The Wayward Bus

A psych-pop jazz-influenced group founded by Tupper Saussy, prior to The Neon Philharmonic.

History[edit | edit source]

Building on the progressive jazz output of The Tupper Saussy Quartet, that lasted from the mid-50s to late-60s, this group provided the transition to the operatic psych-rock output of The Neon Philharmonic, which was founded the same year as this group.

In 1968, immediately prior to the founding of The Neon Philharmonic, Tupper Saussy performed and wrote the material for The Wayward Bus. Their first release was a single called "The Prophet" which featured an instrumental track with a spoken word track by ESP guru David Hoy providing predictions. After his death the LA Times recounted that "David Hoy had such a personality, which, coupled with his bold methods of deception, made such simple conjuring feats seem like miracles." Hoy was also a radio announcer with a strong dramatic voice and presence that played well with Tupper's instrumental work.

As 'Tupper Saussy and the Wayward Bus', they put out a follow-up 7" in 1968 called "Love Hum" whose first pressing mislabelled the song "Love Him." Both of these singles were on RCA Victor and added rock and psych-rock to the previous jazz output of Tupper Saussy providing a transition into The Neon Philharmonic sound.

Notably both singles were produced by Chet Atkins and Felton Jarvis.