Well-known rock band throughout the local underground / progressive rock scene. Half of the original lineup was the proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes of Urch Perch consisting of Robbie Hildreth (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Grimes (guitar), Matt Siran (bass, vocals), and Frank Baucia (drums). Siran was later replaced with George Alvey (ex-Jay B & the Capris, Meat), and a second guitarist Trevor Martin (ex-Atlanta Blues Band, Urch Perch) was added to the group.
Aux played as the Bluesette house band and played many outdoor festivals, venues in Pennsylvania, the Eastern Shore and Washington D.C, including the Emergency Club, The Horse You Came in On, American University, Catholic University, University of Maryland… The group was showcased on TV Channel 13 on November 23, 1969.
Grimes and Martin departed in 1971 with Mike Dennis taking over on lead guitar and David Allen on rhythm. The band began playing all original music in the country rock genre by Allen, Alvey, Dennis and Hildreth contributing songs and co-writing others. This group opened for Poco at Painter’s Mill on April 28th, 1971, and for the Youngbloods at University of Maryland Gymnasium in 1971. They were also seen at the Mardi Gras in 1971 with Grin, and opened the Painter’s Mill New Year’s Eve bash on December 31, 1971 with Cactus.
Aux performed in many concert style engagements that featured lineups of some of the best local rock bands including the Harry Benefit in March 1970 with Ames Oakes, Light, Meat, and others. On September 20, 1970 they performed at a Putty Hill free concert along with Quinn, Meat, Aubrey Circle, and Calhoun. A Latin Casino gig on December 20, 1970 featured Aux along with Aubrey Circle, and Scorpio. They appeared at the Corpus Christi Church Benefit Concert on February 21, 1971 with Grin, Aubrey Circle, Howdy Duty, Michael Hunt, Bette White, 91, Will White, and Tim LeBrun. Also, another Putty Hill open air concert on June 4, 1972 included Aux, Felix, Coyote, Legend, Grok, and Expressway.
Dennis and Allen both left and Steuart Smith (guitar, keyboards, vocals) joined in 1972. Hildreth was eventually replaced with Charlie Klingenstein (ex-Wicca). Bill Tudor (keyboards, flute, vocals ex-Procreation, Panda) was added in 1972.
The band change to the progressive rock genre in 1972. They recorded a 21-minute piece of original music in the style of Nice, ELP and King Crimson, (also incorporating classical passages of Beethoven, Chopin and others) entitled “DEUS VULT” about the Crusades. This piece, along with an interview of the band aired on WKTK underground radio. The piece was featured in large concert venues including the Famous Ballroom in March 1972, the Loft in Columbia, and Towson State Concert Hall.
In 1972 the floodwaters of Hurricane Agnes destroyed much of their equipment in their Naylor’s Lane practice studio, however Aux regrouped replacing Baucia and Klingstein with drummer Lou (?) who also sang lead. After several appearances, Smith left to join Dave Allen (formerly of Aux) with his band in D.C., and Alvey left to pursue classical music study at Peabody Institute as well as playing with Peabody’s Jazz Big Band which performed with and hosted a tribute to the world-famous stride pianist Eubie Blake on his 80th birthday. Alvey then transferred to Towson to study with and play for Hank Levy.
Siran went back to Northern California where he continued to play music and write songs with the Roadmasters Band, Sparkomatics, Fly by Night Band, and Eyewitness Blues. Grimes later played in Rent’s Due Band… Smith went on to play for Root Boy Slim & the Sex Change Band, Cryin’ Out Loud, Rodney Crowell (appears on 1988 CD “Diamonds & Dirt,” and 1992 CD “Life Is Messy”), Rosanne Cash, with Dar Williams appeared on Austin City Limits as well as touring and playing on several of her CDs, and in 2001 he replaced Don Felder as a member of the Eagles.
Alvey, who had once studied under Hank Levy at Towson State, eventually settled in New Orleans. In 1999 he formed the contemporary jazz trio Abiea. After Hurricane Katrina the drummer did not return. In a strange twist of fate, they recruited former Aux guitarist Trevor Martin as their new drummer! The group performed throughout the New Orleans area and released several original music CD’s.
