At least four (4) bands use the name Ptarmigan. 1. Ptarmigan formed in 1970, when Michael Bieling introduced guitarist James Lithgow to vocalist/recorder player Glen Dias. The trio began writing songs, with Bieling accompanying the two instrumentalists on congas. They soon added Dennis Lelonde on alto sax, piano and vocals, Monte Nordstrom on 12 string and vocals, and a second percussionist, Shawn Mullins. They combined together to create a bizarre acid-folk sound, but being entirely instrumental. They only released one album, "Ptarmigan", in 1974 with three members.

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