KALLABASH
Greensboro, NC
courtesy Jack Garrett
Photograph Courtesy of Tom Odom, 2005.
Kallabash wasknown for its strong stage presence including an appearance in the buff at the 1971 rock festival in Love Valley, NC. They used fog machines and other stage accessories to create a crowd frenzy. The group was formed by veteran musicians almost overnight including members of The Impacts andThe Pieces of Eight. The group was active from 1967 to 1971.
band make up:
Wrenn, Mark
Greensboro
Saxophone
1967-1976
Came from Pieces of Eight
Williams, Bo
Deceased
Guitar
1967-1971
Came from Scotty Todd &The Flames
Keaton, Ted
Greensboro
Keyboards
1967-1976
Has new group Shaggie Mae
Brady, Ish
Deceased
Bass
1970-1973
Oates, Rick
Wincheter, VA
Guitar
1971-1976
Helser, Ken
Raleigh, NC
Vocals, Trumpet
1967-1969
From Pieces of Eight
Caudle, Leo
Tenor Saxophone
1967-1970
Also played with Chester Mayfield & The Casuals
Coleman, Tommy
Drums
1967-1976
Holiday Band
Driggers, Mike
Drums
1974-1976
Percel, Ronnie
Bass
1967-1970
2 stints
Cottle, Leo
Saxophone
The group recorded one album in 1970
This was apparently a one-shot album for the Uncle Bill label. It was pressed in Greensboro, NC (40 miles south of Danville) and may be the only lp on the label.
The group was managed by Hit Attractions out of Charlotte and played college gigs in the area.
Personnel:
Ish Brady - Lead Vocals, Bass
Tom Coleman - Drums, Congas
Ted Keaton - Lead Vocals, Organ
Rick Oates - Guitar
Mark 'Bird' Wrenn - Flute, Alto Flute, Tenor Sax
Album:
Kallabash Corp (Uncle Bill 311) 1970
Reissued on CD (Free Records FR 2011) 2001
Clowning around in drag
Performance at Castaways in Greensboro, NC
Kallabash backs soul artist Jackie Wilson at Castaways
pic and info courtesy Jack W. Garrett
courtesy Jack Garrett
© DaveandAndy 2005