The Loading Zone
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1966 in Berkeley, California, United States |
| Founder | Paul Fauerso |
| Defunct | 1971 |
| Headquarters | Berkeley, California , United States |
| Products | Music albums |
The Loading Zone was a rock ensemble from the United States that operated during the late 1960s and early 1970s. They released two albums featuring different personnel before their dissolution in 1971.
Career
Originating in Berkeley, California in 1966, The Loading Zone was established by vocalist and keyboardist Paul Fauerso following the disbandment of his jazz outfit, The Tom Paul Trio. The initial roster comprised Fauerso, bassist Bob Kridle, drummer Ted Kozlowski (who was subsequently succeeded by George Newcom), along with guitarists Peter Shapiro and Steve Dowler, both previously members of the Berkeley-based psychedelic group The Marbles. Their debut significant performance took place at the Trips Festival held at Longshoreman's Hall in January 1966. With a foundation rooted in R&B infused with psychedelic elements, they gained recognition within the Bay Area music circuit, frequently performing at Berkeley’s New Orleans House and prominent venues such as Fillmore West.
While The Loading Zone occasionally took the spotlight as headliners, they predominantly served as supporting acts for prominent artists including Cream, The Who, The Byrds, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Grateful Dead, Howlin' Wolf, Sam & Dave, Chuck Berry, and Buddy Miles.
In 1967, after seeking a new lead singer through advertisements, Linda Tillery joined the group shortly before they secured a contract with RCA Records. Despite their strong live following, their eponymous debut album was met with unfavorable critiques due to excessive production and an emphasis on cover tracks. Insufficient radio airplay contributed to their breakup in 1969.
Fauerso reassembled The Loading Zone later that year with fresh members including guitarist Steve Busfield, bassist Mike Eggleston, drummer George Marsh, and horn players Todd Anderson (later replaced by Ron Taormina) and Patrick O'Hara. For a brief period, the band featured dual drummers—Frank Davis alongside Marsh—and produced their second album, One for All, on their independent label Umbrella before disbanding in 1971.
Following the group's end, Linda Tillery launched her solo career with the album Sweet Linda Divine released by CBS Records in 1970, produced by Al Kooper. Fauerso worked on unreleased solo projects for Mike Love titled First Love and Only One Earth, eventually shifting his focus to new-age music and commercial production work. Tillery joined the jazz fusion ensemble Cesar 830 prior to pursuing solo endeavors.
In 2005, Fauerso reunited with Eggleston and Marsh to create Blue Flame, which combined five new compositions with selections from One for All.
George Newcom passed away from a heart attack on July 1, 2010, at age 63. Trombonist Pat O'Hara later collaborated with Buddy Miles on Cold Blood and died sometime in the late 1970s or early 1980s.
Albums
- The Loading Zone (RCA Records, 1968)
- One for All (Umbrella Records, 1970)