Legion of Mary was an American ensemble that brought together guitarist Jerry Garcia and keyboardist Merl Saunders for a brief but influential run from December 1974 to July 1975. The group—rounded out by bassist John Kahn, saxophonist and flutist Martin Fierro, and drummer Ron Tutt—created a dynamic fusion sound that blended rock, funk, blues, reggae, and jazz into extended improvisational performances.
The band's live sets showcased intricate keyboard-driven arrangements and expansive instrumental passages, with Saunders' organ work anchoring the group's eclectic groove-oriented aesthetic. Though short-lived, Legion of Mary represented an important chapter in Garcia and Saunders' collaborative work, demonstrating their shared commitment to genre-blending experimentation and live improvisation that would influence jam-oriented and fusion musicians for decades to come.
