| September
2004
Hello
Funky Peoples!!
I
know it's been a long time but, I have been amazingly
busy this year.
Not
only with my heart and soul ”Drum round please,
”The Boneshakers! But, also with various
artists, recording sessions and tours. My son Dan likes
his food, Yu gi oh cards, playstation games, not to
mention school fees and clothing…so Daddy (that's
me), has to go out and work to make ends meet.
The Skinny was always sort of a road report of the Boneshakers
adventures and the usual craziness that goes on with
musicians on the road. It benefited greatly from the
witty and great commentary of Barbara (Powered Donuts)
McKenna. She has now moved on to bigger and better
things (checkout her site at handful.biz)
so, now I feel the Skinny will become a little bit of
a Road Report and a soapbox for everything else I do.
Let
me bring up to date!
I've
have been working on the new Boneshakers CD (that means
I've been trying to write a song that I like). It is
coming along but, because there is no radio for what
I do…(I'm not 19, blond or have tits), I have to keep
trying to get to my fans one venue at a time. The Shakers
have been playing their usual California haunts plus,
some new venues in Salt Lake City, Folsom, CA and Jackson
Hole, Wy. I do try hard to get
to all of our noble fans across the country and I thank
everyone that inquires but, I can't get to you folks
driving a van 950 miles for $200, no hotels or food.
But!!... Believe me, I will continue to try.
Cheili
, Jeff and Randy rockin the boat
I
did Warren Hill's Smooth Jazz cruise in January, which
was a blast (Two weeks in the carribean.. how bad can
that be?) I backed Peter White, Euge Grove, Jeff
Golub, and Warren Hill . It was a lot of work and
a lot of fun.
The
Lake Geneva shoreline
I also went to Switzerland in June for
the Montreux Jazz and played at the casino. (Yes, the
one Deep Purple sings about in “Smoke on The Water”)
with Rick Braun. Kirk Whalum and Patti Austin (Awesome).
I've also been on the road
with Euge Groove, Rick Braun (independently)
and as I'm writing this, with the Guitars and Saxes
2004 Tour with Mark Antoine, Warren Hill,
Jeff Golub, and Euge Groove . I also will be backing
Marc Antoine for his shows in October.
Matrix
co-producer Scott Spock with Randy on bass
Turn
Up the Volume
The music business is sort of finding
itself again so, I've been working in the studio a lot
on various CD's by artist's ranging from Rick Braun
to Hillary Duff (she's blond etc.) I've been having
a blast working with super producers "the Matrix"
on their upcoming CD. Graham,
Lauren and Scott Spock are awesome to work with and
you should look for their CD in early 2005.
Return
Of The Freaks
I suppose the biggest music
news in my life might be the the return of Was (Not
Was ), I didn't know hell had froze over but, I'm
excited to play those songs again. Carry Me Back
to Old Morroco. Wheel Me Out, Out Come the Freaks, Spy
in the House of Love, Walk the Dinosaur...etc (you
know). Keep a eye on the Tour Dates page and click on
the Where's
Randy link. You should start seeing upcoming show
info for December through January 2005 soon.
Randy,
Dave and Dre at the Powerhouse Pub
Last,
but not least. I have to say The
Boneshakers have been sounding awesome and I am
thankful that I have Tio Banks, Dave Brown, Nate
Brown and Pea in the band , not to mention Tim
Scott (bass and vocals) and Andre Berry
(bass) to help fill in the gaps. I look forward to the
future with all these guys and you (the fans!!)
Ok
..gotta go, the G&S bus is moving again, take care
and I'll talk to you soon
Thanks
for your support, Randy J
December
2003
The
Boneshakers say farewell to another year and send a
big “thank you” to all our fans who've helped keep us
going. We saw some changes with the exit of Malford
Milligan and the return of original vocalist
Sweet Pea Atkinson but, as always
we kept the funk workin and the shows humpin. We had
a lot of fun and some great performances, thanks to
Alvino Bennett (Drums) and Tim
Scott (Bass) who subbed with Nate (who had
prior commitments). Alvino has played
with Robin Trower, Dave Mason, Willie Dixon and
many others . Tim is bassist for
Jack Mack and the Heart Attack and has played with
Eric Clapton, Robben Ford and more . It's been
exciting as each show gets better and better.
This
year, Look for us to get to the East Coast, back home
to the midwest and to Texas after the new CD is released.We
appreciate the emails asking “what's keeping us” and
we are hoping for a great year. A Happy New Year to
everyone!!
August
2003
 |
| He
flies through the air.... |
Sometimes Randy forgets he's an old man. After weeks of
humbling the kids down at the basketball court everyday
and a few too many leaps off stages during performances,
his true age (as opposed to mental) caught up with him
and his back went out. But the show went on and, although
Randy was sitting, he put new meaning into the words "rocking
chair.".
Harvelle's was, as
always, a great spot with a rocking crowd. Randy and
crew presented a slightly new twist to the show, with
Randy singing solo and proving that he's not just another
pretty face. The show was kicking and the crowd was
great.
Soho was a new venue for us and the crowd grooved
hard to the funky sounds with the masterful Sweetpea
joining in again.
Big thanks to bassist Tim Scott from Jack
Mack and the Heart Attack. Tim subbed for Nate
Brown on the Moe's Alley and Cafe Boogaloo
dates. Nate had to fulfill a prior commitment but Tim
came prepared and did an awesome job.
The Garage in Reno was great as usual, although
some of us lost a little too much money on the slots
— what a surprise!
Thanks to Don and Erica Rood (they of the beautiful
hair) for coming and representin'. Love you guys!
We're working on new dates, so be on watch.
June
2003
The original Boneshakers took the stage in June for
the first time since Santa Cruz Blues Festival in 1999
and in what better place than Moe's
Alley in Santa Cruz, where we played for two nights.
Founding singer Sweetpea Atkinson joined Randy
Jacobs to run down the original songbook and everyone
agreed the magic is still there. First night jitters
gave way to the funk and everyone shook it good, welcoming
back the sharpest dressed vocalist in the West.
"It was a great reunion,” Jacobs said, "We
got the best of both worlds — bringing out some
classic songs, like "Break Down the Walls,"
that we haven't been able to play in a while and we
got to try some things we hadn't had a chance to get
around to before." The band aired some songs they
recorded together in the studio (among them, “Livin'
in the Real World”) but had never done live. “It
was beautiful to hear that powerful voice singing the
old songs again," Jacobs said.
It wasn't just the original founders who reunited. Also
back from the past were the band's original keyboard
man, Tio ("Father Funk") Banks and
Boneshaker's Rock of Gibraltar, bassist Nate Brown,
who has been a steady presence with the band through
most of its existence. Also back from the past was Santa
Cruz homeboy, drummer Dave ("I’ll make
it right") Derge. Another Boneshakers' veteran,
the lovely Nathalie, joined the band. Anyone
who's listened to "Pouring Gasoline" has heard
Miss Nathalie's sweet sultry vocals, but this was the
first time she's joined us live.
Northern California has always been a true home to the
band and these nights at Moe's were no exception. We
did nine shows at our usual haunts in Cali and Arizona
and then decided to document our last show before Sweetpea
hit the road with Lyle Lovett for the summer, recording
the gig for what will be "Put Some Booty on It,
Vol. II."
No.Cal., was
our friend again for the annual Blues by the Bay
festival. This was the 'Shakers first outing with Randy
handling most of the lead vocal chores and Nathalie
Woods filling in the gaps -- the combo was dynamite,
which is a good thing as that is how we'll be touring
mainly in the future. It was a rocking experience for
everyone there. We love you, Eureka!
Randy would
like to say thanks to main man and co-producer Dan
Bosworth for putting the time in and Dave Nielsen
of Rancho Armadillo Audio Services for bringing his
amazing mobile truck into the mix. Big thanks to Bill
Welch of Moe's Alley for believing and supporting
the band and as always much appreciation to Barbara
McKenna (Website) and Debra Senopole (CD
and Poster art) for their amazing efforts and support.
Be sure to look for the upcoming “Put Some Booty
On it “ Vol. 2 featuring both Pea and Randy singing
leads, Nathalie on vocals and Nate, Tio and Dave shakin'
up some serious funk.
January,
2003
What Happened
to Jamie?
| Contrary to popular rumors (started
on these pages, we must admit), Jamie Kime
was not beat down by the man. Jamie has taken on
some other gigs and is on break from the band for
now. We miss his humor, his bizarre references to
nutria and, of course, his kick-ass talent. But
once a Boneshaker always a Boneshaker.
A
cute little nutria -- we see why Jamie loves them.
For more on nutria (including recipes and current
per-tail prices), click
here.
|
Beat
down by the man? Well, okay, maybe. |
Malford — International Man on the Move
Was it the beer, the nubile Nordic goddesses, or the perpetual
icy climate that he so loves. Whatever the draw, Malford
has gotten immersed in a project in the Netherlands, aptly
titled "The Malford Milligan Band." If
you're in Austin in February, catch the act. After that
you'll have to fly to the Netherlands. For more details,
visit Malford's
site. You can pick up "Sweet Cherry Soul"
— his recent release with that band on Staggerlee
Records — while you're there.
Deer Community
in Uproar
As Randy (in the Shakermobile) made his way down to Austin
for the November shows, tragedy struck. Randy hit a young
deer (now known as Whitey Buck) in the headlights
on the infamous 290 E before Fredricksburg. Many deer
hang out along the roadside eating, drinking and playing
their favorite game, "who can make it to the other
side." In a statement made public soon after the
accident, Joe Buck (young Whitey’s father)
stated that he "swears vengeance by all deer everywhere
on that Boneshakin scum." Randy, who was truly upset
by the accident, offered his deepest apologies.
 |
 |
 |
| Whitey
Buck |
Father
Joe |
The
dinged Shakermobile |
Randy and Malford with Marcia Ball
While in Texas last month, Randy and Malford did studio
time with Austin blues queen Marcia
Ball for her upcoming release. The CD is being
produced by the talented Stephen Bruton. Along
with those laying down tracks is the most soulful man
on the planet — guitarist/singer Johnny Nicholas.
Song titles include, "China Lake," "Dance
With Me" (with you, Marcia, not a problem!), "Give
Me A Chance," and "So Many Rivers." The
Boneshakers are proud to be a part of what is going to
be a kick-ass CD. We'll keep you posted on the release
date.
 |
| Marcia
Ball |
Randy and
Malford at NAMM
The Baker/Boneshakers NAMM Jam 2003 was a blast!
Thanks to all who turned out and to all who didn't tell
us to turn it down. Thanks to the great folks at Baker
Guitars.
The Murphy’s Law Tour
Often things can go astray . . . way astray. First,
no Jamie or Nate in Texas (they were making honest money
elsewhere), then the deer incident (Randy really is
sorry!), and then, like something out of a bad movie,
we had no bass player for the first two shows.
The Bass Player Incident was one of those rare cases
of something going astray in the right way. Having to
play the shows without the guy we'd hired to cover for
Nate (he hadn't done his homework and learned the material)
we wound up kicking out fantastic shows as a threesome.
Randy had no fingers left at the end of the night, Les
was drooling out of both sides of his mouth, and Malford
was babbling something about Swiss cocoa, but it was
a blast. Yoggie Musgrove did some serious homework
and took up the bass for the remainder of the Texas
shows
We played at great new venues. In Dallas we opened the
show for guitarist extraordinaire Monty
Montgomery at the Gypsy Tea Room. With
no bass player we grooved hard as only the Boneshakers
can do.
Bash Rip Rock is run by a great crew and has
the bonus of being located in Lubbock -- Malford's home
town. Yeah, dog!
Zephyr Club in Salt Lake City. There is only
one word: Awesome!!! And we're heading back soon (see
tour pages).
Back in good ol' California we played at the Garage
Music Club at the Hilton in Reno. So many great
fans turned out -- you guys are awesome! Last time we
played in the area, we had Sweet Pea Atkinson
singing. Big love to house mother Katy, who made
things great for us.
Back in Mammoth Lakes, we had some great shows too —
this time *with* Nate (aka "The Rock") back
on bass. And the boys got to prove their manhood when
they had to push the van out of the snow.
Thanks as always to our support crew, Web Goddess Barbara
and Roggie and Karla at Rajiworld, for all their help.
Big thanks to Tracy Laport and Julie Ryon for Randy's
great apartment in Austin.
August/September,
2002
As we approach the winter Texas tour, we realize it's time to get our act together and report on the previous one, which took place last August and September. Once again the Boneshakers set forth to spread the word of funk in Texas. And, lo, the people came forth and the funk was good.
We hit some familiar haunts — The Executive Surf Club in Corpus Cristi, Barbara and Steve's Casbeers in San Antonio, and the legendary Antone's in Austin. A great crew of friends and locally based musicians turned out at Antone's, which is home base for both Malford and Les, among them were Monte Montgomery and several members of Malford's former band Funky London.
 |
A warm greeting from Austin
(as seen by the hallucinating driver behind the wheel). |
We also ventured forth into a few new venues, including The Sidecar Pub outside of Houston. With a super sound system and an audience ready to be rocked, the pub is a new Boneshakers' favorite. Next on the itinerary was the Railroad Blues Club in Alpine and, well, we have to say the ladies there really knew how to put some booty on it. As y'all say down in Alpine.... yee-ha!
|
| The guys at Bedford |
Photo: Sean Dee Graff
|
| The artist formerly known as Noah. |
An overnight, eight-hour ride took us to Bedford for the annual Bedford Blues Festival. Aside from an exploding burrito in a 7-11 microwave, the ride was uneventful. Happily, the show was far more memorable. The audience was slammin, ready to groove with the first song and by the time we hit Frank Zappa's Dirty Love (one of the band's few covers), the energy was powerful (it may explain all the marriage proposals we got afterwards, including the one from the hairy gal named Fred). A highlight of the show happened behind the scenes when Randy and Malford were serenaded by three-year-old Noah, son of Michael and Liz Levine. Noah, who lives with his guitar around his neck, had been begging dad for a turn up on stage during the show but was told he had to wait until he's bigger. But Noah took his solo backstage and got his guitar signed, so all was not lost.
Our gig at the Iron Horse Pub in Wichita Falls was a festive one, celebrating the birthday of owner Danny Ahern along with a packed house. Malford gave Danny the birthday present he asked for — gospel a la Malford.
 |
One of the many elegant and healthy roadside breakfasts,
complete with inspirational messages. |
After dropping the guys at the airport, Randy drove back to California trying not kill anyone. A lizard or two may have gone by the way (may they rest in peace), but we're happy to say nothing visible, and certainly nothing human, was taken down.
We then did the rounds in Southern and Northern Cali, hitting the Café Boogaloo, Harvelles, Moe's Alley, the Blue Café and Music after Dark, a new outdoor series in San Jose, put on by the San Jose Downtown Association. Out thanks to San Jose Downtown Association Promotions Director Blage Zelalich.
Deciding that a logical travel itinerary was beneath us, we then went back to Arizona, to one of our favorite spots, the Rhythm Room in Phoenix. Big Love to Freaky Mona Lisa (the future Mrs. Boneshakers). While we were in the neighborhood, we hit a new venue in Tucson called Boondooks and, oh yeah!, we’ll be back — thanks for the great reception!
 |
The rules at Cafe Boogaloo, with a special one added for
the Boneshakers' gig. |
Special thanks to the most awesome support crew — Barbara (Web Goddess) McKenna, Cat Reynolds, Nadia DuBose, and Sean Dee Graff for their help with merchandise and photos.
We're getting ready for our last run of the year, back in the Lone Star State. For tour dates, click here.
June-July, 2002
After a couple of days off to check in with their stockbrokers, get their facials, and have their late-model sports cars tuned up, the Boneshakers got on their private jet and whizzed over to Arizona.... Okay, okay, after a couple of days off to repair the broken-down van, scrounge for aluminum cans, and find friends from whom to bum meals, the Boneshakers were back on the road and off to Arizona. Our first appearance was at The Rhythm Room in Phoenix. We were treated to a packed house and reunions with some of the best fans ever from Arizona. Thanks to everyone who came out in full force to welcome us back, and we promise it won’t take four years to get back again. The Plush in Tucson was a new venue for us and, as always, we had a blast.
In late June, the Boneshakers played at the Café Boogaloo. The show was a good one. For those who missed it, you can still be part of the experience as it was recorded and has become the first of three live volumes for the Boneshakers' "Put Some Booty on It" series. The Boogaloo is a special place for us, as it was the first venue the Boneshakers ever played in, back in the mid-90s, and owner Steve Roberts has always been a great supporter of the band. As usual, the Boogaloo crowd was there to party and helped make the live recording extra special. Along with Boogaloo regulars, we had a famous face in the crowd: Kenny Wayne Sheppard came out to see the band. There's talk of co-authoring a couple of songs with Randy and Malford, if the three of them can ever get their schedules together.
The new CD is co-produced by Dan Bosworth and the Boneshakers through BadMONKEY Recordings. To find out more, or to purchase, go to (click here). Also, check the tour page for a CD-release party near you.
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The guys and Don (of the Bad Ass Hair)
at Sweetwater |
The Boneshakers kicked off July with a show at the legendary Sweetwater Saloon in Mill Valley. Northern California fans have always been very good to us and this night was no exception. It was a kickin' crowd and, among those who were enjoying the show was super producer/drummer Narada Michael Walden (who's produced and/or performed with the likes of Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Jeff Beck, and the Mahavishnu Orchestra). Randy and Narada had played together a few years back in the Steve Cropper Band for the NBA All-Star Game in Oakland and it was a pleasant surprise for both when Narada, who was out for a walk, was lured to the club by the music to find what he thought was "the most incredible live band he'd seen in a long time." Narada hopes to bring the band to his studio at the beginning of next year.
It took four years for the Boneshakers to come back to Oregon and all we can say is, it was worth every minute of the drive. Our extreme northern tour started with the Bay Blues Bash in North Bend. The show was great — as much fun as our last go-round in 1998. These fans were craving funk and definitely got their money's worth. Nate missed the flight (there are theories as to why, but we won't elaborate here) and had to take a crop duster into North Bend, becoming the only known bug-killing bass player in the Northwest. Farmer Nate managed to tend to his pest-control duties and still arrive in plenty of time to throw down some hump.
The Waterfront Festival in Portland the next day was another awesome homecoming. It's been a few years, but the fans are as great as ever. Malford pulled double duty as he performed with the Gospel According to Austin collective that includes the incredible Papa Mali on guitar and then, of course, tore it up as Boneshakers' lead singer. We were really amazed when we stopped by the Saffire Rose restaurant later that day and the diners all broke out in applause. Whatta city! Many thanks to Peter Dammann who always makes this festival one of our favorites. Special thanks to Marcie "Mouse" Loch who shared driving duties with Randy and did merchandise for the band on the Oregon run. (We love you!)
You don’t know how lucky you are boys..... Performing at the Blues By the Bay Festival in Eureka, California, was a trip. We got a clue as to what the Beatles must have felt like when they took the stage. You Eureka fans are fantastic. Everyone was singing along with us and dancing as if they'd won the lottery. After a four-year Boneshakers drought, it seems y'all were ready. Special thanks to festival staff Debra, Kelly, Sean and Karin (oxox) for making this a great time. This was a great festival which included the incredible South African band, Mahotella Queens. (If they come to your town go see them!)
We hope to see you all in Texas in August for our nine-date run , until then keep the funk up!
June, 2002
The Texas Report
 In late April and early May the Boneshakers blasted through Texas, starting at Corpus Cristi and wrapping it up in Wichita Falls. Randy did double duty as roadie, taking himself and the gear from LA to Austin in a mere 27 hours. Reports of a bug-eyed beef-jerky-gnawing fiend swerving down the I-10 are greatly exaggerated. (By the way, history fans, the I-10 on which Randy was serving, is the very same I-10 that is the focus of two albums he performed on and co-produced with John Wooler — "The I-10 Chronicles" and "The I-10 Chronicles/2.")
After a quick stopover in Austin to pick up a drummer and singer (aka Hacker and the Fiending Albino), the Boneshakermobile was on its way to Corpus Cristi.
The Stephon Bruton Band opened for the boys' first show at the Executive Surf Club. Randy and Stephon both share the distinction of being former guitarists for Bonnie Raitt and the two go way back. In fact they co-authored a Boneshakers' favorite, "Teach Me How to Stay," so it was no surprise when Bruton invited Randy and Malford up to sing with his band when they played their rendition. Bruton's version is featured on his new release, "Spirit World." The Boneshakers' version appears on "Shake the Planet." If you've ever wondered why the boys break out with the lyrics "What they do?" in the middle of that song, listen to it carefully on "Shake the Planet" and then take a listen to the Ojays' "Backstabbers"—it will all make sense.
The following night, Austin-born Milligan was proud to show off his new band in his home town. Malford received a home town hero's reception and those who have followed his career for years were thrilled with his latest move, saying the Boneshakers is the best vehicle yet for Milligan's powerhouse vocals. The show, which took place at Austin's Saxon Pub, was broadcast live on KGSR Radio FM. While in town, the Boneshakers even played a few tunes at the legendary Antone's.
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| Malford and Roggie |
Booking Agent Supreme Roggie Lynn Baer Elm of Rajiworld Tour Consultants was beaming with pride when her newest clients funked the house at Austin's La Zona Rosa. Determined to saturate the town with their funky blues, the band also made live in-studio appearances on KLBJ and KUT radio stations (look for samples on the website soon).
At the Denton Jazz and Art Festival, where they opened for Brave Combo, the Boneshakers had the crowd up and dancing Boneshakers style (wigglin', jigglin', and putting lots of booty on it). Aside from the squashed Armadillo, which Randy swears tastes as good as the jerky, there were no casualties. The trip was a great success and the Boneshakers already have plans to go back for more (see Tour Dates). Thank you, Texas!
April, 2002
Runaway Slave Tour, Second Leg
The new year began with another California tour for the Boneshakers. Their run included a stop at Moe's Alley in Santa Cruz, where the band's performance was taped for television. For those of you in Santa Cruz, you can see the Boneshakers' show on KRUZ TV, Channel 4, on the "Roadkill" show.
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| Discovering new talent at Harvell's |
Randy, Malford, and the guys performed their usual funk-in-your-face shows and even had the crowds joining in on the act, with several exhibitionists jumping on stage to get freaky with the guys in the band (no complaints from the men either, as you can see).
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When Malford said, "Put some booty
on it!" he didn't realize he would
be taken seriously. |
Not to be outdone, Randy spiced up his licks with some acrobatics, including mid-air scissors splits and some down-on-the floor solos.
Unfortunately during the January tour there was a casualty -- drummer Kats Konecky left the band to pursue other opportunities. Kats has been replaced by drummer Les Fisher. Les' first run with the band came during the April tour of California and Texas. Several weeks in the van with the rest of the guys hasn't scared him off yet and his in-the-pocket style is a hit with the crowd and the band alike, so it looks like Les is here to stay for a while.
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| Something to phone home about |
Currently the boys are touring Texas. Randy's been at the wheel and you know what that means…. Look out, Texas! If you see a good-looking bald guy driving a van on the I-10 with one eye shut, do everyone a favor: honk and wake the man up!
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