They were an American blues rock trio from the late 1960s, part of the vibrant San Francisco music scene. Though their history was brief, they were highly regarded for their high-energy live performances.
The band was formed in 1968 and consisted of: Wayne Ceballos (guitar, piano, vocals)
Kenneth Newell (bass), Larry Martin (drums)
Aum's sound was heavily influenced by the blues and psychedelic rock of the era, drawing comparisons to bands like the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream. They were known for their powerful shows, which featured long improvisational jams (by now obligatory) and a blend of blues-rock with diverse influences, even including gospel.
The band's live reputation quickly caught the attention of legendary promoter Bill Graham and they became a popular opening act at the Fillmore West in early 1969. A standout of this period was at one of the Fillmore's "Sounds of the City" auditions, where Aum reportedly received three encores and the longest standing ovation in the history of the event. The big time looked to be calling.
Music critics praised their performances, with influential writer Ralph J. Gleason comparing their "wild, swinging set" (daddio) and "turn-on" energy to that of Santana's early appearances. They also toured the East Coast, performing at the Atlantic City Pop Festival and opening for Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Fillmore East.
But alas, it wouldn’t last. Aum released two studio albums during their short career, both in 1969. These were Bluesvibes: their debut album, released on Sire Records. It showcased their blues-rock sound with tracks like "A Little Help From You" and "Bay Bridge Blues. There are two 7-minute tracks and two six minute. It has a great cover. The second was Resurrection: Released on Bill Graham's own Fillmore Records label and is probably the best of the two
Despite their critical acclaim and live popularity, the band's time was limited. Aum disbanded in 1970. Their legacy remains in their two albums and the numerous live recordings that are around and still sound wild in an uncontrived way.
