Savage Grace

Savage Grace emerged in the late 1960s as Detroit’s leading progressive rock outfit. Their sound drew from deep jazz and R&B roots, laced with classic Detroit rock energy, setting them apart from other Michigan acts through both technical command and stylistic range. Guitarist Ron Koss, keyboardist John Seanor, and drummer Larry Zack had already formed the core of the jazz-oriented trio Scarlet Letter, which issued two albums on Mainstream; the arrival of vocalist and bassist Al Jacquez then reshaped the ensemble into Savage Grace. Reprise quickly signed the group, which delivered its self-titled debut album in 1969. After relocating to Los Angeles the next year, the band began work on a follow-up record whose recording stretched nearly two years. By 1972 the project had run its course, and the members dispersed. Despite musicianship and songcraft strong enough to suggest greater recognition, Savage Grace never reached the wider public, perhaps because their eclectic approach resisted easy categorization.