The Assassins originally came together as a part-time "all-star" effort in the mid-eighties. The part-time band (of which I was not a member) released two LPs, both on the privately-held Seymour Records. In 1986, the band became a full-time job. Assorted personnel changes culminated in the above group of musicians, a veteran ensemble whose professional musical experience exceeded 120 years.

The full-time band had been playing for three years when this mean photo was taken. The group had made a name for itself up and down the East Coast and cut a third record, Cut Me Loose. This collection of ten original rock'n'roll, R&B and Blues songs propelled the band to some national attention, and a 1989 Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) "Wammie" award for best blues artist/group.

Personnel (from left) are: Brian Alpert (drums), Jimmy Thackery (lead guitar, vocals), Wade Matthews (bass, vocals), Tommy Lepson (lead vocals, guitar, keyboard), Bruce Harrison (keyboards, vocals) and Alex Holland (saxophones, vocals).