Biography
In 1967 Oakland, California, singer and keyboardist Paul Fauerso assembled the Loading Zone, a Cosmic R&B ensemble, once his earlier jazz outfit the Tom Paul Trio had dissolved. He brought in guitarists Pete Shapiro and Steve Dowler, both previously members of the Berkeley psych-rock act the Marbles, then completed the first roster with bassist Bob Kridle and drummer George Newcom. Although grounded in R&B, the band also explored psychedelia, jazz, and electric blues, a range that led to opening slots for Cream and Big Brother & the Holding Company at San Francisco’s Fillmore.
Fauerso ran a 1968 advertisement in the San Francisco Chronicle seeking a replacement lead singer; Linda Tillery came aboard before the group signed to RCA. Their self-titled debut album, however, never conveyed the energy of their concerts and drew harsh reviews for its overdone production and clumsy Motown covers. The Loading Zone disbanded shortly afterward.
Fauerso and Tillery revived the project in 1970, adding guitarist Steve Busfield, bassist Mike Eggleston, and drummer George Marsh; the new lineup cut One for All for the Umbrella imprint. They ended the band for good in 1971. Fauerso went on to produce the Beach Boys’ First Love LP and issued several new age recordings, while Tillery later appeared with the jazz fusion outfit Cesar 830 and eventually launched a solo career.
Fauerso ran a 1968 advertisement in the San Francisco Chronicle seeking a replacement lead singer; Linda Tillery came aboard before the group signed to RCA. Their self-titled debut album, however, never conveyed the energy of their concerts and drew harsh reviews for its overdone production and clumsy Motown covers. The Loading Zone disbanded shortly afterward.
Fauerso and Tillery revived the project in 1970, adding guitarist Steve Busfield, bassist Mike Eggleston, and drummer George Marsh; the new lineup cut One for All for the Umbrella imprint. They ended the band for good in 1971. Fauerso went on to produce the Beach Boys’ First Love LP and issued several new age recordings, while Tillery later appeared with the jazz fusion outfit Cesar 830 and eventually launched a solo career.
Albums
