Spirit | Artist

Spirit was an American rock band founded 1967 in Los Angeles, California, by Randy California (guitar, vocals), Mark Andes (bass) and Jay Ferguson (vocals, percussion). The core lineup added California's step-father Ed Cassidy (drums) and John Locke (keyboards). California, who was sixteen when the band formed, had previously played with Jimi Hendrix as a member of Jimmy James and the Blue Flames. Cassidy was twenty years his senior and an experienced jazz drummer, having played with Cannonball Adderley, Gerry Mulligan and Roland Kirk. Cassidy was also a founding member of Rising Sons with Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder. Spirit made sixteen studio albums in all, plus live albums. Their first four albums represent some of the best jazz influenced West coast psych music of the late '60s-early '70s period. Standout albums include Spirit, The Family That Plays Together, Clear, Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus and Model Shop archival soundtrack. After Spirit split, Ferguson and Andes formed the rock band Jo Jo Gunne, and Randy California pursued solo work.

Artist Website: randycaliforniaandspirit.com

Featured Albums: Spirit

Related Artists: Randy California, Jo Jo Gunne, Rising Sons