1970s
Jumbalayah 1973-76. Moving clockwise from the top in the photo: Robin Henkel; bass and vocal, Corky Tanassy: guitar, Dave Henk: sound engineer, and Paul Comstock: drums. During my later years in high school and prior to college I was very involved in the politics of the time.—1969. I made a decision to lessen my involvement in music and pursue a degree in political science. I hoped to save the world. I now apologize for failing in that effort. But as things go, I met guys at the university that played rock music. They played it very well and I looked up to them a great deal for their musicianship and as great people.. They liked me and before long we were jamming as a trio playing the music of Jimi Hendrix, ZZ Top, Rolling Stones, and The Who, as well as some blues. Four years later upon graduation, we started playing local clubs, concerts, backyard parties in Ocean Beach and elsewhere. We named the band Jambalayah.
Corky Tanassy: guitar. He had the greatest smoothest sexiest soulful vibrato. Not that fast wiggly stuff, no, the feel of his bends really got into your body... at least for me anyway. And now, 50 years later, I still think of him is one of the best.
Paul Comstock: drums. He had a powerful sound--sometimes with two bass drums. This photo was taken at Neutral Gound at the corner of 47th and University. One time we were playing at Ledbetter's on El Cajon Blvd. Paul went for a simple crash and smashed his finger hard against the cymbal. At the end of the song there was blood splattered all over his drums. Both Corky and Paul were like brothers for me. A lot of love and a lot of mutual appreciation.