Ten Ton Chicken

Originating in the Bay Area, Ten Ton Chicken launched its live performances in 1998 as a groove-oriented California jam band. The ensemble took shape through the merger of two preexisting groups, Now and Episode. Its founding roster—keyboardist/vocalist Nick Peck, guitarist Gary Morrell, bassist Eric "Doc" Kampman, and drummer Rich Dibenedetto—remained intact until Kampman stepped away in late 2000. The year 2001 introduced a revised sound once bassist Tom Fejes joined and saxophonist Jamison Reed came aboard. TTC appeared at San Francisco’s Marijuana March in both 1999 and 2000, and portions of its live improvisations were subsequently posted online.