Wisconsin Music News
August 2009
I just got back from a trip to Nashville, to do research for my new book, Family Tradition-Three Generations of Hank Williams. My adventure included seeing Hank’s grandson, Hank III, perform live in Knoxville, Tennessee. Hank III’s band plays three sets, including country and “hellbilly” sets with his Damn Band. Closing his show with a change of drummers, and metal set with his band, Assjack. They put on an amazing performance that lasted almost four hours! Now I know why they call Hank III “Full Throttle!” You can pick up a copy of his latest CDs, Damn Right-Rebel Proud and Assjack, at www.hank3.com. If you have any Hank Williams stories that would include Hank Sr., Hank Jr. and/or Hank III, feel free to email me. Family Tradition is due to be released by Hal Leonard/Backbeat Books later next year.
Congratulations to Holly Lutz and Donny Bakken on the arrival of their daughter, Arabella Bakken, on July 12. Mother and daughter are doing well, and dad has been showing Bella’s picture to anyone who will look! You can give him your regards when he reunites with the original members of Last Crack for the 20th anniversary of the release of their album, Sinister Funkhouse #17. Paul Schluter, Donny Bakken, Todd Winger, Phil Buerstatte and Buddo will be appearing at Scatz, Saturday, November 14. It will also be a birthday bash for Rokker, promoter and publisher of Maximum Ink, www.maximumink.com, bassist “Reno” and Trevor Reed. Rokker will announce all the details of when tickets go on sale in the Last Crack Group on Facebook.
Rokker did tell me that they will be filming a video of the event, including fans sharing their Last Crack stories. Mine is seeing them play for the first time in March of 1988 at Bunky’s, and knowing that they were going to be signed. I worked for them that summer, where I helped shop the band to the major record labels. Despite all the typing, they found their own deal with Roadracer/Roadrunner Records through Jake Wisely, who started Red Decibel Records, and recommended them to Roadrunner. The rest is history, or should I say, Last Crack lore. I knew the band would be successful, and after two albums, several tours and videos airing on MTV, the band went their separate ways. It will be a real treat for their fans to see them play together again. To ensure a safe and fun evening, book a room at the Marriott Courtyard, (right next door), and get a discount for mentioning Scatz. I understand Rokker wants to fill the hotel with Last Crack fans, so let’s help him make that wish come true.
Rapscallion
Another band that worked with Red Decibel Records back in the day was Rapscallion. Along with Last Crack, they were one of the most successful bands from the Madison area in the late eighties-early nineties. Original Rapscallion members, singer Tod Schwenn and guitarist Jayme Poster joined forces with Last Crack bassist Todd Winger, and drummer Chris (Ski) Havey, to form Faces for Radio, www.myspace.com/trafficandbosses. They have become one of Madison’s favorite bands and ripped it up at the Atwood Summerfest at the end of July. You can catch them at the 2nd Annual Pawling Street Block Party (700 block of Pawling St.) on Saturday, August 15 at 9pm. Music starts at noon with featured bands Barbara Drive, Madtown, Sexy Ester, Roots Collective, Club Bud, Rivalry, and Faces for Radio, who will go on at 9pm.
Kill Junior
Agent Zero will be appearing at the Annex on Saturday, August 8 with Kill Junior. Agent Zero has won many music awards including the Rockford Area Music Industry Award for best hard rock/metal band in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005. They were inducted into the RAMI “Hall of Fame” in 2006. Kill Junior, a force to be reckoned with in their own right, has a new CD, Confusiotomy, available at www.myspace.com/killjuniorband. Doors open at 9pm, music starts at 10pm.
Sincere condolences to Aaron Williams, guitarist/singer for Aaron Williams and the Hoo Doo, whose father, Cadillac Joe Andersen just passed away after a battle with cancer. Cadillac Joe, who was also a great keyboardist, earned the reputation of being the most sought after Hammond B3 player in the Midwest. Over the years, he played with the Blind Wolf Blues Band, the Cadillac Joe Band, and the Joe Andersen Jazz Organ Group. Joe, who gave Aaron his start on stage, was out to support his son at the Crystal Corner Bar a few months ago, when Aaron’s band released their latest CD, It Ain’t Easy. Cadillac Joe will certainly be missed. Condolences also go out to his family, friends and fans.
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