Calvary Quicksilver Messenger Service: The Pioneers of Sound

In the mid-1960s, the music scene in San Francisco's Haight Ashbury neighborhood was thriving. It was an era marked by free love, free thinking, and a passion for experimentation with sound. Amidst this vibrant backdrop, the Quicksilver Messenger Service emerged as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the time.

Formed in 1965, the band brought together some of the most talented musicians of the era. Skip Spence, best known for his work with Moby Grape, and bassist David Freiberg, who would later join Jefferson Airplane and Starship, were part of the original lineup. But it was guitarist John Cipollina who truly stole the show.

Cipollina's unique playing style blended tremulous lyricism with bursts of snaky, anarchistic phrasing. He achieved this by combining his distinctive picking with a highly original approach to amplification. While many rock guitarists were debating whether to stick with tubes or switch to transistor amplification, Cipollina simply said, 'I'll have both.' By combining solid-state Standel bass amps with Fender tube amps, he created a sound that was both powerful and haunting.

One of the defining features of Cipollina's technique was his use of dual plectra - a thumbpick and first-finger fingerpick. This allowed him to create complex rhythms and textures that added depth and complexity to the band's music. His innovative approach to amplification and playing also influenced other guitarists, including Jeff Beck, who would later develop a similar style.

The Quicksilver Messenger Service was an integral part of the Bay Area's thriving music scene in the 1960s. They shared the stage with other legendary bands like the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane, and their music reflected the era's emphasis on experimentation and innovation.

In recognition of his pioneering work, Cipollina's amp rig is now on exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His legacy continues to inspire guitarists today, and his unique sound remains a testament to the power of creative experimentation and innovation in music.

Calvary quicksilver messenger service