|
Hailing from Calgary this established Country Rock act has been playing together for some time. In the last two years they have become one of Alberta’s top drawing “live” acts in the club and concert scene. With a brand new album released March 27, 2008, Jo Hikk is now becoming one of Canadian Country Music’s newest rising stars.
The band is comprised of brothers Kelly (lead vocals/ bass) and Kenny Sitter (guitar/vocals) with Al Doell (guitat/vocals) and Al Rheaume (drums).
Performing shows from Canada to Kandahar, Jo Hikk has shared the stage with some of music’s biggest names. Known for their great vocal sound, energy and playful antics, Jo Hikk has a proven track record as a real crowd pleaser.
As songwriters, the Sitter brothers have been writing for many years and as a result, they released a five song EP produced by Bob Foster (Jan Arden). The buzz generated by their original tracks attracted not only many new fans worldwide, but also the interest of several music industry professionals.
Early in 2006, Jo Hikk signed a management deal with MCC Entertainment/Landis Productions and work began on their new full length CD with multiple award winner, George Canyon signing on as producer. The album was recorded in Nashville’s famed Masterphonics Tracking Room, and MCC Recording Studio in Calgary.
The new album titled "Ride" features songs penned by Jo Hikk, along with fellow Canadians A.J. Goodvin, Randy J. Martin, Gordie Sampson, Sean Hogan, Cyril Rawlson, Ron McNeil, Wayne Sheard, Ron Kerr, Nicole Higgins and George Canyon. The album also includes songs written by some of Nashville's top writers Pete Sallis, Neil Thrasher, Ritchie MacDonald and Bo Allen.
The band is currently writing their Christmas album which they hope to have recorded early November.
Look for “Ride” on record shelves!
KELLY SITTER - LEAD VOCALS / BASS / ACOUSTIC
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Kelly's musician parents recognized his talent at an early age. He formed his first band in elementary school, along with his guitar playing brother Kenny. As lead singer and drummer, Kelly belted out the Beatles "Twist and Shout" at their school talent show and garnered what he remembers as "hoards of screaming and crying fans, quite similar to an actual Beatles concert really." His brother however recalls the talent show performance quite differently. “Yeah, there was screams, but that’s because the gym lights went out and the girls were afraid of the dark. ” None-the-less, Kelly was hooked. Immediately after high school, true to their Gypsy blood, Kelly and Kenny hit the road playing clubs throughout western Canada.
Kelly’s appreciation for a diverse array of music styling combined with a boundless vocal range and smooth sound has helped him develop a country style that is expressively unique, but firmly planted in tradition.
Kelly's professional performances are numerous and some highlights of his career include sharing the stage with accredited Canadian artists such as Lisa Brokop , Julian Austin, Aaron Pritchett, Aaron Lines, Shane Yellowbird and Paul Brandt.
Kelly was born August 5th, 1974 in Calgary, Alberta. He loves Hockey and is a huge Calgary Flames fan. He resides in the quaint little town of Crossfield, Alberta with his wife Robyn and their 4 children, Savannah, Chase, Kayl & Kamryn.
KENNY SITTER - GUITAR / GANJO / VOCALS
A native Calgarian and brother to Kelly, Kenny is definitely the "comedian” of the group. He’s been wailing on the guitar since early childhood. Bringing energy and antics to the stage, he adds the "rockier edge” to Jo Hikk and enjoys entertaining audiences with his ripping guitar solos. Being somewhat of a “stage hog”, Kenny loves to bask in the spotlight.
He toured several years with Canadian recording artist Julian Austin, touring throughout Canada and entertaining the troops in Afghanistan and Dubai. He has also shared the stage with some of Canada's finest such as Matt Minglewood , Charlie Major and Lisa Brokop as well as America's legendary Toby Keith. (…he sometimes shares the stage with Jo Hikk too, but it’s like pulling teeth…..)
Kenny was born January 9th, 1973 in Calgary, Alberta. He loves riding his Harley and is a free spirit. Kenny resides in the town of Crossfield, Alberta and has 2 children, Dallas & Kyley.
AL DOELL - DRUMS/GUITAR/VOCALS
Born in Ashcroft, B.C. but spending most of his life in Calgary, Alberta, Al’s passion for music began at an early age when he first picked up his mother’s guitar. He was a natural born performer and by age 13, he had saved up enough money to buy his first drum kit……he’s never looked back.
Al’s strong vocals along with his drumming/percussionist and guitar playing talents have been relied on by many artists over the years but it was in 1997 that he first joined forces with the Sitter brothers. Their tight vocal harmonies and undeniable chemistry was evident to all that witnessed them. It was only natural that these talents would one day reunite, sharing with the masses, their compelling stage presence in Jo Hikk.
Al has shared the stage with artists such as Paul Brandt, Blue Oyster Cult, Trooper, April Wine, and Loverboy.
DON JORGENSEN - KEYBOARDS/GUITAR/MANDOLIN/VOCALS
Don grew up on a mixed farm near Olds, Alberta, and inherited a keen interest in horses from both his parents. He also had an affinity for the piano and was signed up for lessons. As a teenager, he spent hours in the tractor and in the process, became hooked on country radio. He joined his first band in Edmonton, while completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. Since then, he has had a successful career in music, while maintaining his involvement with the family farm. He has been nominated for CCMA all-star band (keyboards) nine times.
Don has shared the stage and worked with numerous Canadian Country music acts including: Duane Steele, Steve Fox, Brad Johner, Doc Walker, Julian Austin and Charlie Major. He was also a member of the Poverty Plainsmen for ten years.
AL RHEAUME - DRUMS/GUITAR/BASS
Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, to an Italian Mother and French Canadian Father, this bilingual, handsome devil has been playing drums since the age of 6. He started playing professionally in 1992 and his music has taken him all over the world. With his great sense of humor and quick wit, Al has a chemistry that "just fits" making him a true Hikk.
He also toured with Canadian recording artist Julian Austin entertaining the troops in Afghanistan and Dubai and has shared the stage with other great Canadian artists such as Matt Minglewood and Diane Chase. (…Al tries to share the stage with Kenny as well, but Kenny insists on standing in front of him all the time…)
PLEASE NOTE: This site is maintained by Jo Hikk members, their Management and by Flossie from the Jo Hikk Fansite.
|
