Pat Shanley & John Jacobs--July 2006
After a six year hiatus Blowtop is back in an acoustic/electric format with their blend of "Sophisto-Roots/Pop". Founding members Pat Shanley (aka Pappy) & John Jacobs have reunited with Mike Hacala & Mark Iannace along with new member Niko Eklund to bring Blowtop back to life.
A Tangerine Trouser trivia question: Which Detroit band spawned half of the Tangerine Trouser line-up? Answer: Blowtop!! That's right. Pat, Mike & Mark are all proud Blowtop alumni. Don't count on any TT songs at any future Blowtop shows though for we would face certain PERIL!!! Unless, Luke sits in with us.Detroit Music Awards nominee for Outstanding Indie Band ... Blowtop features the original songwriting of John, Pat, and Mark ... along with Detroit music scene veterans Michael & Niko.
Buy Blowtop's debut CD at CD Baby
Read the latest review of Blowtop's debut CD at MidwestBands.com
"Artists like Blowtop make the world of Indie music a paradise"
PAT SHANLEY: lead & rhythm guitars, vocals
Pat is one of the founding members of Detroit's original 'Hootenanny' (a musical open-mic night that ran continuously monthly for over 10 years) at the Cadieux Cafe in Detroit. It is from 'The Hoot' that Pat began songwriting, playing on a variety of recording sessions. He has added his distinct and soulful guitar playing to a variety of musical settings from Pit Bands, Classic Rock, Blues, R&B to Roots and Americana outfits. Pat is a former member of the infamous folk-pop Tangerine Trousers.
JOHN JACOBS: lead & rhythm guitars, vocals
John is one of the founding members and primary songwriters of Blowtop. Distinct lyrics and unforgetable melodies are hallmark of John's writing style. John is one heck of a guitarist as well. He is also a member of the Detroit area's "Weathervane Cocks".
MARK IANNACE: accordion, vocals
Mark has very strong musical roots as a singer and pianist, with a background in musical theater (both as a performer and producer). It was only in the recent past that he brought his accordion back out of the mothballs (after a 20 year hibernation). Mark is also a former member of the infamous folk-pop Tangerine Trousers.
MICHAEL HACALA: drums and percussion
Michael has studied drumming at Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe, and has played live in a wide variety of musical situations - from the French Quarter in New Orleans to playing with a traditional Scottish band on the shores of Loch Ness in Scotland. Michael has also played on a variety of CD's recorded at sessions in Detroit and New York City. Michael is also a former member of the infamous folk-pop Tangerine Trousers.
NIKO EKLUND: acoustic bass, vocals
Niko (although not for Blowtop....YET!!!) is an accomplished songwriter and guitarist as well. His melodic sensibility comes thru in his bass playing, and he has a gift for filling in the "missing harmony" with bg vocals. Niko is also a member of the Detroit area's "Weathervane Cocks".
