Artist:AmbrosiaSong:Biggest Part Of Me
Album:Anthology
By the time Biggest Part Of Me became Ambrosia's biggest hit in 1980, the band had shrunk from a quartet to a trio and had abandoned their progressive rock style for a more commercial pop style. Ambrosia formed in 1970 led by lead singer, guitarist and main songwriter David Pack with bassist Joe Puerta, keyboard player Christopher North and drummer Burleigh Drummond. The concept of the band was to combine the vocal harmonies of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young with the progressive rock of King Crimson. Ambrosia lived in San Pedro, CA. In 1971, Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Zubin Mehta featured Ambrosia in an All American Dream Concert. But they were unable to get a record contract until they signed with 20th Century Records in 1975. Their debut album Ambrosia had the top 20 hit Holdin' On To Yesterday. They worked a lot with Alan Parsons. He produced their albums and Ambrosia played on his albums. Their second album Somewhere I've Never Traveled was known for its album cover which folded into a pyramid. They signed with Warner Bros. and their 1978 album Live Beyond LA had a more mainstream pop sound. Christopher North didn't like the new sound and also didn't like touring so he quit the band. He returned shortly after but keyboard player David C. Lewis was also added. He would go on to lead the 80s band Shadowfax. They also added percussionist and vocalist Royce Jones who had toured with Steely Dan. But Warners liked the sound and sent them back into the studio to record the 1980 album One Eighty. Biggest Part Of Me reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was their biggest hit. The sax solo is by veteran session musician Ernie Watts. Long time fans didn't like the change to a more commercial sound but sales figures don't lie. After the 1982 album Road Island didn't do as well, Ambrosia split up. You can get all their hits on this 1997 Rhino budget comp. David Pack went on to a solo career and as a producer. Joe Puerta joined Bruce Hornsby & The Range. Ambrosia has reformed occasionally and Puerta, North and Drummond's version of Ambrosia are currently on tour with Yes. Here's Ambrosia performing Biggest Part Of Me on The Midnight Special June 1980.
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