Formed in 1974 in San Antonio, Texas, USA, ULTRA emerged from a city with a distinct musical heritage, often heralded as the rock & roll crossroads of Texas. As noted by Margaret Moser of the Austin Chronicle, their sound was characterized by a powerful blend of Texas rock & roll guitars and a driving rhythm. San Antonio's significance in the music world is underscored by its history, including Robert Johnson's recordings in local hotel rooms and its position as the first major stop on routes leading from Mexico, interwoven with interstates that connect different coasts and countries. This city, known as the birthplace of Texas liberty, has a musical identity that rivals the iconic Alamo.
In the wake of the vibrant rock scene of the 1960s, ULTRA was born during a time when San Antonio's musical landscape was evolving beyond its Latino and country roots. The city had a rich jazz and blues underground that contributed to the rock explosion in South Texas. The arrival of the Beatles had a transformative impact, inspiring a new generation of musicians.
Among these musicians was Galen Niles, a local talent who had played guitar in influential bands such as The Argyles, The Outcasts, and The Pipelines, before founding the band Homer, renowned for its collectible vinyl. Don Evans, originally from Arizona, joined the San Antonio music scene after high school, playing with Sugar Bear’s Blues Band and later fronting the progressive blues rock group The Water Brothers before teaming up with Niles in Homer.
By the early 1970s, Texas was establishing a reputation in rock music with bands like Bloodrock, Point Blank, and ZZ Top. This environment nurtured young talent like Larry McGuffin, who had played in Eastern Fleet during high school. In 1974, McGuffin brought together his guitar teacher, Galen Niles, and vocalist Don Evans to form a new group that emphasized powerful rock & roll guitars and a distinctly Texan sound, but they still needed a rhythm section.
Bass guitarist Scott Stephens and drummer Tom Schleuning, who had played together in high school bands such as Iron Rock and Jury, were a perfect fit for ULTRA. Their collaboration solidified the band's identity, which mirrored the dual saxophone tradition of San Antonio with its own double-barrel guitar sound infused with Southern rock and Texas blues. A partnership with Stone City Attractions facilitated a regular performance schedule at the popular Sunday Sunken Gardens shows and various clubs throughout the state.
ULTRA was astute in navigating the 1970s music scene, as Stone City helped elevate San Antonio into a prominent hard rock market in the United States. The band shared stages with notable acts such as Alvin Lee, Pat Travers, Blackfoot, Legs Diamond, Moxy, and Be-Bop Deluxe. Following a notable performance opening for the Sex Pistols at Randy’s Rodeo in January 1978, ULTRA decided to disband, leaving each member on good terms and preserving the memory of their peak rock & roll days.
In September 2011, an invitation to perform at the inaugural Texas Legacy Music Awards prompted a reunion, leading to ULTRA's induction into the South Texas Music Hall of Fame on September 4, 2011. Galen Niles was also recognized as the Most Valuable Player. Their reunion performance at Floore’s was well-received, showcasing their enduring talent and energy.
Although ULTRA's recorded output is limited, the music they left behind exemplifies a robust rock sound that stands the test of time. Between 1976 and 1977, Niles, Evans, and McGuffin crafted an album's worth of material, recording at San Antonio’s United Audio Recording Studio under the engineering of Bob Bruce. This resulted in a five-track EP and several demos, but little else was released. In 2000, Monster Records issued ULTRA's self-titled debut CD, which is still regarded as a lost masterpiece of Texas rock.
Critics have noted that ULTRA's music eschews typical tropes associated with the genre, offering a more introspective and cautionary vibe. Their brief run in the late 1970s went largely unnoticed by major labels, leading to a sense of regret among fans and music bloggers alike.
The band's reunion and the reissue of their music reignited their passion for rock & roll. Galen Niles and Don Evans currently continue to perform with their respective bands, Goodnight Avenue and El Even, while McGuffin, Stephens, and Schleuning typically take a back seat. All five members now agree that ULTRA's legacy and energy remain vibrant.
