Who Hit John? have been performing, jamming and busking around southwest Michigan since 2006. They've brought their energetic and original sound to bars, basements, street corners, concert halls - Anywhere they can get folks stompin', singin' and clappin'. Joined together by a love for acoustic music and its vibrant scene in Michigan, this derelict group of misfits and prophets are intent on taking the world by storm, one song at a time.
Whether kicking out rawkus fiddle tunes, dirty and greasy southern blues, high and lonesome bluegrass serenades, or anything else they can think of Who Hit John? keep the home fires burning, carrying on the tradition of American roots music. All five members write and sing, providing a wealth of material and influences. Who Hit John? always bring audiences something exciting and new.
The band was formed by Nick "Hamdog" Vander Vliet on mandolin, Kris "Will DoLittle" Kehn on guitar, and Daniel "Catfish" McCartney on banjo and slide guitar. Shortly thereafter, Nathan "Django Watley" Dannison joined on fiddle, harmonica and jaw harp. The fresh-faced foursome went through a slew of bass players, before meeting recording engineer Ian "Dr. Hoot" Gorman while mixing their debut CD, Old Gray Road.
With their lineup now solidified, Who Hit John? is booking massive amounts of gigs and selling hand made copies of Old Gray Road and Heirloom like hotcakes. They plan to continue writing, recording and playing shows as long as the Gods of Music allow. Hopefully, well past last call.
Who Hit John's? first album, “Old Gray Road,” was nominated for three "88.1 WYCE Jammy Awards" and sold more than 500 copies. Now the band has carefully crafted their follow up album, “Heirloom.”
“Heirloom” is an interpretation of the generations of American music that has preceded it as well as it is a forging into the future of roots music. The follow up album was recorded in a 100 year old barn in Kalamazoo and has a rich, resonate quality that takes listeners to a certain place. The musicians pulled inspiration from historical events, love, loss, and societal observations from their own lives to write the thirteen original tracks on “Heirloom.” The result is a blend that evokes true emotion while showcasing Who Hit John?'s versatile vocal, lyrical, and instrumental stylings.
Old Gray Road – Hey Burner! Records January (2008)
In December of 2007 Who Hit John? headed up to Heart Center Studios in Big Rapids, MI, to record their first full-length CD. With Leslie Ziegler of The Mossy Mountain Band filling in on bass, they threw down 14 tracks in 14 hours, polished off a handlebar of Knob Creek, and sang their hearts out in a library containing the largest collection of astrology books in North America. It was a magical weekend, and it comes through every note. Recorded by Drew Behringer and mixed/mastered by current-bassist Ian Gorman, Old Gray Road showcases the bands timeless-sounding original songs and high-energy performance.
Here's an excellent review by LeahMae, who's poetry blog can be found here
For at least three years now, Who Hit John has been mesmerizing me like the good old whiskey after which they name themselves. Last night they took Martini's pizzeria and bar on Westnedge and Vine.
Bluegrass isn't a swinging enough word to describe what they did, but the four musicians incorporated guitar, banjo, fiddle, harmonica, dobro and mandolin, alternating between salty originals and covers ranging from Cream to CSNY.
Rhythmically and harmonically, they are as tight as the gears on a Swiss watch.
With Nate singing soprano, the voices blend sweet as southern bells at times, while on other numbers they've got a rich, bassy sound like a small army of lumberjacks. Just listening to the range of sounds coming from that cozy stage at Martini's, it's hard to believe there are only four musicians up there. Nick's speeding pick on the mandolin strings produces a percussive purrrrr. Nate's other-worldly fiddle sweeps you away into another dimension of melody and time. It just wiggles your soul like a watering hole.
And visually, they are acrobatic.
As with the sophisticated older bands, the music aficionado is inclined to study the patterns of fingers on strings. You could still try that, but Who Hit John gives you a bit more to look at. We have Nate stepping time in what look like cowboy boots under the cuffs of his jeans, as Dan tosses his shiny locks in elation. Tomorrow you might see him saddling up the bronco. Chris, the tallest member, stares out through the audience like a beacon. His steady poise fastens the scene into a harmonious ensemble as well as his rhythm guitar keeps the pace.
It doesn't take long before you realize I am having a religious experience.
Closing the night, they sang, "In heaven we'll never grow old," with an alcohol-induced bliss, warmth coming over their faces as if underlit by the bonfire after the hayride. "We'll live in the City forever. And there we will never grow old."
All the while they're up there poking and prodding each other, like a bunch of riff raff behind the teacher's back. They smirk; they made the audience smirk. That's what Who Hit John does to you.
August 31st, 2009 by LeahMae
See the article in it's natural habitat at pakzoo.org
In Colombia an individual can be fined up to $90,000 for gossiping. Good thing they're not in the WIDR broadcast range, otherwise all sorts of folks would be gettin fined for gossiping over whether or not your track was the best to be played on last week's show.
Played one of your tracks during last week's show, I'd like to think at least one person got caught rockin out in their car on the ride home because of it.
We all were very disappointed Sat. night at Founder's, a few of us came just to see you guys. The other bands were great tho, hope your back around GR soon.
WIDR wants to remind you that:
The Donkey Show opens tonight in the York Arena Theatre!!
It is a modern retelling of Shakepeare’s classic, A Midsummer Night’s Dream with a huge dose of disco!
March 19-21 and 26th- 29th in the York Arena Theatre.
Tickets are only $5 for students! (reg. 20 dollars)
Cash Bar
For tickets and show information, call the University Box Office at 269.387. 6222!
YYEEEHHAAWWW!!! howdy Catfish! it has been a long time. we feel like we've been out of touch with our Kalamazoo friends. we are starting to play some more shows around town but we got some other things giong on too... we are recording @ Broadside Studio w/ Blazing Heart Productions- gonna get back in the studio on 3/29... also *me and Kristi are expecting our third daughter any day now! when this all settles down i'd love to catch a WHJ? show! i'll check yer calender.
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