Salvation

In the late 1960s Al Linde on vocals and Joe Tate on guitar launched a progressive rock project in Seattle that soon expanded into a five-piece ensemble. Keyboardist Art Resnick, also known as the US of Arthur, bassist Artie McLean and drummer Teddy Stewart completed the roster. Originally operating under the name Salvation Army Banned, the musicians relocated southward to San Francisco and quickly established themselves as a favored concert draw. They next acquired a refurbished school bus, applied the era’s required psychedelic paint scheme, and criss-crossed the country performing at any venue that would host them. Their debut album Salvation reflected the band’s wide-ranging tastes through lengthy improvisations, conventional rock numbers, upbeat party tunes and comedic touches. When Teddy Stewart departed, Rick Levin took over the drum chair for the follow-up Gypsy Carnival Caravan, yet that sophomore release failed to match the appeal of its predecessor, prompting the group’s dissolution shortly afterward.