One Eighty

Called ‘Los Angeles' only progressive band,’ Ambrosia debuted as a quartet in 1975 with Alan Parsons's help. Formed in San Pedro in 1970, they found their direction after being overwhelmed by King Crimson's first American live appearances soon afterwards. Wider recognition came with ‘How Much I Feel,’ the AOR ballad from Life Beyond L.A. (1978), which reached No. 3 in America. This album carried that West Coast contemporary direction further.

It produced ‘Biggest Part of Me’ (No. 3) and ‘You're the Only Woman’ (No. 13). The former in particular became an AOR standard, its beautiful melody and harmony attracting even an a cappella cover by Take 6. Both are by guitarist and vocalist David Pack. After the group split, he remained active around Quincy Jones, performed with Michael McDonald and released the excellent Anywhere You Go in 1985. Bassist and vocalist Joe Puerta joined Bruce Hornsby's Range.