Influenced by surf, metal and psychedelia, Johnny Roger takes cues from all three, mixes ’em up, and arrives at a sound that pays homage to each, but doesn’t sound like any of them. Fueled on beer, car exhaust and horror and martial arts films, they write songs that hit on just the right mix of power and melody. Armed with attitude, talent and twin-reverb amps, they’ll soon bring the rock to a venue near you.
Since Johnny Vomit’s inception in December of 1986, the band has created quite a name for itself with its patented brand of musical mayhem. Hailing from Chicago’s South Side and south suburbs, Johnny Vomit has attained cult-like status through numerous frenzied live gigs, one-of-a-kind drunken blowouts, and a 1989 demo that unleashed the band throughout the underground.
Influenced by mid-80’s speed metal, hardcore and punk rock, the band was formed by John and Roman while attending Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. John took the name Johnny (from his high school screw around band John Doe) and Roman contributed the name Vomit (from his high school project Vomit) to arrive with the moniker Johnny Vomit. Venom, Discharge, D.R.I., Black Flag, Meatmen and the Mentors are cited as the bands’s early influences.
Jonathan “JDP” Pratt’s energetic-vocals, backed by genre-fuse electro-pop and hip-hop rhythms, will amp up any audience.
In 2009, JDP released his first mixtape entitled “Air Raid”, sponsored by Los Angeles based clothing company IM King. The project featured hip hop sensation Adam Tensta, local favorites YP and Big Homie Doe as well as professional skateboarder Terry “T.K.” Kennedy. The project’s lead single “Release” was featured in URB Magazine which led to JDP inclusion in URB’s annual Next 100 alongside Drake, Asher Roth and Freddie Gibbs. JDP’s second single, “Styrofoam Cups” garnered a lot of buzz after it was featured on Chicago’s #1 Hip Hop radio station, WGCI.
JDP’s current project is entitled “Purple”, an ode to the highs and lows of the life of an artist. With the addition of his live band, The Smoking Section, JDP continues to take both himself and his music to higher places.
Love the future.
Guitarist Jeff Daschbach draws from rock, bluegrass, and folk traditions to create his rich and unique sound. A blend of slap and tap technique and fingerstyle picking, Jeff’s music evokes comparison to artists such as Michael Hedges, Leo Kottke, Led Zeppelin, and Bela Fleck. Jeff’s vocal skills have been compared to Bono and Sting but he sites Robert Plant as his biggest influence.
I’m part mannequin, part human. God told me being popular isn’t healthy… that’s why I’m always sick. ** My mom was drunk most of my childhood so don’t ask questions ♥ just listen and learn how to blend your eyeshadow better after I make you wetter then Hurricane Katrina.
Power Blues
Steeped in the rich blues tradition of Chicago, J.B. Ritchie is known as “that wicked slide player”, and has worked with Luther Allison. The rest of the band also carries some pretty hefty credentials. Frank Bandy on bass has been nominated for a W.C. Handy Award and drummer Marty Binder has appeared on the Tonight Show. Both men have toured with several top name blues performers. If the new generation of guitar driven blues rock would-be comers (Johnny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepard) have failed to deliver what you want, look no further than Power Blues by J.B. Ritchie. “With his strong persona, even a “blues virgin” cannot help but respond when he asks “I said do you dig the blues?” He is the ultimate in cool and has the talent and expertise to back it up. Definitely a musician to see, especially if you are a musician.” – Chicago Rocker Newsletter. A fine and powerful tribute to Chicago blues. For those of you who like blues rock in the vein of ZZTop, Canned Heat and the Allman Brothers – dig in and dig it!
JACK SALAMANDER plays freaky, funny, funky mind-bending music direct from Chicago. The two main songwriters are guitarist Lem Roby and Bassist Jon Rogers. Each has a unique approach to soulful, funky songs that will make you move, make you think, and make you laugh. Guitarist Barrett Tasky acts as utility man, covering guitar, keyboard and stealing Lem’s beer. Their live shows have been called: “Tasteful and tight, filled with the magical experience of the unexpected.”
Jack Straw was born in the winter of 2000 as the result of a meeting between guitarist Jon Gram and keyboardist Barry Brown, brought together by a music-loving mutual friend who saw some possibilities. Jon added to the mix bassist Ryan Churchill and drummer Joe Kunkle. With Jon and Barry leading the way, Jack Straw brings forth a richly diverse array of music, mixing together songs by the likes of Phish, the Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers, Jerry Garcia’s bluegrass band Old and in the Way, and Jon’s original music.
Jack Straw was born in the winter of 2000 as the result of a meeting between guitarist Jon Gram and keyboardist Barry Brown, brought together by a music-loving mutual friend who saw some possibilities. Jon added to the mix bassist Ben Wilson. With Jon and Barry leading the way, Jack Straw brings forth a richly diverse array of music, mixing together songs by the likes of Phish, the Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers, Jerry Garcia’s bluegrass band Old and in the Way, and Jon’s original music.
Jaik Willis is a nationally touring independent performer based in Chicago. He has shared bills with artists such as Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Wilco, Bela Fleck, MMW, Del McCoury, NIN, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Leftover Salmon, Justin Townes Earle, Digital Underground, Blueground Undergrass, Garaj Mahal, EOTO,The Schwag, Ekoostik Hookah, Tea Leaf Green, Split Lip Rayfield, and performed on stage with acoustic blues dynamo, Corey Harris, and Chicago blues legend Billy Branch as well. He has performed at innumerable festivals and major venues around the US. In the Summer of 2010 he performed at Bonnaroo (Stevie Wonder & Jay-Z headline), Summer Camp Festival (Govt Mule, Umphrey’s Mcgee, Avett Brothers), Cavefest, Funk You Festival, Cosmic Railroad Family Gathering, Wuhnurth Festival, Michigan Peace Fest, Widow’s Peak Music Fest & dozens of others.
