Beefy Red
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Defunct | 1972 |
| Headquarters | Marin County, California , United States |
Area served | San Francisco Bay Area |
| Products | Music (R&B, blues, jazz) |
Beefy Red was a band originating from the San Francisco Bay Area, active between 1969 and 1972, with its base located in Marin County, California. Their performances included appearances at prominent Bay Area locations such as Bill Graham's Fillmore West in October 1970, along with regular shows at 'The Lion's Share' in San Anselmo, a significant venue within Marin County's music circuit. The ensemble was noted for its dynamic R&B sound, blending influences from blues and jazz genres.
In 2008, Paul Liberatore of the Marin Independent Journal identified Beefy Red as a candidate for inclusion in a proposed Marin Music Museum.
Notable members
The lineup featured solo artist and composer Mark Isham, who played trumpet and soprano saxophone, alongside Barry Finnerty, who handled electric guitar and lead vocals. Finnerty, who later collaborated with Miles Davis, the Crusaders, and the Brecker Brothers, was responsible for arranging the group's music and creating horn charts.
Other members
Additional personnel comprised the late John Whitelaw (died 2006) on electric bass and occasional lead vocals; the late Irwin Goldfeld (also known as Eric Gold, died around 1991) on tenor saxophone; the late Ned Appleby (died 2000) on trumpet; Jim Checkley on electric guitar; Kirk Willat on Hammond Organ and some lead vocals; the late James (Jim) Preston (died 2014) on drums and occasional lead vocals—Preston also performed with Moby Grape and other acts; Bruce Saxton on tenor saxophone; L.B. 'Kyle' Keilman on harmonica, recognized for his guest spot on a Sons of Champlin album acclaimed by Rolling Stone; Phil Wood on flugelhorn, who also recorded with The Sons of Champlin; and Jim Carraway on percussion.
Break up
Due to their failure to obtain a recording contract, the members opted to explore more lucrative opportunities, leading to their concluding performance in Davis, California, on January 14, 1972.