A.B. Skhy
This San Francisco-based quartet included Dennis Geyer
(guitar), Howard Wales (keyboards), Jim Marcotte (bass) and
Terry Andersen (drums). A seven-piece horn section
supported the group on their debut album, a blues-based set
modelled on B.B. King and Bobby Bland. Following the
departures of Andersen and Wales, the remaining members
continued with newcomers Rick Jaeger (drums) and James
‘Curley’ Cooke (guitar). The latter was a founder member of
the Steve Miller Band, and a former colleague of Geyer in an
earlier group, Tim Davis And The Chordaires. Ramblin’ On
was produced by the notorious Kim Fowley. This informal
collection showcased the group’s instrumental muscle and
featured cameo performances from guitarist Elvin Bishop and
pianist Ben Sidran. However, the group failed to secure a
commercial success and broke up during sessions for a
projected third album. Founder member Wales later enjoyed a
brief association with the Grateful Dead, and recorded 1971’s
experimental Hooteroll with the latter’s guitarist, Jerry Garcia.
● ALBUMS: A.B. Skhy (MGM 1969)★★, Ramblin’ On (MGM
1970)★★.
