Fred Ross

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1977 Recording of SASS finally Released

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San Francisco-based R&B / Funk / Rock group SASS was formed in 1974 by lead singer Fred Ross and producer, guitarist, vocalist Andy “Andro” Ernst. During the mid 70s SASS recorded three now rare demo singles released on San Francisco’s INS label. The group performed live alongside well-known artists such as Lionel Ritchie & The Commodores, Esther Philips, The Main Ingredient, Brass Construction and Tower Of Power.

In 1976 SASS got signed to 20th Century Records which released remixed versions of their demo songs “I Only Wanted To Love You” and “Do It” on a 45. A full-length album was later recorded in 1977 but none of these songs ever saw the light of day…until now.

The unreleased tracks featured on this present issue were the last songs recorded by the band for their major label album project that was unfortunately abandoned. Transferred directly from the only existing 2 track master tape of the sessions, these never before heard songs can now be listened to in their full glory.

The demo versions are vinyl-only.

credits

released October 14, 2022

Produced by Andy “Andro” Ernst.

Fred Ross: Lead Vocals, Saxophone, Flute
Andy “Andro” Ernst : Guitar & Vocals
Charles Haber : Piano, Synthesizers & Clavinet

Fred Aldeguer: Guitar & Vocals

Don Garcia: Bass

Lemuel Barrow : Drums & Vocals

Mastered by Andro Ernst at Art Of Ears, Hayward, CA.
Transfer and restoration by Norman Nitzsche at Calyx Mastering, Berlin.

Release by High Jazz the recording comes in two different formats Vinyl or digital. For more information or to purchase the recording go to https://highjazzrecords.com/album/sass

New Strokeland Records Website

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Strokeland Records just launched their new website.  I am proud to say that I have appeared on several Strokeland and Strokeland related tracks.  Great music as this website with band from all over the US and the World.  You can find them at www.strokeland.com.

You can hear me on the title track of “Bumped Up To The First Class” here 

Check Strokeland out when you get a chance.

Message from a client

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cropped-Untitled11.pngJust received an email from the person who booked the wedding The Fred Ross Project performed at earlier this month in San Mateo (September 5th). Names have been removed to protect the innocent (you know who you are anyway), and we removed a few lines that were remarks made directly to the booking agent.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From:
Date: Sep 10, 2015 3:57 PM
Subject: Sept 5 more great reports
To: “Fred Ross” < fredrossproject.fr89@gmail.com>
Cc:

The hotel loved you and the mother of the bride emailed this.

Thanks again. You did me more than proud.

Begin forwarded message:

Subject: Re: Wedding Toast & Speech Schedule
Date: September 10, 2015 at 1:06:41 PM PDT
To: Kent Strand <kent@baymusic.com>

Dear XXXXX,

Well you should know that Fred stole the show as we requested!!! And, the band too..as you promised!!!.

The things that make a wedding fun…open bar and a Great Band..? Maybe that is the wrong order…great band, limited speeches keeping great band from playing, great band, beautiful outdoor venue, great band!!!

You did a grand job for our team. How lucky the hotel recommended you…And, let me just say…we all fell in love with Fred and the band…I knew he could do Prince. VERY COOL.

FRED DID SUCH A SMART THING when he played Happy… I told the bride party over…last song. She said no, I want 2 more songs! He played 2 more of his own selection…!!!

He knew the princess bride didn’t know what time it was. He ALSO knew the hotel rules…very smart plan for this bride…and our venue…!!!

Funny story…the bride requested no line dances and no dancing through the party as you saw…on her belated form to you.

Fred complied and did his part!

SHE looked at me and Said NO..LINE DANCING! WITH a small smile she gave it up for Fred and the frat boys!!!..