Slim Jim Phantom plus Jenny Don't And The Spurs, The Midnight Cowgirls
Slim Jim Phantom
https://www.slimjimphantom.com
As the legendary drummer for the Stray Cats, Slim Jim Phantom, alongside bandmates Brian Setzer and Lee Rocker, spearheaded the neo-rockabilly movement of the early 80s. With a love for 50's Rock and Roll, the Stray Cats took inspiration from that bygone era and mixed with their youthful energy and aggression to produce the updated hard-edged rockabilly sound that saw them conquer London, Europe and later the U.S., gaining fans among the likes of Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, and Robert Plant along the way.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Jim grew up listening to his parents' jazz records and, by the age of ten, took up the drums. He immersed himself in the art of drumming and the world of music and took lessons with Mousie Alexander (who played with Benny Goodman), which included the study of jazz and working through books by Jim Chapin and Ted Reed.
By the late 70's Jim was playing in bands with his school friend and bassist Lee Rocker and then joined forces with guitarist Brian Setzer. The rest, as they say, is history. The Stray Cats had numerous hit singles in the early 1980s, their classic album Built for Speed went double platinum, and their song "Rock This Town" was cemented in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of "The Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll."
In the Summer of 2008, Jim and the Stray Cats reunited for an extensive tour of Europe. In February of 2009, the band headed to Australia and New Zealand for the first time in 18 years - a tour eagerly anticipated by Australasian fans.
In addition to the Stray Cats, Jim has worked with some of the world's top artists. He has played a part in many successful groups - notably Phantom, Rocker and Slick (featuring long time David Bowie guitarist Earl Slick) which produced two popular albums; and Dead Men Walking, an all-star affair which has boasted original members of The Sex Pistols, The Cult and Big Country among the rotating line-up. Jim also enjoyed a stint playing with the rock-n-roll originator, Jerry Lee Lewis, and even performed in a now-mythological band called The Cheap Dates with acting legend Harry Dean Stanton, one of Jim's longtime pals.
Jim has worked on numerous other projects, including his own explosive self-named roots-rock trio, and HeadCat, co-starring Lemmy Kilmister and Danny B. Harvey. In addition, 2009 marked the launch of Slim Jim's musical project The Jack Tars, a band co-founded with old friends, and former Dead Men Walking bandmates Captain Sensible and Mike Peters and SJP's long time true rockabilly pal Chris Cheney of Australia's top rockin' band The Living End. They plan on making new music and setting sail again in the near future. The supergroup currently includes longtime collaborators, new members Duff McKagan from Guns N' Roses, and a longtime fan and fellow Long Islander Fred Armisen of Saturday Night Live and Portlandia. They did a few legendary shows at LA's famed venue, The Troubadour. They plan on recording and playing more shows down the line.
In the past several years, Slim Jim has continued to work with diverse friends and true artists, including Sex Pistol Glen Matlock and Earl Slick. He's also partnered with British guitar ace Darrel Higham under the band name Katmen; the pair released a critically acclaimed rockabilly record on Decca records, toured extensively, and appeared on the British TV show Later ... with Jools Holland.
Jim is deeply committed to charitable works, too: he climbed both Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro for Love Hope Strength Foundation (an organization co-founded by Mike Peters of The Alarm that benefits cancer research) with fellow rockers Peters, Robin Wilson from the Gin Blossoms, Cy Curnin from The Fixx and Glenn Tillbrook from Squeeze. The treks were filmed for a National Geographic documentary shown on the National Geographic Channel and VH1. In December 2014, he attended the World Cancer Congress in Melbourne, Australia, with the Love Hope Strength group to promote cancer research, spreading the word with music and wisecracks.
In 2018, The Stray Cats reunited for a select number of shows. After the overwhelming success of these shows, the band decided to keep going. 2019 marked the band's 40th anniversary, which they celebrated with a new album and world tour. The album 40, reached #3 on the Billboard charts and top 10 worldwide. They followed up the album with a sold-out world tour, culminating with a landmark show at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, California. The Cats plan on continuing their 'Rockabilly Crusade' for another 40 years. Their special guest on the night of the Greek Theater, The Eagles of Death Metal, features his wife, Jennie Vee. Jim and Jennie met at The World Famous Rainbow Bar and Grill on Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, making them a true Rock and Roll couple. This monumental event cemented SJP's connection to the Strip, where he owned and operated an almost mythical rock bar/music venue called The Cat Club, which he owned for fourteen years. Jim and Jennie got married in 2020. They collaborate and make guest appearances on each other's recordings, and Jennie is a permanent member of The Slim Jim Phantom Trio. Both Jim and Jennie have new music releasing soon.
As of 2020, Jim hosts Rockabilly Rave Up on Little Steven's Underground Garage on SiriusXM. He is known as "The Honest Mechanic," where he features new rockabilly acts and the classics. He shares his unique spin on how Rock and Roll have shaped pop culture in the world. As well as his duties on UG, Jim also hosts Slim Jim Phantasy on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio, where he shares his other passion, baseball, and fantasy sports in general.
Over 40 years and millions of record sales later, Slim Jim Phantom continues to inspire and excite audiences worldwide. With a sound, style, and image that remain as fresh today as they ever were, Phantom has cemented his place among rock royalty. Considered by many as the coolest drummer in rock-n-roll, Phantom's influence is still clearly felt on today's music scene with countless rockabilly drummers imitating his pioneering stand-up style.
Jenny Don't And The Spurs
https://www.jennydontandthespurs.com
Jenny Don't and the Spurs have been pioneering their own path in the music world for over a dozen years. Known for their high-energy Country Western style and captivating stage presence, they've garnered a global following with their infectious enthusiasm, and extensive discography, featuring three albums, an EP, and nine singles.
Their 2021 LP, Fire on the Ridge, expanded their horizons, leading them on tours to continents where few other country bands have had the opportunity to perform, affirming their formidable presence in the country music scene. This latest release, "Broken Hearted Blue," set to debut on June 14th, 2024, adds even more fuel to their fire.
With their exciting new album, Broken Hearted Blue Jenny Don't and the Spurs present 10 dynamic songs that channel the essence of the Northwest's music sounds while evoking the nostalgia of the Western frontier. The album bursts forth with the explosive energy of the opening track, "Flyin' High," akin to a wild horse spurred by a crack of lightning. The song skillfully merges the band's garage-rock origins with their distinct western sound, characterized by a driving tempo and gritty fuzz tones. From the outset, this album asserts itself as a standout in the country music scene, with its high-octane rockin' western delivery approach setting it apart from the herd.
Jenny Don't earned her moniker in her youth for her strong-willed and independent nature, often defying authority figures much to their consternation. This inherent rebelliousness led her to resonate with the authentic outlaw spirit of Country Western music. Such influences shine through in songs like "Pain in my Heart" and "One More Night," where the band channels the bold attitude and vocal style reminiscent of classic country legends like Johnny Paycheck and George Jones. Their music authentically captures the outlaw spirit while paying homage to the genre's iconic figures.
Born in New Mexico, Jenny later relocated to Washington state at a young age. Growing up, she navigated the contrasting landscapes of the lush Pacific Northwest and the vast Southwestern desert, which greatly influenced her songwriting. In the title track "Broken Hearted Blue," Jenny's haunting vocals capture the intensity of a fleeting romantic moment, complemented by lead guitarist Christopher March's guitar work, which echoes the haunting allure of the desert night sky with its reverb-drenched tones. Growing up poor in a tiny rural Washington community, Jenny spent her early years living in a converted single-wide trailer. Spending her summers herding cows and catching garter snakes in the tall grass, she could only dream of traveling to the kinds of exotic locales to which the band's tours have taken her. The song "You're What I Need" is an ode to the fans whose support has made this possible.
"Traveling the world as a musician and experiencing the enthusiasm of our fans who come to see us is an incredible feeling that's difficult to put into words" says Don't. "We all feel immense gratitude towards everyone who has supported us through the years. They're the ones who've inspired 'You're What I Need.'Broken Hearted Blue is a significant milestone, as it marks Buddy Weeks' debut on drums. The loss of longtime drummer Sam Henry (The Wipers, Poison Idea, Napalm Beach) to cancer in 2022 was a devastating blow that would have halted many bands. However, instead of slowing down, the band intensified their touring and recording efforts, determined to honor Sam's legacy by forging ahead with their musical journey.
Weeks' inclusion in the band marks not only a new chapter but also adds a fresh perspective and energy, symbolizing their resilience. With "Bones in the Sand," Jenny Don't and the Spurs draw from that profound experience, crafting a song that intricately blends dark and luminous sonic textures. March's resonant low baritone guitar captures the somber tones of loss, contrasting with the vibrant shimmer of the 12-string acoustic guitar, symbolizing hope and resilience. Together, the band constructs a rich musical narrative that reflects the multifaceted nature of the experience, while the vocals offer insight and guide the listener through the emotional exploration.
"Despite the loss we faced, our band's core and aspirations remain steadfast. With the release of our new album, we're embarking on a new trail that bridges our past experiences with the promise of what's yet to come," explains Don't. "We've got a lot of open road ahead of us."
Produced by Collin Hegna (Brian Jonestown Massacre, Federale), this album is a testament to Hegna's meticulous craftsmanship. With his guidance, Jenny Don't and the Spurs have created a musical tapestry that highlights each member's talents.
"On this album, bass player Kelly Halliburton and I collaborated more closely than ever, shaping most of the musical parts together", reflecting on their growth both as a couple and as a band. Jenny expresses, "We're just fed up with mainstream music's repetitive nature and the confines of genres. Each of us brings our own musical flavors to the table, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over conformity. Our music pulls from a variety of genres, which can be a bit tricky to define. But Collin really nailed it, capturing our blend of country, rock and roll, with that added touch of Western charm."
Broken Hearted Blue presents a cohesive assortment of varied tracks. From the thunderous bass lines of the instrumental "Sidewinder" to the infectious melodies of "Unlucky Love," reminiscent of Lee Hazelwood's 60s style, each song possesses its own distinct charm while seamlessly upholding the album's western essence. Much like the rhinestones on their custom outfits, handcrafted by Jenny herself, the album shines brightly, illustrating the band's dedication to creating memorable and authentic music.
The Midnight Cowgirls
https://www.themidnightcowgirls.com
THE MIDNIGHT COWGIRLS are a powerhouse feminine collective poised to revolutionize the music scene with their electrifying blend of country, new wave, post-punk, and rockabilly. Their fresh sound defies genre conventions, seamlessly blending twangy guitars with pulsating bass lines and driving rhythms. Conceptualized by songwriter and bassist Jennie Vee of Eagles of Death Metal, the band is also led by multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and vocalist Blaise Dahl (Dahl Haus, F You Tammy), and drummer, vocalist and composer Marlhy Murphy.
The band spent the Summer of 2024 opening for rockabilly legends The Stray Cats during their U.S. tour and quickly gained the attention of Sirius XM Outlaw Country, who have since premiered two of their singles and aired them as the last in-studio live performance of the year. In January, the band opened for Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jack White, and most recently performed alongside First Lady of Outlaw Country Nikki Lane at the Patron Desert House Stagecoach party in April.
Get ready to saddle up and ride into a rockin' musical adventure with The Midnight Cowgirls--this is just the beginning of their unforgettable journey.