail" recorded by Dwight Glodell at CSE Audio 1981.
Hi-Techs “Incoming Mail” recorded by Dwight Glodell at CSE Audio 1981.
Hi-Techs "Illustration" recorded by Dwight Glodell at CSE Audio 1981.
Hi-Techs “Illustration” recorded by Dwight Glodell at CSE Audio 1981.
Hi-Techs "Pompeii" from the LP "The City That Brought You Absolutely Nothing" 1979.
Hi-Techs “Pompeii” from the LP “The City That Brought You Absolutely Nothing” 1979.
Hi-Techs promo shot by Linnae Fischer
Hi-Techs promo shot by Linnae Fischer
Hi-Techs performing in the back room at Record Archive on Saturday May 31 1980
Hi-Techs performing in the back room at Record Archive on Saturday May 31 1980
Peggi behind Farfisa at Record Archive in 1980
Peggi behind Farfisa at Record Archive in 1980

Tom Kohn, from the Bop Shop, took the photos below at a Hi-Techs recording session in WCMF’s downstairs studio.

  • Vores from Buffalo performing with Paul Dodd on drums from Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
    Peggi Fournier playing Farfisa began with Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
  • Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York. Peggi Fournier playing Farfisa organ, Paul Dodd on drums (not my own), Ned Hoskin on guitar and Martin Edic on bass.
    Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York. Peggi Fournier playing Farfisa organ, Paul Dodd on drums (not my own), Ned Hoskin on guitar and Martin Edic on bass.
  • Ned Hoskin singing with Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
    Ned Hoskin singing with Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
  • Ned Hoskin playing guitar with Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
    Ned Hoskin playing guitar with Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
  • Martin Edic playing bass with Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
    Martin Edic playing bass with Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
  • Paul Dodd playing drums with Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
    Paul Dodd playing drums with Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
  • Vores from Buffalo performing with Paul Dodd on drums from Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
    Vores from Buffalo performing with Paul Dodd on drums from Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
  • Larry Luxury performing with Vores and Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
    Larry Luxury performing with Vores and Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
  • Larry Luxury performing with Vores and Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
    Larry Luxury performing with Vores and Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
  • Debra Lary watching Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
    Debra Lary watching Hi-Techs in WCMF studio, Rochester, New York.
First Hi-Techs recording session 1999. Line up included Paul Dodd on drums, Duane Sherwood on synth, Peggi Fournier on Farfisa and soprano sax and Martin Edic on bass. The track Pompei was recorded here and released on From the City that Brought You Absolutely Nothing.Photo by Robert Marsela
First Hi-Techs recording session 1999. Line up included Paul Dodd on drums, Duane Sherwood on synth, Peggi Fournier on Farfisa and soprano sax and Martin Edic on bass. The track Pompei was recorded here and released on From the City that Brought You Absolutely Nothing.Photo by Robert Marsela
Poster for Hi-Techs and New Math at Scorgies in Rochester, New York on 04.25.1980 and 04.26.1980.
Poster for Hi-Techs and New Math at Scorgies in Rochester, New York on 04.25.1980 and 04.26.1980.
Poster for The Targets, Vores, Hi-Techs_and The Most at Penny Arcade in Rochester, New York 06.30.1980
Poster for The Targets, Vores, Hi-Techs_and The Most at Penny Arcade in Rochester, New York 06.30.1980
Poster for Hi-Techs and Bowery Boys at Scorgie's in Rochester, New York 07.03.1980
Poster for Hi-Techs and Bowery Boys at Scorgie’s in Rochester, New York 07.03.1980
Poster for Hi-Techs and Paper Faces at The Masthead n Buffalo, New York 07.14.1980. This was Hi-Techs first gig in Buffalo and the fist time we heard Paper Faces, a life changing experience.
Poster for Hi-Techs and Paper Faces at The Masthead n Buffalo, New York 07.14.1980. This was Hi-Techs first gig in Buffalo and the fist time we heard Paper Faces, a life changing experience.
Paul Szp's poster for Paper Faces and Hi-Techs at The Masthead in Buffalo, New York 07.14.1980.
Paul Szp’s poster for Paper Faces and Hi-Techs at The Masthead in Buffalo, New York 07.14.1980.
Poster for bands playing at Gables in Buffalo New York featuring Hi-Techs and Stains (with future drummer for 10.000 Maniacs) on 09.18.1980. Alex Chilton, The Vores, Terry Sullivan and the Enemies all played here on different dates.
Poster for bands playing at Gables in Buffalo New York featuring Hi-Techs and Stains (with future drummer for 10.000 Maniacs) on 09.18.1980. Alex Chilton, The Vores, Terry Sullivan and the Enemies all played here on different dates.
Poster for Hi-Techs and Paper Faces at Scorgies in Rochester, New York on 10.10.1980
Poster for Hi-Techs and Paper Faces at Scorgies in Rochester, New York on 10.10.1980
Poster for Hi-Techs, The Vores and MX-80 Sound at Schuper House in Buffalo, New York 10.29.1980
Poster for Hi-Techs, The Vores and MX-80 Sound at Schuper House in Buffalo, New York 10.29.1980
Poster for MX-8 Sound with Hi-Techs_at Scorgies in Rochester, New York 10.30.1980
Poster for MX-8 Sound with Hi-Techs_at Scorgies in Rochester, New York 10.30.1980
Poster for Hi-Techs and Nona Hendryx at Penny Arcade in Rochester, New York 11.10.1980
Poster for Hi-Techs and Nona Hendryx at Penny Arcade in Rochester, New York 11.10.1980
Alternate poster for Hi-Techs and Paper Faces at Scorgies in Rochester, New York 12.13.1980
Alternate poster for Hi-Techs and Paper Faces at Scorgies in Rochester, New York 12.13.1980
Poster for Hi-Techs and Paper Faces at Scorgies in Rochester, New York 12.13.1980
Poster for Hi-Techs and Paper Faces at Scorgies in Rochester, New York 12.13.1980
Poster for Hi-Techs and Chesterfield Kings at Scorgie's in Rochester, New York 12.19.1980
Poster for Hi-Techs and Chesterfield Kings at Scorgie’s in Rochester, New York 12.19.1980
Poster for Hi-Techs New Math and Clichés at Triangle Theater in Rochester, New York 12.31.1980. Don't know who made this poster for Ted Boylan Productions.
Poster for Hi-Techs New Math and Clichés at Triangle Theater in Rochester, New York 12.31.1980. Don’t know who made this poster for Ted Boylan Productions.
Poster for Hi-Techs and New Math at UR 01.23.1981. Someone at UR made this poster.
Poster for Hi-Techs and New Math at UR 01.23.1981. Someone at UR made this poster.
Poster for Hi-Techs_with Control at Scorgie's in Rochester, New York 01.24.1981. Someone in Control designed this poster.
Poster for Hi-Techs_with Control at Scorgie’s in Rochester, New York 01.24.1981. Someone in Control designed this poster.
Poster for Hi-Techs at Scorgie's in Rochester, New York 03.19.1981
Poster for Hi-Techs at Scorgie’s in Rochester, New York 03.19.1981
Poster for HI-Techs and Prestones at Scorgies in Rochester, New York on 04.07.1981
Poster for HI-Techs and Prestones at Scorgies in Rochester, New York on 04.07.1981
Poster for Hi-Techs and 2nd Division at Scorgie's in Rochester, New York 04.11.1981
Poster for Hi-Techs and 2nd Division at Scorgie’s in Rochester, New York 04.11.1981
Poster for Hi-Techs with The Vores at Scorgie's in Rochester, New York on Friday 05.15.1981 and Hi-Techs with Bulletproof Claudia on Saturday 05.16.1981
Poster for Hi-Techs with The Vores at Scorgie’s in Rochester, New York on Friday 05.15.1981 and Hi-Techs with Bulletproof Claudia on Saturday 05.16.1981
Poster for Hi-Tech at Parliament Lounge 2620 W. Henrietta Road in Rochester, New York 06.12.1981
Poster for Hi-Tech at Parliament Lounge 2620 W. Henrietta Road in Rochester, New York 06.12.1981
Poster for Hi-Techs with Der Fuhmens at Scorgie's on Friday 06.20.1981 and Hi-Techs with Paper Faces on Saturday 06.21.1981
Poster for Hi-Techs with Der Fuhmens at Scorgie’s on Friday 06.20.1981 and Hi-Techs with Paper Faces on Saturday 06.21.1981

HI-TECHS GIGS THAT WE CAN REMEMBER

VENUEWITHDAYDATE
ScorgiesThursday4/10/1980
ScorgiesNew MathFriday4/25/1980
ScorgiesNew MathSaturday4/26/1980
Record ArchiveSaturday5/31/1980
ScorgiesPress TonesFriday6/10/1980
Penny ArcadeTargets, Vores, The MostMonday6/30/1980
ScorgiesBowery BoysThursday7/3/1980
Masthead, BuffaloPaper FacesMonday7/14/1980
Gables, BuffaloThe StainsThursday9/18/1980
ScorgiesPaper FacesFriday10/10/1980
Schuper House, BuffaloVores and MX-80Wednesday10/29/1980
ScorgiesMX-80Thursday10/30/1980
Penny ArcadeNona Hendryx, Zero CoolMonday11/10/1980
ScorgiesPaper FacesSaturday12/13/1980
ScorgiesChesterfield KingsFriday12/19/1980
Triangle TheatreNew Math, ClichesWednesday12/31/1980
UR MDC Dining HallNew MathFriday1/23/1981
ScorgiesControlSaturday1/24/1981
Gables, Buffalo
Thursday2/5/1981
ScorgiesPaper FacesFriday2/20/1981
ScorgiesFriday3/6/1981
ScorgiesSaturday3/7/1981
ScorgiesThursday3/19/1981
ScorgiesPresstonesTuesday4/7/1981
ScorgiesSecond DivisionSaturday4/11/1981
Channel 31 WUHFOzzie OsbourneTuesday4/28/1981
RumoursFriday5/8/1981
ScorgiesVoresFriday5/15/1981
ScorgiesBulletproof ClaudiaSaturday5/16/1981
Parliament LoungeFriday6/12/1981
ScorgiesDer FuhmensFriday6/19/1981
ScorgiesPaper FacesSaturday6/20/1981

When the Hi-Techs disbanded in 1981 three of us formed Personal Effects. Here is a link to Personal Effects Posters.

Promotion post card for Hi-Techs. Included in copies of their first 45 on Archive Records. L to R Ned Hoskin, Peggi Fournier, Paul Dodd and Martin Edic. Photo by Linnae Fisher. 1980
Promotion post card for Hi-Techs. Included in copies of their first 45 on Archive Records. L to R Ned Hoskin, Peggi Fournier, Paul Dodd and Martin Edic. Photo by Linnae Fisher. 1980

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