Members
Select a Legion of Mary band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Legion of Mary was a dynamic rock and jam band that emerged from the prolific collaboration between Jerry Garcia and Merl Saunders in the early 1970s. The group took shape in late 1974 and performed until the summer of 1975, featuring a lineup that included John Kahn (bass), Martin Fierro (reeds), and Ron Tutt (drums). Legion of Mary was known for its improvisational prowess, seamlessly blending elements of rock, blues, and jazz to craft intricate and exploratory live performances. This collective spirit reflected the musical experimentation of Garcia's other projects, while still carving out its unique niche in the jam band genre.
How to Sound Like Legion of Mary
Legion of Mary’s sound was characterized by a fluid, improvisational approach that embraced both melodic and rhythmic complexity. The guitar work of Jerry Garcia played a pivotal role, often featuring warm, overdriven tones achieved through guitars like the Gibson 1955 Les Paul Custom Exclusive and the Fender Stratocaster, paired with the powerful McIntosh MC 2300 amplifier. Garcia's use of effects such as the Colorsound Wah-Wah added expressive dynamism to his solos, while Merl Saunders' keyboards provided a rich harmonic tapestry. The band’s interplay was further enhanced by Fierro’s saxophone and Kahn's robust bass lines, creating a harmonically rich and rhythmically engaging soundscape that invited both musicians and listeners into a world of musical exploration.
Discography
Get the Legion of Mary Sound
Want to sound like Legion of Mary? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.