The Ebb Tides were formed in 1964 in the Catonsville area. Original Lineup consisted of John Mackabee (lead guitar), Jim Mays (rhythm guitar), Joe Krepka (drums), later adding John Wallace (bass), and Vince Lolli (sax ex-Invictas).
As a full-time band, they played a mix of top 40, British invasion, and soul sounds. Played stints as house band at Halfway House in Pasadena, Terry Inn, Sunset Lounge in Glen Burnie, and the White Gables in Crofton. Also played at many other clubs including Sweeney’s, Surf Club, Beck’s, Cicero’s, Pratt Street Gardens, etc. Made appearances at USO and Fort Howard Hospital for veteran soldiers.
L-R: Wallace, Mays, Krepka, Mackabee. Photo courtesy of Jim Mays.
In 1967 the Ebb Tides cut a single on the Monumental label, produced by Will Taylor and Bill Nevins, “Come on and Cry” (written by Pete Traynor) b/w “Straightaway”.
In 1966/67 Mays began to also play the keyboards. Brass players from the Army Band were also added to the horn section and saxman Lolli left the band being replaced with Jim Durick. This line-up continued into 1969 when the band finally called it quits.
Mays went on to join the Koffee Beans. He also worked at Bill’s Music House for over 50 years! Krepka joined the Seventh See. Durick later played for the Lafayettes, Sentries, Xpressions…
Single release by the Ebb Tides:
1967 Monumental 520 Come on and Cry / Straightaway
