Bruce Hampton And The Aquarium Rescue Unit
Bruce Hampton And The Aquarium Rescue Unit (ARU) was a band that formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in the late 1980s. The band consisted of Bruce Hampton (vocals, guitar), Oteil Burbridge (bass), Jimmy Herring (guitar), and Jeff Sipe (drums). The band's music was a mixture of jazz, rock, and funk, with a heavy emphasis on improvisation.
The Early Years
Bruce Hampton And The Aquarium Rescue Unit began as a loose collective of musicians in the Atlanta area. Bruce Hampton, a veteran of the Atlanta music scene, had been the frontman of several influential bands in the 1960s and 1970s, including the Hampton Grease Band. Oteil Burbridge, Jimmy Herring, and Jeff Sipe were all young, up-and-coming musicians in the area.
The band started playing together in various configurations in the late 1980s. They quickly developed a reputation for their high-energy live shows, which featured extended improvisational jams and a wide range of musical styles.
The First Album
In 1991, Bruce Hampton And The Aquarium Rescue Unit released their first album, simply titled "The Aquarium Rescue Unit." The album was well-received by critics and helped to establish the band as a force to be reckoned with in the jam band scene.
The album featured a mix of original compositions and cover songs, including a version of the Grateful Dead's "Sugaree" that became a fan favorite. The band's virtuosic musicianship and adventurous spirit were on full display throughout the album.
The Second Album
In 1992, Bruce Hampton And The Aquarium Rescue Unit released their second album, "Mirrors of Embarrassment." The album was another critical success and showcased the band's continued growth and experimentation.
The album featured guest appearances from saxophonist Col. Bruce Hampton (no relation to the band's frontman) and keyboardist Kofi Burbridge (Oteil's brother). The band's sound had evolved to include elements of world music and avant-garde jazz.
The Band's Legacy
Despite only releasing two albums, Bruce Hampton And The Aquarium Rescue Unit left a lasting impression on the jam band scene. The band's innovative approach to improvisation and genre-bending music was an inspiration to many other musicians in the years that followed.
Members of the band went on to have successful careers in music. Oteil Burbridge joined the Allman Brothers Band and later Dead & Company. Jimmy Herring became a sought-after session musician and played with Widespread Panic. Jeff Sipe played with a number of different bands, including Leftover Salmon and the Zambiland Orchestra.
Bruce Hampton continued to perform and record music until his untimely death in 2017. He remained a beloved figure in the Atlanta music scene and an inspiration to countless musicians.
Conclusion
Bruce Hampton And The Aquarium Rescue Unit may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of their contemporaries, but their influence on the jam band scene cannot be overstated. The band's willingness to take risks and push boundaries helped to pave the way for a new generation of musicians. Their music continues to inspire and delight fans to this day.
