Wha-Koo-Berkshire (1978)

Related to the Californian band Steely Dan for their exquisite and polished style, Wha-Koo was a prolific West Coast rock band that released three albums between 1977 and 1979. Its main driving forces were David Palmer and Danny Duoma. Palmer had previously played on the early albums of Steely Dan, and was a renowned guitarist and songwriter. The rest of the lineup was equally accomplished; musicians like Andy Silvestre, Reinie Press, Don Francisco, and Rick VanMaarth had belonged to important bands such as Highway Bobbery, Savoy Brown, and The Crickets, the latter famously known as Buddy Holly's backing band. "The Big Wha-Koo" (1977), "Berkshire" (1978), and "Fragile Line" (1979) are prime examples of the best of the Californian sound. It is undoubtedly their second album, "Berkshire", that best reflects the style of this brilliant group from Los Angeles. Grand vocal harmonies, refined guitars, and precise keyboards, all underpinned by exquisite arrangements. Some time later, Danny Duoma released his only solo album, "Night Eyes", featuring Eric Clapton, Garth Hudson of The Band, and several members of Fleetwood Mac, before joining the band Chicago, replacing the late Terry Kath.