Loading Zone
The Loading Zone—Linda Tillery (vocals), Paul Fauerso (keyboards), Steve Dowler (guitar), Patrick O'Hara (trombone), Todd Anderson (wind instruments), Bob Kridle (bass) and George Newcom (drums)— were one of several R&B-based US groups popular in San Francisco's ballrooms during the late '60s. Although signed to RCA in 1968, their jazz/blues debut album failed to capture an onstage verve. Tillery's powerful voice provided much of the unit's identity, but their potential was undermined by several changes in personnel and the band collapsed following the release of a second album on the Umbrella label. The singer has remained a popular figure on the Bay Area circuit.