A.B. Skhy-A.B. Skhy (1969)

A.B. Skhy are a prime example of the brass rock that emerged in the late 1960s. Following in the footsteps of contemporary bands like Blood, Sweat & Tears and Chicago Transit Authority, they released two compelling albums highly regarded by jazz-rock fans of the era. Originally known as The New Blues, the band was founded in 1968 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by keyboardist Howard Wales, who already had extensive experience collaborating with artists such as Freddie King and James Brown. In addition to Howard, the band consisted of guitarist Dennis Geyer, bassist Jim Marcotte, and drummer Terry Anderson. Additional musicians included Russell Dashiell (guitar), Otis Hale (flute), Jim Liban (harmonica), Phillip Pruden (tenor saxophone), Jim Horn (saxophone), trumpeters Marvin Brown, Larron Holt, and Bud Brisbois, and trombonists David Thomas Roberts and Donald Waldrop. In early 1969, this large band moved to San Francisco, where they gained considerable prestige performing concerts throughout the city, which led to a contract with MGM Records. Shortly after, and under the production of Richard Delvy, they released their debut album in the middle of that year. Thanks to the hit "Camel Back", they entered the Billboard charts and were encouraged to release a second album, which came out in early 1970, titled "Ramblin' On". On both albums, A.B. Skhy showcased a vigorous blues-rock style with strong jazz influences, reflected in the instrumental structures, with the energetic horn section standing out in combination with the powerful rock band. Tracks such as the bluesy "Understand", the pseudo-jazz "Of All Sad Words", and the jazz-rock version of B.B. King's blues... King, "You Upset Me Baby", attested to the enormous instrumental quality of the album and that of this superb and forgotten American band.