Duncan Fremlin: One of Canadas premier banjo
players, met local mandolin/fiddle player John Hoffman through a musicians dating
service at a local music store. They promptly quit their days jobs and began a
seemingly endless tour of Canadian musical venues as Whiskey Jack. Eventually, Bob and
Greg were lured into their web and after 26 years, here they are, performing some of
the finest music of their career.
Bob McNiven: Spent his childhood as a boy and
then joined Reverend McNivens band because he was told to. As it turns out, the
Reverand was his dad. Were pretty sure Bob knows every song ever written. And he knows
the chords too! Hes a stellar songwriter whos contributed many fine tunes to the three
albums released by the band. He also toured in his younger days with Open Road & Derby,
Saunders and McNiven.
Arlene Zock: A long time friend and fan of the
band, was finally enticed into joining this combo, adding her dynamic vocal stylings to
the Whiskey Jack vocal sound. Shes finely tuned her exquisite voice while singing
professionally with the Kidd Sisters and most recently with the George Lake Big Band.
The addition of Arlene to the vocal mix brings a rich and varied dimension to the
complex harmonies this band is famous for.
Rob Whitehead: Chose the bass at 14, because the
band he wanted to join already had two guitarists. His 15-year residency with the band
"Generations", later "Erin Davis & Generations", had Rob playing posh gigs all over
Ontario throughout the 80’s and 90’s. Becoming part of Whiskey Jack has been a dream
for Rob ever since he first saw them in late 2003.
Howard Willett: Vocalist and harmonica player
extraordinaire, being the newest member of the band, performs as though hes been
playing in the band from day one. That can only come from one place, experience. Hes
toured internationally with B.W. Pawley, The Shifters, and the Good Old Boys but has
achieved fame coast to coast as the leader and vocalist for Canadas number one cowboy
swing band, The Bebop Cowboys. His credits on CBC radio and TV and TV Ontario are
extensive.
Randy Morrison: First stepped on stage with
Whiskey Jack to help mark their 30th anniversary. This premier fiddle player combines
the sounds of legendary players like: Ward Allen, Don Messer, Al Cherny and Graham
Townsend. Randy has performed with top country artists such as, Gordie Tapp from TV's
Hee Haw, CBC Television's Bluegrass Band "Whiskey Jack" and Canada's polka king and
Grammy award winner Walter Ostenak.
Bruce Brooker: "The Shuffle King" on drums and
percussion. The newest member of the band, Bruce brings 25 years of recording and
performance experience to Whiskey Jack by way of Dutch Mason, Kenny Neal, Mike Mckenna,
Buddy Guy, Richard "Hock" Walsh, Jani Louzon, and Big Daddy G, to name a few. His
solid, swingin’ drumming provides a firm foundation on which Whiskey Jack can work it's
musical magic.
Booking Contact: Music Anyone? Inc. Don Facchini
905.827.2748 1.800.229.5087 info@musicanyoneinc.com 2070 Vickery Drive, Oakville, Ontario L6L 2J1
As arguably one of the foremost vocal harmony, country/bluegrass stalwarts in Canadian music, with an impressive recording and broadcasting career, Whiskey Jack would like to perform for you sometime soon.
Hailed as "the Manhattan Transfer of bluegrass", they are clearly having fun as they perform with a relaxed enthusiasm that comes only from experience. If you like good times, good music, and a few laughs, you owe it to yourself to come out and hear Whiskey Jack.
Since 1977, Whiskey Jack has become the most celebrated Roots/Country/Bluegrass band in Canadian music history, with: 4 critically acclaimed recordings, Nationally charted radio hits, Juno and Country Music Awards nominations. They were cast members of CBCs legendary Tommy Hunter Show, they have appeared on every major radio, TV and concert stage across Canada, and were syndicated on the Nashville Network. In 1993, Stompin Tom Conners teamed with Whiskey Jack to record his comeback album, Dr. Stompin Tom Eh? , featuring the celebrated Hockey Song, and a triumphant national tour ensued. 2004 forced them on the road once again with his Canadian icon. The tour culminated in a sold-out show at Massey Hall and an unprecedented performance on the Conan OBrian Show. The vocal blend achieved by these seasoned pros has earned them the nickname The Manhattan Transfer of Bluegrass. These Musicians have much to give, and their shared passion for roots and country music has kept them in the limelight for 3 decades
