Featuring contributions from Bob Weir, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, David Freiberg, Taj Mahal, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Peter Coyote,and many more…

From 1967 to 1970, Ace of Cups – Mary Gannon (Bass), Marla Hunt (Organ, Piano), Denise Kaufman (Guitar, Harmonica), Mary Ellen Simpson (Lead Guitar), and Diane Vitalich (Drums) – were at the epicenter of the ‘60s cultural and social revolution. From the Acid Tests to the protests, from the free concerts in Golden Gate Park to the ballrooms of San Francisco, they shared stages with everyone from The Band to the Grateful Dead. Michael Bloomfield, Jerry Garcia, and Buddy Miles were their fans and the Ace were chosen to open for Jimi Hendrix the week after his groundbreaking performance at The Monterey Pop Festival. When asked by Melody Maker magazine to name his favourite musical discoveries on his U.S. trip, the Ace of Cups was the first thing he mentioned.

“I heard some groovy sounds last time in the States, like this girl group, Ace of Cups, who write their own songs and the lead guitarist is, hell, really great.” –Jimi Hendrix, 1967

Despite eliciting music industry interest for their exceptional songs, sublime harmonies and exuberant live performances, the Ace of Cups never got the chance to make a record of their own… Until now. Ace Of Cups blends pure rock, folk, blues and gospel influences with a pop sensibility and a garage band rush; all tinted by an intoxicating psychedelic sheen.

Album guests include legendary players—and long-time friends of the band—Jorma Kaukonen & Jack Casady (Jefferson Airplane/Hot Tuna), David Freiberg (Quicksilver Messenger Service), Barry Melton (Country Joe & The Fish), Pete Sears (The Fleur de Lys/Jefferson Starship), David Grisman, Steve Kimock (Zero/RatDog), Terry Haggerty (Sons of Champlin), Norman Mayell (Sopwith Camel), Sid Page and Charlie Musselwhite, as well as lead vocal turns by Bob Weir, Taj Mahal, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Peter Coyote.

In total 36 songs were recorded, and what started out as a chance to set the record straight turned into a history-making second act.

“What a debut it is, brimming over not only with great songs, but a formidable guest list. It’s the sound of four maximum-eclectic musical lifers, purely ready to jam.” —Billboard Magazine

This is the first release from the Ace of Cups project. Volume Two – coming in 2019 – includes 20 more songs from the band, as well as contributions from Jackson Browne, Wavy Gravy, Sheila E and the Escovedo Family, Bakithi Kumalo (Paul Simon), and more.