Lincoln St. Exit

Band members - Paul Chapman (RIP) — (1964-) - R.C. Gariss — lead guitar (replaced Paul Chapman) (1964-70) - Lee Herres — drums, percussion (1964-70) - Michael Martin — vocals, lead guitar (1964-70) - Mac Suazo — bass (1964-70) Lincoln Street Exit’s sole album is one of those efforts that’s generated considerable attention throughout the collecting community over the years. I’ll reserve comment on whether that status is deserved … Formed in 1964, the original line up consisted of Paul Chapman, drummer Lee Herres, singer/guitarist Michael Martin and bassist Mac Suazo. A rarity in that it was one of the few mid-1960s native American rock bands (all four members were New Mexico Sioux) to actively tour and record, the group struggled for six years with little recognition; managing to release three instantly obscure singles during that timeframe. By the time the band was signed to the Detroit-based Mainstream label, Chapman had died replaced by guitarist R.C. Gariss. Teamed with producer Brad Shad 1970’s “Drive It!” served to showcase material from Martin and non-member Tom Bee. Sure the band’s anti-war sentiments (‘Man Machine’ and ‘Time Has Come Gonna Die’) weren’t particularly original or noteworthy. Similarly their isolated stab at pseudo-Gospel (‘Going Back Home’) was at best misguided.