Andy grew up in New England listening to ‘60s and ‘70s soul and classic rock on his parents’ car radio. He cut his teeth singing with classic rock cover bands in Boston and New Orleans while attending college and law school. After moving to California, Andy began performing with a variety of Bay Area musicians performing classic rock, soul, and blues standards. Andy’s favorite vocal influences are Gregg Allman, Robert Palmer, Marvin Gaye, Lowell George, Otis Redding, Darryl Hall, and Donald Fagan.

Neil is the most recent addition to our band. He brings a fresh take on our current tunes and solid lead on many new tunes.

Classically trained on piano at an early age, played Jazz standards at cocktail parties and rock concerts in grade school. Joined a progressive rock band in high school  and carried a Hammond organ all the way through college several nights a week.  Now carries a Nord since he no longer owns a truck. He is still recovering from elective brain surgery to separate right and left brain so that his left and right hand could play more independently but seems to be functioning well in society.

I got my first guitar for five books of green stamps—if anyone remembers that.  My first electric guitar cost me $15.  There I was as an eighth grader, trying to pick out Rolling Stones songs from the record:  Thus started my many decades fascination with Rock and Roll.  I picked up my first bass as a college freshman and have been playing it since.   The really fun part of bass is driving the band and linking the rhythm section with the melodic players.  It is an instrument that can be both simple and straightforward and endlessly intricate.

Music was a way of life growing up, my father on (Accordion), had his own band. My brother Paul on (Guitar) and I on (Drums) started our first rock garage band in Jr. High and played for all the Jr. and High school dances. I played drums for the school jazz band, orchestra, and marching band. But we loved our rock and roll! I ended up playing drums in the Army’s Surgeon General’s band. Back in the bay area I played in country bands, rock bands and played with a lot of great musicians. The August Reed Band found me on a corner playing ukulele and cowbell, chained me to a drum set and threw me a fish! It was meant to be! After all, my first name is August!

August Reed was born in Muscle Shoals Alabama to iterant farm hands near the turn of the last century. After showing expert proficiency with a comb and piece of paper, his parents bought him a used banjo which he soon mastered.  His reputation grew quickly and soon he was touring the South with Wilson Picket, backed by Duane Allman. August fell off the radar for several years after laying down some tracks at the local studio.  He migrated to the San Francisco Bay Area where he met and toured Niles Canyon with members of the current band.  Sadly, August passed several years ago, but out of respect to their mentor and Leader, the band celebrates him by keeping his name.