JAS (band)

JAS was an American jazz-rock fusion band formed in the late 1970s in the San Francisco Bay Area. The band's name is an acronym of the first initials of its core members: Jack Casady (bass), Jorma Kaukonen (guitar), and Sam Piazza (drums).

The band's music was a blend of jazz improvisation, rock energy, and funk rhythms. Casady and Kaukonen, already well-known for their work with Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, explored a different musical direction with JAS, incorporating complex arrangements and showcasing their instrumental skills. Piazza's drumming provided a solid foundation for the band's sound.

JAS released one self-titled album in 1978 on Grunt Records. The album received positive reviews for its musicianship and originality, though it did not achieve significant commercial success. Despite the lack of widespread fame, JAS built a dedicated following through live performances and established itself as a notable act in the jazz-rock fusion scene.

The band disbanded shortly after the release of their album, with the members returning to their respective projects. While JAS was a relatively short-lived project, it remains a significant chapter in the musical careers of Casady and Kaukonen and a memorable example of the jazz-rock fusion genre.