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THE MINNEAPOLIS SOUND
The Minneapolis sound is a subgenre of funk rock with elements of new wave and synth-pop, that was pioneered by Minneapolis, Minnesota-based musician Prince in the late 1970s.[1] Its popularity was given a boost throughout the 1980s by Prince and groups he organized or produced, including the Time, Vanity 6, Apollonia 6, Sheila E., the Family, and the offshoots from his band the Revolution, Wendy & Lisa and Brownmark. After leaving the Time, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Morris Day, and Jesse Johnson all moved on to successful careers. Minneapolis acts indirectly associated with or not associated with Prince also utilized this musical style, including Ta Mara & the Seen, Mazarati and the Jets.
According to the Rolling Stone Album Guide, "the Minneapolis sound... loomed over mid-'80s R&B and pop, not to mention the next two decades' worth of electro, house, and techno.
According to the Rolling Stone Album Guide, "the Minneapolis sound... loomed over mid-'80s R&B and pop, not to mention the next two decades' worth of electro, house, and techno.
PRINCE
Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of his generation. He was known for his flamboyant, persona; his wide vocal range, which included a far-reaching falsetto and high-pitched screams; and his skill as a multi-instrumentalist, often preferring to play all or most of the instruments on his recordings himself and pioneering the Minneapolis sound.
GREGG INHOFER
Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Gregg Inhofer’s career took off in 1968 with the Twin-Cities based rock band Pepper Fog. The group quickly developed a devoted following with their combination of heavy guitar licks and jazzy piano breaks. A time of musical freedom and exploration followed and the Jazz-Fusion band This Oneness formed. Soon after, Gregg and his band mates joined Olivia Newton John on 19 tours across the United States, including a performance on NBC’s Midnite Special in 1975.
An in-demand pianist throughout his career, Gregg Inhofer has played in many acclaimed groups including Brainiac, The Tremblers (featuring Peter Noone), Soldiers of Fortune (featuring Jesse Ventura), Melvin James and Bob Dylan. He is currently a member of the Curtiss A band The Jerks of Fate. Every December 8th he takes part in the annual John Lennon Tribute Concert at First Avenue in Minneapolis (a cornerstones of the Midwest music scene). As a music director, to this day he has arranged 7 musicals for writer Dick Wilson. And they are currently working on their latest collaboration titled “Rain”. Inhofer has written national radio and television ads and is a member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).
An in-demand pianist throughout his career, Gregg Inhofer has played in many acclaimed groups including Brainiac, The Tremblers (featuring Peter Noone), Soldiers of Fortune (featuring Jesse Ventura), Melvin James and Bob Dylan. He is currently a member of the Curtiss A band The Jerks of Fate. Every December 8th he takes part in the annual John Lennon Tribute Concert at First Avenue in Minneapolis (a cornerstones of the Midwest music scene). As a music director, to this day he has arranged 7 musicals for writer Dick Wilson. And they are currently working on their latest collaboration titled “Rain”. Inhofer has written national radio and television ads and is a member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).
THE WALLETS
The Wallets were founded as an experimental group by accordionist Steve Kramer and managed by Bob Hest.[ The Allen Toussaint-produced debut album Take It was released in 1986, described by Spin as urban soul and funk with "a Cajun smell to their work". The album saw the band described as "art rockers who not only want to groove but know how to groove" Kramer decided to retire the band in spring 1988, but waited until their final album, Body Talk, was released late in the fall before announcing the split.
The Wallets performed their final show at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis on January 23, 1989. Kramer and Hest later formed an advertising agency, currently known as Hest & Kramer, Van House Weber, noted for its use of music in television ads for clients such as Target Stores, MTV, Time Warner, and Buick.
The band received several Minnesota Music Awards ("Minnies"), with ten nominations in 1987.[
Kramer died in January 2013 at age 59.
The Wallets performed their final show at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis on January 23, 1989. Kramer and Hest later formed an advertising agency, currently known as Hest & Kramer, Van House Weber, noted for its use of music in television ads for clients such as Target Stores, MTV, Time Warner, and Buick.
The band received several Minnesota Music Awards ("Minnies"), with ten nominations in 1987.[
Kramer died in January 2013 at age 59.
THE SUBURBS
The Suburbs were formed in the western suburbs of Minneapolis in November 1977 following introductions by Chris Osgood of the Suicide Commandos. Following live performances, they released The Suburbs on the Twin/Tone label (the label's first release) in early 1978. The record was a nine-song 7-inch red vinyl EP. The band also saw two songs, "Urban Guerrillas" and "Ailerons O.K.", included on the compilation Big Hits of Mid-America, Volume Three. Guitarist Bruce C. Allen did the art direction for the compilation.
After building a following playing basement parties, the Suburbs had their first major success at influential Minneapolis punk/New Wave nexus Jay's Longhorn Bar; drummer Hugo Klaers said that after getting regular gigs at the venue, "we went from nobodies to this super popular band. It was just crazy. The Longhorn shows were always packed." One notable audience member at the Suburbs' shows was Bruce Springsteen, then on tour supporting his album The River, who was so impressed with the band that he nearly joined them on stage for an encore.[4] The band's popularity increased during the early to mid-1980s, and during this time, their new wave dance sound, eclectic lyrics, and stage presence gained a following that broke out of the Midwest and reached both coasts. In 1980 Twin/Tone released their first full-length LP, In Combo.
After building a following playing basement parties, the Suburbs had their first major success at influential Minneapolis punk/New Wave nexus Jay's Longhorn Bar; drummer Hugo Klaers said that after getting regular gigs at the venue, "we went from nobodies to this super popular band. It was just crazy. The Longhorn shows were always packed." One notable audience member at the Suburbs' shows was Bruce Springsteen, then on tour supporting his album The River, who was so impressed with the band that he nearly joined them on stage for an encore.[4] The band's popularity increased during the early to mid-1980s, and during this time, their new wave dance sound, eclectic lyrics, and stage presence gained a following that broke out of the Midwest and reached both coasts. In 1980 Twin/Tone released their first full-length LP, In Combo.
THE PISTONS
The Pistons - five songs from their "album release party" celebrating the release of "Flight 481" recorded live at Duffy's in Minneapolis on September 6, 1981.
THE TIME
The Time, also known as Morris Day and the Time and The Original 7ven, is an American musical group founded in Minneapolis in 1981. They contributed to the development of the Minneapolis sound, an eclectic fusion of funk, R&B, new wave, synth-pop and dance. Led by singer-songwriter Morris Day, the band members are known for having been close associates of musician Prince, and are arguably the most successful artists who have worked with him, achieving success with singles such as "Get It Up", "The Bird", "Cool", "777-9311", "Jungle Love" and "Jerk Out".
Former members Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis went on to a prominent production career after they left the band in 1983, while Day and guitarist Jesse Johnson recorded solo material in addition to their work with the Time.
Former members Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis went on to a prominent production career after they left the band in 1983, while Day and guitarist Jesse Johnson recorded solo material in addition to their work with the Time.
JESSE JOHNSON
On a friend's recommendation, he moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1981, where he met Morris Day and played briefly in Day's band which was called Enterprise. He then became the lead guitarist for The Time, a funk rock group formed by Prince.[2]
Although Prince basically wrote and recorded the first two Time albums on his own with input from Morris Day, Johnson did contribute to another Prince project, Vanity 6, with a song called "Bite the Beat" co-written with Prince. On The Time's third album, Ice Cream Castle, Johnson contributed to the hit singles "The Bird" and "Jungle Love", which were helped by the popularity of the Purple Rain film.
However, at the height of The Time's popularity following Purple Rain, following the departure of Morris Day, Johnson left the band and with the help of Manager Owen Husney signed a solo deal with A&M Records in 1984 and released Jesse Johnson's Revue the following year.[2] This album featured two other former members of The Time in Johnson's backing band, keyboardist Mark Cardenas and bassist Jerry Hubbard. Three songs were released from the album: "Be Your Man", "Can You Help Me" and "I Want My Girl", a slow song about a fateful relationship. Then came the funk non-album outing "Free World". His second album Shockadelica was released in 1986 containing the hit single "Crazay", a duet with Sly Stone, and his third album Every Shade of Love followed in 1988. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s Johnson also featured on the soundtracks to the Breakfast Club (contributing "Heart Too Hot to Hold", a duet with Stephanie Spruill), Pretty in Pink, Another 48 Hrs. and White Men Can't Jump.
Although Prince basically wrote and recorded the first two Time albums on his own with input from Morris Day, Johnson did contribute to another Prince project, Vanity 6, with a song called "Bite the Beat" co-written with Prince. On The Time's third album, Ice Cream Castle, Johnson contributed to the hit singles "The Bird" and "Jungle Love", which were helped by the popularity of the Purple Rain film.
However, at the height of The Time's popularity following Purple Rain, following the departure of Morris Day, Johnson left the band and with the help of Manager Owen Husney signed a solo deal with A&M Records in 1984 and released Jesse Johnson's Revue the following year.[2] This album featured two other former members of The Time in Johnson's backing band, keyboardist Mark Cardenas and bassist Jerry Hubbard. Three songs were released from the album: "Be Your Man", "Can You Help Me" and "I Want My Girl", a slow song about a fateful relationship. Then came the funk non-album outing "Free World". His second album Shockadelica was released in 1986 containing the hit single "Crazay", a duet with Sly Stone, and his third album Every Shade of Love followed in 1988. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s Johnson also featured on the soundtracks to the Breakfast Club (contributing "Heart Too Hot to Hold", a duet with Stephanie Spruill), Pretty in Pink, Another 48 Hrs. and White Men Can't Jump.
THE REPLACEMENTS
The Replacements were an American rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1979. Initially a punk band, they are one of the main pioneers of alternative rock. The band was composed of the guitarist and vocalist Paul Westerberg, guitarist Bob Stinson, bass guitarist Tommy Stinson and drummer Chris Mars for most of its existence. Following several acclaimed albums, including Let It Be and Tim, Bob Stinson was kicked out of the band in 1986, and Slim Dunlap joined as lead guitarist. Steve Foley replaced Mars in 1990. Towards the end of the band's career, Westerberg exerted more control over the creative output. The group disbanded in 1991, with the members eventually pursuing various projects. A reunion was announced on October 3, 2012.[8] Fans affectionately refer to the band as The 'Mats, a nickname that originated as a truncation of "The Placemats," a mispronunciation of their name
GWEN MATTHEWS
n the late 80's Gwen had left Crow and Passage and was trying to set out on a solo career. Dale Strength had written a song that The Jets were interested in recording and she did a demo recording of it in exchange for Dale putting together a demo package for her.
Thank goodness she did . It is a wonderful song. Gwen moved out to California and worked with among others Stevie Wonder before moving back to Minnesota and becoming the "Gospel Queen of the Metro Area"
Thank goodness she did . It is a wonderful song. Gwen moved out to California and worked with among others Stevie Wonder before moving back to Minnesota and becoming the "Gospel Queen of the Metro Area"
THE MAGNOLIAS
It's hard to believe it's been 39 years since The Magnolias' rock 'n' roll mission began in 1984. This period has seen music critics call them "Minneapolis' scruffy also-rans" and "little brothers" of more well-known Twin Cities groups The Replacements, Husker Du and Soul Asylum.
Although The Magnolias were a few years younger than these bands, passage of time has revealed what fans knew since the Reagan years — at their best, The Magnolias were, and still are, second to none.
Although The Magnolias were a few years younger than these bands, passage of time has revealed what fans knew since the Reagan years — at their best, The Magnolias were, and still are, second to none.
SHEILA E.
Sheila E. once again teamed up with Prince in March 2008, as she sat in (and played keyboard) on the performance with her family at Harvelle's Redondo Beach. On April 9, 2008, Sheila E. appeared on the Emmy winning program Idol Gives Back. Sheila E. took part in the show opener, "Get on Your Feet", with Gloria Estefan while the So You Think You Can Dance finalists dance troupe joined them on stage. On April 26, 2008, Sheila E., along with Morris Day and Jerome Benton, performed with Prince at the Coachella Music Festival. From May 2 to 6, 2008, Sheila E. played four sold-out shows at Blue Note Tokyo, the most frequented jazz music club in Tokyo, Japan.
THE DADS
The Dads. Along with the Replacements and Ben Day Dots, the Dads were the subject of an early profile of the new Minneapolis breed by Mike Hoeger writing for the Minneapolis Daily. The earliest known live recording of the Replacements features the band supporting the Dads at the Longhorn July 17, 1980. Speaking of his association with lead Replacement Paul Westerberg, Twin Cities singer-songwriter Kevin Bowe describes the bands’ crossed paths “We were a horrible band called ‘The Dads’ like ‘Dad’s Root Beer.’ After a certain point in time, we’d only open for them, and then after a certain point in time we weren’t good enough to open for them anymore. (laughs) That’s how I met Paul.”
HIGHWAY 101
Highway 101 was an American country music band founded in 1986 The initial lineup consisted of Minnesota's own Paulette Carlson (lead vocals), Jack Daniels (guitar), Curtis Stone (bass guitar, vocals), and Scott "Cactus" Moser (drums).
APPOLONIA 6
Photo by Glenn Francis- n 1988, Warner Bros. Records released Kotero's eponymously titled first solo album, Apollonia. Three singles were taken from the album: "Since I Fell for You", "The Same Dream" and "Mismatch".
She went on to appear in such films as Ministry of Vengeance (1989),[7] Back To Back (1990), Black Magic Woman (1991), and two Italian productions: La Donna di una Sera (A Lady for a Night) (1991) and Cattive Ragazze (1992). She returned to television on such shows as Sliders and Air America (which co-starred Lorenzo Lamas, her former co-star in Falcon Crest), and also hosted The Jazz Channel's Latin Beat program. During this period an exercise video entitled Go For It was also released. Kotero could also be seen on E!'s Celebrity Homes, The Test, Rendezview, and MTV Cribs, with her friend Carmen Electra.
In 2005, Kotero formed a multimedia entertainment company, Kotero Entertainment, which enlisted a number of producers to produce a children's animated television series as well as feature films. Kotero Entertainment also began managing young talent such as television and film star Sascha Andres and young pop singer Nikki Barreras, also known as Nikki B.
In 2009, Kotero's vocals appeared on The Twilight Singers cover of Prince's "When Doves Cry" for Spin magazine's 25th anniversary tribute to the Purple Rain album, entitled Purplish Rain.
She went on to appear in such films as Ministry of Vengeance (1989),[7] Back To Back (1990), Black Magic Woman (1991), and two Italian productions: La Donna di una Sera (A Lady for a Night) (1991) and Cattive Ragazze (1992). She returned to television on such shows as Sliders and Air America (which co-starred Lorenzo Lamas, her former co-star in Falcon Crest), and also hosted The Jazz Channel's Latin Beat program. During this period an exercise video entitled Go For It was also released. Kotero could also be seen on E!'s Celebrity Homes, The Test, Rendezview, and MTV Cribs, with her friend Carmen Electra.
In 2005, Kotero formed a multimedia entertainment company, Kotero Entertainment, which enlisted a number of producers to produce a children's animated television series as well as feature films. Kotero Entertainment also began managing young talent such as television and film star Sascha Andres and young pop singer Nikki Barreras, also known as Nikki B.
In 2009, Kotero's vocals appeared on The Twilight Singers cover of Prince's "When Doves Cry" for Spin magazine's 25th anniversary tribute to the Purple Rain album, entitled Purplish Rain.
HAZE
In 1974 Minneapolis R&B outfit, Haze, released their debut self-titled album. The lead single, “I Do Love My Lady” became a regional smash hit reaching number 38 on the Billboard R&B Chart in early ‘75. It’s been hailed by local music critics as one of the best of a long list of lost and forgotten pre-Prince Minneapolis R&B hits. Later that year, frustrated with the poor distribution of their LP by ASI Records, they traveled to L.A. where they scraped together some money and funded the recording of 6 songs in the RCA studio. On their way out of the building, they were stopped by a man claiming to be an A&R rep who was interested in their sound. He took them out to lunch to talk business. Eventually he excused himself from the table to use the restroom. After he was gone for ten minutes, the band realized he had snuck out the back door through the kitchen and taken their master tapes with him. To date there has been no indication of the recordings ever surfacing. Later that year the band was offered a recording contract with Factors, Etc. and moved to Delaware to record a new album. There was a dispute with the owner of the label, the band was sent home and all the members went their separate ways. The album was never completed.
MICKEY WHITE
BRIDGES-1984-Mickey White DEMO -Mickey is half of the brother sister duo that fronts Mickey and The Monsters. A singer - songwriter extraordinaire, and a passionate artist and performer with such bands as The Marshall Star Band and Nielsen White Band, Mickey holds the audience in the palm of her hand. Her confident and professional style makes her a musical force to be reckoned with and a perfect compliment to the rest of the band.
Jack White - Bass, Acoustic, Vocals
Jack spent many years as a founding member and leader of Wisconsin’s legendary Nielsen White Band. The band toured nationwide, placed two songs on the Billboard Country Singles charts, saw their music videos on TNN, CMT, performed live on Nashville now and were named The Minnesota Music Academy’s Country Band of the Year. In 2010 Nielsen White was inducted into the Mid-America Music Hall OF Fame. As bassist, Jack adds rock solid rhythm, lead and harmony vocals, and a wealth of immeasurable experience to the group.
Mike Haselman - Guitars, Steel guitar, Fiddle, Vocals
Mike hails from St Paul, MN. where he has played a major role in many popular Minnesota bands for the past decade, such as High Noon, Nielsen White Band, Devon Worley, and The Marshall Star Band. Mikes versatility on guitar, steel guitar, and fiddle make him a welcome addition to The White Ties.
Jack White - Bass, Acoustic, Vocals
Jack spent many years as a founding member and leader of Wisconsin’s legendary Nielsen White Band. The band toured nationwide, placed two songs on the Billboard Country Singles charts, saw their music videos on TNN, CMT, performed live on Nashville now and were named The Minnesota Music Academy’s Country Band of the Year. In 2010 Nielsen White was inducted into the Mid-America Music Hall OF Fame. As bassist, Jack adds rock solid rhythm, lead and harmony vocals, and a wealth of immeasurable experience to the group.
Mike Haselman - Guitars, Steel guitar, Fiddle, Vocals
Mike hails from St Paul, MN. where he has played a major role in many popular Minnesota bands for the past decade, such as High Noon, Nielsen White Band, Devon Worley, and The Marshall Star Band. Mikes versatility on guitar, steel guitar, and fiddle make him a welcome addition to The White Ties.
BRAXTON BRAGG BAND
DON'T RUN TO STRANGERS-Braxton Bragg-Circa 1983-The line up at the time-Doug Noble Vocals Guitar Sax, Neal Bond Vocals-Guitar, Chuck Senrick Keyboards Harp Vocals, Rich Swanson Bass-Vocals. Don Newell -Drums
FINE ART
During the first week of September 1981, Twin/Tone took the mobile recording unit and rented a bunch of video gear. We recorded 15 bands live (five nights) at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis... This video is from the show on September 2nd.
TRANSPORT
Whiskey Junction --1980's--Transport
In 1982 Doug Noble formed the band American Flyer which included Rich Swanson on bass, Chris Murray on Guitar, Jim Miller on Drums and later Kent Rockford and Johnny Foster on drums. The band performed in numerous clubs around the twin cities. It later evolved into Transport. During which time the band began it’s foray into recording at Carriage House Studios, Wood Sound Studios and Nicollet Studios in Mpls.
Projects included:
(1983) Show Me Your Jeans------------------Noble
(1985) Telephone--------------------------------Noble
(1985) Nobody Gets Over You---------------Noble
In 1984 Transport became a three-piece power rock band reuniting
Noble, Swanson and Dan Flaherty (of Daisy Dillman and Raggs) after 14-years from the old Cloud days.
The three found that 14 years later the power covers by Grand Funk, Cream, and Santana still could motivate a room with high energy.
Later that year Flaherty left the band to return to his earlier band Raggs and Noble and Swanson took the band back to a four-piece ensemble with the addition of Johnny O’Keefe on Guitar and the late Jack Otterson on drums. Continuing with the realization that nostalgia works, the band went to a back to the sixties mode and was a pioneer of the resurgence of Beatles, Dave Clark Five, The Animals, and following the 20 year cycle to Steppenwolf and Led Zepplin in1985.
Swanson left the band in 1985 and the late Fred Jack moved in on bass, later replaced by Tiger Ries now of “Plain White Toast”.
Transport was also the band that performed anonymously on an album called THE GENERIC ROCK ALBUM a concept album during the generic craze of the mid 1980’s Produced by Peter Martinsen (Later of Janet Jackson fame) at Nicollet Studios (The Old Paisley Park).
In 1982 Doug Noble formed the band American Flyer which included Rich Swanson on bass, Chris Murray on Guitar, Jim Miller on Drums and later Kent Rockford and Johnny Foster on drums. The band performed in numerous clubs around the twin cities. It later evolved into Transport. During which time the band began it’s foray into recording at Carriage House Studios, Wood Sound Studios and Nicollet Studios in Mpls.
Projects included:
(1983) Show Me Your Jeans------------------Noble
(1985) Telephone--------------------------------Noble
(1985) Nobody Gets Over You---------------Noble
In 1984 Transport became a three-piece power rock band reuniting
Noble, Swanson and Dan Flaherty (of Daisy Dillman and Raggs) after 14-years from the old Cloud days.
The three found that 14 years later the power covers by Grand Funk, Cream, and Santana still could motivate a room with high energy.
Later that year Flaherty left the band to return to his earlier band Raggs and Noble and Swanson took the band back to a four-piece ensemble with the addition of Johnny O’Keefe on Guitar and the late Jack Otterson on drums. Continuing with the realization that nostalgia works, the band went to a back to the sixties mode and was a pioneer of the resurgence of Beatles, Dave Clark Five, The Animals, and following the 20 year cycle to Steppenwolf and Led Zepplin in1985.
Swanson left the band in 1985 and the late Fred Jack moved in on bass, later replaced by Tiger Ries now of “Plain White Toast”.
Transport was also the band that performed anonymously on an album called THE GENERIC ROCK ALBUM a concept album during the generic craze of the mid 1980’s Produced by Peter Martinsen (Later of Janet Jackson fame) at Nicollet Studios (The Old Paisley Park).
JANET JACKSON
"Black Cat" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson, released as the sixth single from her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). The song was written by Jackson, who produced it with Jellybean Johnson. In a departure from her standard of industrial-based dance-pop, "Black Cat" is a hard rock, pop rock, dance-rock, heavy metal and glam metal song with arena rock influences. Its lyrics speak of substance abuse and gang violence. It was the final song recorded for the album, after Jackson, along with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, composed its main riff when desiring a rock song to complete the record.
"Black Cat" was well received among critics, who praised Jackson's "maximum advantage" vocals and her seamless foray into the hard rock genre. It was a commercial success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 as well as the top 10 on the charts in South Africa, Canada, Norway, and Australia, among other countries, while peaking at number 15 in the Un
"Black Cat" was well received among critics, who praised Jackson's "maximum advantage" vocals and her seamless foray into the hard rock genre. It was a commercial success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 as well as the top 10 on the charts in South Africa, Canada, Norway, and Australia, among other countries, while peaking at number 15 in the Un
JELLYBEAN JOHNSON
Garry George "Jellybean" Johnson (born November 19, 1956) is an American drummer, guitarist, songwriter, producer and musician based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.[1] As the drummer for The Time,[2] Johnson worked alongside famed producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and recorded with and/or produced many notable artists including Alexander O'Neal, Cherrelle, New Edition and Janet Jackson, with whom he had the 1990 #1 single, "Black Cat".
TINA AND THE B SIDES
Tina & the B-Sides formed in the late ’80s, with Tina Schlieske citing Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, Janis Joplin, and Elvis Presley as influences for her brand of roadhouse rock ‘n’ roll. The band self-released several CDs and sold upwards of 50,000 copies in the back of their van during the process. A chance meeting in an elevator with Sire Records president Seymour Stein led to a deal with the famed label and two more albums, 1996’s “Salvation” and 1998’s “It’s All Just the Same.”
Throughout the 1990s, the band formed a reputation for high energy packed shows as they toured incessantly, playing in bars and clubs across the Midwest. Their popularity quickly grew in the region as they developed a cult following that endures to this day. They were often called "the best bar band in America" by fans and critics alike. They are known for their chemistry on stage, especially between Tina and her sister Laura, who's powerhouse vocals evokes a tent revival at times.
The band has been awarded several Minnesota Music Awards, as well as having their music featured in major motion pictures. They have also earned a much coveted 'Star' on the wall outside of the infamous Minneapolis venue, First Avenue for their multiple sold-out shows there.
The band "officially" took a hiatus 1999 but reunited in 2014 to record and release their first studio album in more than 10 years, “Barricade,” to critical acclaim. The band continues to play shows around the Midwest.
Band members are; Tina Schlieske on guitar and vocals, Laura Schlieske on vocals, Jeremy Plumb on bass, Troy Norton on guitar and vocals, Ron Caron on drums, and Brian Ziemniak on keyboards.
Throughout the 1990s, the band formed a reputation for high energy packed shows as they toured incessantly, playing in bars and clubs across the Midwest. Their popularity quickly grew in the region as they developed a cult following that endures to this day. They were often called "the best bar band in America" by fans and critics alike. They are known for their chemistry on stage, especially between Tina and her sister Laura, who's powerhouse vocals evokes a tent revival at times.
The band has been awarded several Minnesota Music Awards, as well as having their music featured in major motion pictures. They have also earned a much coveted 'Star' on the wall outside of the infamous Minneapolis venue, First Avenue for their multiple sold-out shows there.
The band "officially" took a hiatus 1999 but reunited in 2014 to record and release their first studio album in more than 10 years, “Barricade,” to critical acclaim. The band continues to play shows around the Midwest.
Band members are; Tina Schlieske on guitar and vocals, Laura Schlieske on vocals, Jeremy Plumb on bass, Troy Norton on guitar and vocals, Ron Caron on drums, and Brian Ziemniak on keyboards.
CURTISS A
Curtiss formed Wire, his first Twin Cities band, in 1969 and played with various permutations of that group through the 1970s. (Almsted's band is unrelated to the English post-punk band of the same name.) His first recording, a six-song EP, was with the Spooks, which he started with future Replacements guitarist Slim Dunlap.
In 1978, Curtiss (as Buzz Barker) released the single-cum-political rant "I Don’t Wanna Be President". Its B-side, "Land of the Free", was played at Solidarity rallies as the Polish trade union protested martial law. Following those classic singles, Twin/Tone released a full-length album in 1980. The acclaimed Courtesy received four stars in Rolling Stone. Curtiss followed with two more albums on Twin/Tone, The Damage is Done and A Scarlet Letter, the latter produced by Al Anderson of NRBQ. The next LP was to have been produced by Peter Holsapple and the dBs, but Curtiss took a break from performing following a family tragedy.[4]
During his hiatus from music, Curtiss turned to making collages, an art form that has interested him since childhood and has fulfilled his desire “to see stuff that wasn’t together, together.” He mixes all types and periods of art, particularly different styles of comic book illustrations.
Curtiss describes his collages as dreamscapes where iconic figures—or other images that embody a mythic quality—are placed in iconoclastic situations or surroundings. He often uses political and theological images along with depictions of superheroes to represent the constant struggle for justice and to question who or what is truly good. His work also has a great deal of humor, leaving the viewer with a mixture of despair and hope.
Since his return to music, Curtiss has released several albums, and he plays throughout the Twin Cities with his band, The Jerks of Fate. His annual Lennon show is being documented by Twin Cities filmmaker Amy Buchanan.
In 1978, Curtiss (as Buzz Barker) released the single-cum-political rant "I Don’t Wanna Be President". Its B-side, "Land of the Free", was played at Solidarity rallies as the Polish trade union protested martial law. Following those classic singles, Twin/Tone released a full-length album in 1980. The acclaimed Courtesy received four stars in Rolling Stone. Curtiss followed with two more albums on Twin/Tone, The Damage is Done and A Scarlet Letter, the latter produced by Al Anderson of NRBQ. The next LP was to have been produced by Peter Holsapple and the dBs, but Curtiss took a break from performing following a family tragedy.[4]
During his hiatus from music, Curtiss turned to making collages, an art form that has interested him since childhood and has fulfilled his desire “to see stuff that wasn’t together, together.” He mixes all types and periods of art, particularly different styles of comic book illustrations.
Curtiss describes his collages as dreamscapes where iconic figures—or other images that embody a mythic quality—are placed in iconoclastic situations or surroundings. He often uses political and theological images along with depictions of superheroes to represent the constant struggle for justice and to question who or what is truly good. His work also has a great deal of humor, leaving the viewer with a mixture of despair and hope.
Since his return to music, Curtiss has released several albums, and he plays throughout the Twin Cities with his band, The Jerks of Fate. His annual Lennon show is being documented by Twin Cities filmmaker Amy Buchanan.
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