Stone Alliance

Stone Alliance is a group consisting, most notably, of saxophonist Steve Grossman, bassist Gene Perla, and drummer/percussionist Don Alias. Much like Weather Report, Lifetime, and Return to Forever, Stone Alliance was in the same vein of the "supergroup" trend of the '70s. The Stone Alliance genesis began in 1964 when Gene Perla joined Los Muchachos of Boston, of which Don Alias was a member. Later, in New York City, through their many "loft" rehearsals, they met saxophonist Steve Grossman and, with him, established the first version of Stone Alliance. The trio first recorded together on Grossman's 1973 solo debut Some Shapes to Come. Grossman and Alias had spent much time recording and touring together in Miles Davis' band. The trio released an eponymous album in 1975 (pianist Jan Hammer, who appeared with the trio on Grossman's debut, helped engineer Stone Alliance). It was released on P.M. Records, which Perla founded. The album featured "Sweetie Pie," famously sampled by rap group Original Flavor for their hit "Bowin' Up the Spot." Stone Alliance was known for its blend of Afro-Cuban and funk rhythms with elements of rock and pop, in addition to the often torrent solos from Grossman. The band went on to record four studio albums and release four live albums. Following a European tour, the group broke up but was soon re-formed by Alias and Perla. Other members included keyboardists Mark Gray, Kenny Kirkland, and Kenny Werner, and saxophonists Jerry Bergonzi and Bob Mintzer. After a long hiatus, Stone Alliance reconvened as a trio featuring Alias, Perla, and guitarist Mitch Stein. ~ Vincent Thomas