The Searchin’ Soul blues band was a popular Eugene-based blues band between 1966 and 1972, and was fronted by guitarist/vocalist, Dave Acker. The band played Blues covers by B.B. King, Willie Dixon, Paul Butterfield, and Little Walter plus their own originals. They had a unique Northwest Blues sound that helped establish the Blues movement in Eugene, Oregon and influenced many future performers.
Started as a Trio in 1966:
- Doug Keith Skelton (guitar, bass)
- Harry Lassegard (drums)
- Bob Savoy (??)
Later in 1966, they add two new members and became the Searchin’ Soul band
- Doug Skelton (guitar)
- Harry Lassegard (drums)
- Dave Acker (vocals, guitar)
- Ernie Lister (vocals, harmonica) – names band “Searchin Soul”
Ernie moves and add a bass player…
- Tom Rodakowski (bass) (1966-1967)
Searchin’ Soul 1967 lineup
- Doug Skelton (bass)
- Harry Lassegard (drums)
- Dave Acker (vocals, guitar)
- Kelly Tower (guitar)
Later added…
- Dave Tollenaar (organ) from The Baby Genetics
Lineup: Dave Acker (vocals, lead guitar), Dave Tollenaar (organ), Kelly Tower (guitar), Mike Chapman (drums), and (Keith) Doug Skelton (bass). Written or adapted by Dave Acker. Recorded at Garland Studios, Salem Oregon about 1969. Note: The pictures include images of Harry Lassegard on drums though he did not play on this recording.
More Band History….
1968 Dave Acker moves to London England and group briefly disbands.
Meanwhile…Dave Acker focuses on perfecting Blues guitar in London…
1968 Regroups without Acker – New Band Lineup
- Doug Skelton (bass)
- Harry Lassegard (drums)
- Kelly Tower (guitar)
- Dave Tollenaar (organ)
- Gary Beck (guitar)
- Wane Fuday – formally of Hammond Typewriter (few months)
- Jay Wilson – formally of Hammond Typewriter (few months)
- Gordon Scott (vocals) on occasion
- Tom McFarland (blues guitarist) on occasion
Late 1968 – Band Splits Again
1969 Dave Acker returns from England
1969 Band Regroups (Blues focus)
Searchin Soul blues band:
- Doug Skelton (bass)
- Mike Chapman (drums)
- Dave Acker (vocals, lead guitar)
- Kelly Tower (guitar)
- Dave Tollenaar (organ) – later rejoined
1969 – 1970 Band moves to Sacramento
1971 Band Regroups in Eugene:
- Doug Skelton (bass)
- Dave Acker (vocals, lead guitar)
- Harry Lassegard (drums)
- Dave Tollenaar (organ)
1972 – Band breaks up permanently
Dave Acker moved to New York City, attended Berklee School of Music, and has made a living playing Jazz and Blues.
Doug Keith Skelton moved to LA and is a professional photographer.
SSBB 2120 (Great photos but audio hard to hear)