Formerly known as Springwind. The acoustic band had turned to rock and roll and reportedly changed its name because they decided that Springwind sounded too “folkie.” The group played original music and covers of artists such as Little Feat, Steely Dan, Joe Walsh, Zappa… Members included Jim Ball (guitar), Tim Pfeiffer (guitar), John ‘Scoop’ Christensen (bass), Glenn Workman (keyboards, sax), Dayton Alford (drums), and Steve Sandkuhler (harmonica, sax). Pfeiffer left group in 1981.
In 1979 Off the Wall added the ‘Wall of Sound’ horn section. The band was voted the Best Band in Baltimore by both the City Paper and the Unicorn Times. They released the single “Late Last Night” b/w “Here at Midnight” (Off the Wall Music). The group could be seen at the Marble Bar, Desperado’s, Amber Room, The Pit, E.J. Bugs, Toni’s Dream, Manor Tavern, Bucknell University, and many other venues. An ad touted the group as “six slightly deranged yet powerful musicians who combine to generate a live performance so electrifying your toenails will scream!”
In 1983 the band released an LP titled “Ground Zero” (Broken Arrow BRO1) and a single “She’s All Right” b/w “Baltimore Barroom Blues.” The album was very successful on the college circuit becoming the “Pick of the Year” by the College Music Journal.
Shortly after the LP release Scoop suffered a near fatal automobile accident. After a brief hiatus the band decided to begin performing while Scoop was still in recovery. Workman covered with keyboard bass, Pfeiffer briefly returned on guitar, and Craig Considine added his trombone to the mix. Scoop later recovered and rejoined the group. Their song “She’s All Mine” was included on the 1986 various artists album “8 Essential Attitudes” (Frantic 003).
Around 1986 the group decided to cut back to a part-time basis. They became known as Jim Ball & the Suits. They were the 1988 Yamaha Soundcheck winner, and continued to perform together well into the ‘90s.
Considine went on to the band Rumba Club. Workman continued to work on many projects including recording session appearances, teaching music, and seen performing with Expensive Hobby, and Technicolor Motorhome (a Steely Dan tribute band). Ball later with the duo Mercy Creek… Alford later with Big Cam & the Lifters… Sandkuhler later with Captain Quint, Zack Nenon & the Dragons, and Southpaw in the ‘00s.
1979 (indie) Late At Night / Sittin’ Here At Midnight
1983(LP) Broken BR01 Ground Zero
