Soulstack
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Soulstack

Waterloo, Ontario, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | INDIE | AFM

Waterloo, Ontario, Canada | INDIE | AFM
Established on Jan, 2012
Band Blues Americana

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"Blues Underground"

“When it comes to music, there are great blues bands, great blues rock bands, and then there are great bands that offer up a really nice blend of a bunch of different genres, yet still managing to make their sound uniquely their own; Soulstack is such a band. With "Five Finger Discount", Soulstack continues to entrench itself into the Canadian music landscape, offering up really catchy tunes, sure to pleas all their fans, old and new.” - - John Vermilyea, Blues Underground Network (Nov 15, 2013)


"BMans Blues Report"

...the newest release, Five Finger Discount, from Soulstack it's diversely interesting....This is a very strong release with solid vocals and instrumentation” - Bman, BMans Blues Report (Nov 04, 2013)


"Bluesrockreview.com (Nov 11, 2013)"

“All of the tracks on Five Finger Discount sound well polished and passionate. Five Finger Discount is definitely an enjoyable listen. Soulstack had a clear mission with what they wanted to do with this album and I think it’s safe to say their mission was accomplished.” - - Alysha Rendflesh, bluesrockreview.com (Nov 11, 2013)


"Stack of Soul!"

“Stack of soul from Soulstack’s debut CD! Toronto blues/ soul/ R and B band Soulstack are aptly named— a stack full of soul, that wouldn’t be out of place on the classic Memphis R and B Record label Stax. They make an auspicious debut on “Big Red” starting with a brief intro, then a catchy slice of R and B sweetness, “Stone Cold Man” which wouldn’t be out of place on an Earth Wind and Fire record. It has an unstoppable beat to draw you in, then some tasty organ and a catchy , slightly overdriven guitar riff. It ends on a beautifully bent harmonic, leaving the listener wanting more.” - - Richard Amery, L.A. Beat (Apr 27, 2012)


"- Josh May, Blues Rock Reviews (Apr 19, 2012)"

“Musically this album is great; every member of the band plays their part competently sounding like a well seasoned band. It’s effortless, absorbing and extremely well executed blues with a number of influential music styles, which makes the album flow magnificently with each song as good as the last. Big Red is the most soulful album of the year so far and a must for everyone to have on their summer playlist. 9/10!” - - Josh May, Blues Rock Reviews (Apr 19, 2012)


"Soulstack nails it with Big Red"

“SOULSTACK NAILS IT WITH BIG RED Irrespective of the blues style Soulstack draws on for a particular song, the band hits the head of the musical nail. All but one of the album’s 13 tracks are originals penned by Jon Knight and Wessenger, with the exception of a spirited cover of the traditional gospel number In My Time of Dying.” - Kitchener Waterloo Record


"Gonzoonline"

“Big Red Soulstack (Independent) 4.5/5 There must be something in the drinking water, but some of the best blues I’ve heard in the last six months has been coming out of Toronto and Soulstack is a case in point. If you like the blues, you’re gonna love this, their debut album. The track that first got my attention was In My Time of Dying, a traditional gospel number surfaced in the 70’s as an extended blues jam on Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti and is in fact my favorite song from that album. Soulstack’s arrangement is very different, probably closer to the song’s original intent, and nicely done I might add. This album feels very live off the floor, so it was no surprise to learn that it was recorded in just two days. I love that organic approach, as opposed to breaking it down into small parts and re-assembling it again like a ship model. If given a choice between soul and mechanical perfection, I’ll take soul every time. Big Red is the good stuff. ” - The Rock Doctor, Gonzoonline.ca (Apr 10, 2012)


"Jeff Monk, Uptown - Winnipeg (Apr 11, 2012)"

“The premier album from first-rate Ontario quartet Soulstack may go down in history as "that cool album with the dreadful cover," but if there is any justice in the world, it won’t. Neo-soul outfits are popping up like zits on a teenager’s face these days but these cats stand out, which makes us think that the giant farm implement on the cover makes sense after all. The band plows down the competition by the sheer weight of its musical performances here.Their invigorating mixture of whiskey-inflamed vocals, classic-sounding organ work and some super tasty guitar licks all add up to a kind of rootsy realism that is mostly non-existent these days. Singer Jon Knight has the kind of lived in pipes that hit the same level of intensity as Steve Marriott or Black Crowe Chris Robinson, and he even manages to keep the histrionics in check. The running order of the songs, the basic and clean production and the general ebb and flow of the album make for a satisfying listen worthy of repeated plays” - Jeff Monk, Uptown - Winnipeg (Apr 11, 2012)


"John Vermilyea, Blues Underground Network (Apr 10, 2012)"

“Some have called the music of Soulstack as a "refreshing blend of gritty swamp blues, danceable soul, and good old fashioned roots." That is certainly what I got from "Big Red", especially concerning the reference of refreshing. Soulstack has simply blown me away with their release of "Big Red" and it is an album I can't help but really highly recommend you all give it a listen. You will, I am sure be very impressed, with this great new and very exciting group on the Canadian Music Scene. 5***** for "Big Red"” - John Vermilyea, Blues Underground Network (Apr 10, 2012)


"Velvet Rope magazine (Apr 10, 2012)"

“Some musicians sell their souls to the devil, some pray for assistance, but the music of Soul, R&B and the Blues can be found somewhere in the middle, or sometimes in both places at once. Soulstack’s new CD is one you should get as soon as possible. It may turn out to be your favourite album of the year. ” - - D. Heavyfeather, Velvet Rope magazine (Apr 10, 2012)


"Sacred and Profane"

“Some musicians sell their souls to the devil, some pray for assistance, but the music of Soul, R&B and the Blues can be found somewhere in the middle, or sometimes in both places at once. Soulstack’s new CD is one you should get as soon as possible. It may turn out to be your favourite album of the year. ” - Velvet Rope Magazine


"Sacred and Profane"

“Some musicians sell their souls to the devil, some pray for assistance, but the music of Soul, R&B and the Blues can be found somewhere in the middle, or sometimes in both places at once. Soulstack’s new CD is one you should get as soon as possible. It may turn out to be your favourite album of the year. ” - Velvet Rope Magazine


"Big Red"

I really like Debut albums, so I get quite excited when one rolls across my desk for review consideration. Some turn out to be so so, but for the most part, I get introduced to a mighty fine one, more often then not. Soulstack's debut release "Big Red", just happens to be one of those mighty fine ones.

Soulstack is an Ontario, Canada based band and consists of multiple award-winning members Jonathan Knight (Vocals/Guitar), Tom Bona (Drums/Vocals), Mark Wessenger (Keys/Vocals) and Josh Knight (Bass/Vocals). Several of the members were part of the band Wickens-Knight, which is no longer in existence, with member Dylan Wickens going on to form his band, Dylan Wickens And The Grand Naturals. The split of Wickens-Knight seems to have been amicable, as Dylan Wickens is featured as Lead Guitarist on Track 2 "Stone Cold Man". Also featured on "Big Red" was Chris Latte whom did some mighty fine Lead Guitar work on Track 6, "Skinny Girl".

If often intrigues me how an album gets their name and their cover art, and this was especially so with "Big Red". It was with this intrigue that I asked Jonathan Knight about the albums name and cover art, of which he replied, "Big Red is this wonderful big old guitar that I used throughout this recording and the last Wickens-Knight album that doesn't stay in tune worth a damn but sounds great. Whenever I would pull it out, the guys would call out "Big Red"... when we gave the album to Tim Brienesse for album artwork we didn't tell him that and he came up with the tractor image for the album cover which we thought was great ." I to really like the cover art, to the point where it is certainly a contender on my upcoming 2012 Year End Review, in the category of "Best Original Cover Art".

"Big Red" consists of 13 Tracks of which 11 are originals written by Jonathan Knight & Mark Wessenger. The one cover is an arrangement of a Traditional Gospel song called "In My Time Of Dying". Jonathan Knight was responsible for the arrangement on that song. "Big Red" was recorded over a period of 2 days at the "Canterbury Music Company in Toronto with Jeremy Darby", whom has also done work for Van Morrison, Smokey Robinson, and Keith Richards. Various instruments were also used to add to the great feel of this album and included a vintage Wurlitzer, Hammond Organ and Piano along with swampy Tremolo Guitar.

Now about this time you might be doing a little math in your head and wondering about the 13th Track, since 11 originals and one cover only equal 12 Tracks. The 13th Track is actually the first Track and is a unique 23 second intro, in which a somewhat inebriated gentleman, introduces Soulstack as "The Best Band In Town", at which point it kicks into Track 2 "Stone Cold Man", and it is only a few seconds into that Track that you become acutely aware that you are listening to something very special. That is also the Track that Dylan Wickens does a mighty fine job on, as Lead Guitarist.

Track 3 is the Tradition Gospel song "In My Time Of Dying", and my oh my that one certainly drags you through the heartland of the Delta and leaves you, well speechless. Great Vocals, Great Harmony, Great Keys, Great Everything. This one will take you back to the great music of the early 70's, for sure.

Speaking of the early 70's feel, I got a lot of this on "Big Red", especially a Rolling Stones vibe, on a far number of Tracks including perhaps my favorite one, Track 4 "Desperate Times", which comes off with a wonderful Rootsy Blues feel.

More of a Gospel Soul feel also comes to the surface on Track 7 "In Your Mind". Great Harmony and great Guitar work from Jonathan Knight.

Track 12 "Let Me Be Your Fool", another one of my favorites, is a song that grabs you by the back of the neck and hauls you through some great Swampy Blues.

The final Track is called "Miss Me", a really fine Soulful Rootsy Blues number. "I Think Your Going To Miss Me When I'm Gone", is one of the lines that run through this song and is, in a way, kind of how you will probably feel at the end of this album.

Some have called the music of Soulstack as a "refreshing blend of gritty swamp blues, danceable soul, and good old fashioned roots." That is certainly what I got from "Big Red", especially concerning the reference of refreshing. Soulstack has simply blown me away with their release of "Big Red" and it is an album I can't help but really highly recommend you all give it a listen. You will, I am sure be very impressed, with this great new and very exciting group on the Canadian Music Scene.

5***** for "Big Red"...
- Blues Underground


"Big Red"

I really like Debut albums, so I get quite excited when one rolls across my desk for review consideration. Some turn out to be so so, but for the most part, I get introduced to a mighty fine one, more often then not. Soulstack's debut release "Big Red", just happens to be one of those mighty fine ones.

Soulstack is an Ontario, Canada based band and consists of multiple award-winning members Jonathan Knight (Vocals/Guitar), Tom Bona (Drums/Vocals), Mark Wessenger (Keys/Vocals) and Josh Knight (Bass/Vocals). Several of the members were part of the band Wickens-Knight, which is no longer in existence, with member Dylan Wickens going on to form his band, Dylan Wickens And The Grand Naturals. The split of Wickens-Knight seems to have been amicable, as Dylan Wickens is featured as Lead Guitarist on Track 2 "Stone Cold Man". Also featured on "Big Red" was Chris Latte whom did some mighty fine Lead Guitar work on Track 6, "Skinny Girl".

If often intrigues me how an album gets their name and their cover art, and this was especially so with "Big Red". It was with this intrigue that I asked Jonathan Knight about the albums name and cover art, of which he replied, "Big Red is this wonderful big old guitar that I used throughout this recording and the last Wickens-Knight album that doesn't stay in tune worth a damn but sounds great. Whenever I would pull it out, the guys would call out "Big Red"... when we gave the album to Tim Brienesse for album artwork we didn't tell him that and he came up with the tractor image for the album cover which we thought was great ." I to really like the cover art, to the point where it is certainly a contender on my upcoming 2012 Year End Review, in the category of "Best Original Cover Art".

"Big Red" consists of 13 Tracks of which 11 are originals written by Jonathan Knight & Mark Wessenger. The one cover is an arrangement of a Traditional Gospel song called "In My Time Of Dying". Jonathan Knight was responsible for the arrangement on that song. "Big Red" was recorded over a period of 2 days at the "Canterbury Music Company in Toronto with Jeremy Darby", whom has also done work for Van Morrison, Smokey Robinson, and Keith Richards. Various instruments were also used to add to the great feel of this album and included a vintage Wurlitzer, Hammond Organ and Piano along with swampy Tremolo Guitar.

Now about this time you might be doing a little math in your head and wondering about the 13th Track, since 11 originals and one cover only equal 12 Tracks. The 13th Track is actually the first Track and is a unique 23 second intro, in which a somewhat inebriated gentleman, introduces Soulstack as "The Best Band In Town", at which point it kicks into Track 2 "Stone Cold Man", and it is only a few seconds into that Track that you become acutely aware that you are listening to something very special. That is also the Track that Dylan Wickens does a mighty fine job on, as Lead Guitarist.

Track 3 is the Tradition Gospel song "In My Time Of Dying", and my oh my that one certainly drags you through the heartland of the Delta and leaves you, well speechless. Great Vocals, Great Harmony, Great Keys, Great Everything. This one will take you back to the great music of the early 70's, for sure.

Speaking of the early 70's feel, I got a lot of this on "Big Red", especially a Rolling Stones vibe, on a far number of Tracks including perhaps my favorite one, Track 4 "Desperate Times", which comes off with a wonderful Rootsy Blues feel.

More of a Gospel Soul feel also comes to the surface on Track 7 "In Your Mind". Great Harmony and great Guitar work from Jonathan Knight.

Track 12 "Let Me Be Your Fool", another one of my favorites, is a song that grabs you by the back of the neck and hauls you through some great Swampy Blues.

The final Track is called "Miss Me", a really fine Soulful Rootsy Blues number. "I Think Your Going To Miss Me When I'm Gone", is one of the lines that run through this song and is, in a way, kind of how you will probably feel at the end of this album.

Some have called the music of Soulstack as a "refreshing blend of gritty swamp blues, danceable soul, and good old fashioned roots." That is certainly what I got from "Big Red", especially concerning the reference of refreshing. Soulstack has simply blown me away with their release of "Big Red" and it is an album I can't help but really highly recommend you all give it a listen. You will, I am sure be very impressed, with this great new and very exciting group on the Canadian Music Scene.

5***** for "Big Red"...
- Blues Underground


"Soulstack - BIG RED"

The premier album from first-rate Ontario quartet Soulstack may go down in history as "that cool album with the dreadful cover," but if there is any justice in the world, it won’t. Neo-soul outfits are popping up like zits on a teenager’s face these days but these cats stand out, which makes us think that the giant farm implement on the cover makes sense after all. The band plows down the competition by the sheer weight of its musical performances here. - Uptown Mag


"Soulstack - BIG RED"

The premier album from first-rate Ontario quartet Soulstack may go down in history as "that cool album with the dreadful cover," but if there is any justice in the world, it won’t. Neo-soul outfits are popping up like zits on a teenager’s face these days but these cats stand out, which makes us think that the giant farm implement on the cover makes sense after all. The band plows down the competition by the sheer weight of its musical performances here. - Uptown Mag


"Soulstack "Big Red" Review"

“Big Red Soulstack (Independent) 4.5/5 There must be something in the drinking water, but some of the best blues I’ve heard in the last six months has been coming out of Toronto and Soulstack is a case in point. If you like the blues, you’re gonna love this, their debut album. The track that first got my attention was In My Time of Dying, a traditional gospel number surfaced in the 70’s as an extended blues jam on Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti and is in fact my favorite song from that album. Soulstack’s arrangement is very different, probably closer to the song’s original intent, and nicely done I might add. This album feels very live off the floor, so it was no surprise to learn that it was recorded in just two days. I love that organic approach, as opposed to breaking it down into small parts and re-assembling it again like a ship model. If given a choice between soul and mechanical perfection, I’ll take soul every time. Big Red is the good stuff. ” - www.gonzoonline.ca


"Soulstack "Big Red" Review"

“Big Red Soulstack (Independent) 4.5/5 There must be something in the drinking water, but some of the best blues I’ve heard in the last six months has been coming out of Toronto and Soulstack is a case in point. If you like the blues, you’re gonna love this, their debut album. The track that first got my attention was In My Time of Dying, a traditional gospel number surfaced in the 70’s as an extended blues jam on Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti and is in fact my favorite song from that album. Soulstack’s arrangement is very different, probably closer to the song’s original intent, and nicely done I might add. This album feels very live off the floor, so it was no surprise to learn that it was recorded in just two days. I love that organic approach, as opposed to breaking it down into small parts and re-assembling it again like a ship model. If given a choice between soul and mechanical perfection, I’ll take soul every time. Big Red is the good stuff. ” - www.gonzoonline.ca


"Soulstack Nails it with Big Red"

Big Red (Independent)

When the TD Kitchener Blues Festival was looking for musical acts to kick off its 2012 Launch Party it turned to Soulstack.

The high-octane, Ontario blues-rockers will return this summer to perform at the annual blues bash in downtown Kitchener. Meanwhile, blues fans can pick up the quartet’s debut album Big Red.

Soulstack consists of Jon Knight on lead vocals and guitar, Mark Wessenger on keyboards and vocals, Tom Bona on drums and vocals and Josh Knight on bass and vocals. Guitarists Chris Latta, a popular Waterloo Region musician, and Dylan Wickens each join in on a song.

Irrespective of the blues style Soulstack draws on for a particular song, the band hits the head of the musical nail. All but one of the album’s 13 tracks are originals penned by Jon Knight and Wessenger, with the exception of a spirited cover of the traditional gospel number In My Time of Dying.
- The Record


"Soulstack Nails it with Big Red"

Big Red (Independent)

When the TD Kitchener Blues Festival was looking for musical acts to kick off its 2012 Launch Party it turned to Soulstack.

The high-octane, Ontario blues-rockers will return this summer to perform at the annual blues bash in downtown Kitchener. Meanwhile, blues fans can pick up the quartet’s debut album Big Red.

Soulstack consists of Jon Knight on lead vocals and guitar, Mark Wessenger on keyboards and vocals, Tom Bona on drums and vocals and Josh Knight on bass and vocals. Guitarists Chris Latta, a popular Waterloo Region musician, and Dylan Wickens each join in on a song.

Irrespective of the blues style Soulstack draws on for a particular song, the band hits the head of the musical nail. All but one of the album’s 13 tracks are originals penned by Jon Knight and Wessenger, with the exception of a spirited cover of the traditional gospel number In My Time of Dying.
- The Record


"SoulStack: Big Red Review"

“Musically this album is great; every member of the band plays their part competently sounding like a well seasoned band. It’s effortless, absorbing and extremely well executed blues with a number of influential music styles, which makes the album flow magnificently with each song as good as the last. Big Red is the most soulful album of the year so far and a must for everyone to have on their summer playlist. 9/10!” - Blues Rock Reviews


"SoulStack: Big Red Review"

“Musically this album is great; every member of the band plays their part competently sounding like a well seasoned band. It’s effortless, absorbing and extremely well executed blues with a number of influential music styles, which makes the album flow magnificently with each song as good as the last. Big Red is the most soulful album of the year so far and a must for everyone to have on their summer playlist. 9/10!” - Blues Rock Reviews


"Stack of soul from Soulstack’s debut CD"

Toronto blues/ soul/ R and B band Soulstack are aptly named— a stack full of soul, that wouldn’t be out of place on the classic Memphis R and B Record label Stax.

They make an auspicious debut on “Big Red” starting with a brief intro, then a catchy slice of R and B sweetness, “Stone Cold Man” which wouldn’t be out of place on an Earth Wind and Fire record. It has an unstoppable beat to draw you in, then some tasty organ and a catchy , slightly overdriven guitar riff. It ends on a beautifully bent harmonic, leaving the listener wanting more

They continue on in a more laid back blues vein on the gospel standard “ In My Time of Dying,” powered by that awesome organ and a touch of tortured slide. They have superb harmonizing vocals, reminiscent of the Homes Brothers and once again, leave the listener wanting more.
“ Desperate Times” gives a nod to the Doobie Brothers’ “Taking it to the Street” in the intro, then settles into its own roovy groove.
There is some Little Feat influence on the CD and a whole lot of soul.

I can’t get enough of that classic organ sound.
“Since You Came Around,” is another catchy, toe-tapping number,” which will get your mojo working.


And “Skinny Girl” just stands out from all of them, it reminds me of another one of my new favourite blues/ R and B bands the Boogie Patrol.” It has ’70s soul to spare.


“Just a Natural Thing,” highlights some more of those beautiful vocal harmonies. It is punctuated with a tasteful guitar solo.
The harmonies are still subdued on the slower “River of Love.”


They have a lot of gospel influence throughout the CD thanks to the organ and the vocals, especially on another slower number “ Holy Roller” which also features more tasteful slide guitar playing, pus a cool piano and organ solos, which intertwine beautifully together.


They slow things down slightly on the blues tinged “Let Me Be Your Fool,” which features more beautiful acoustic slide guitar which builds into a an excellent solo.
It leads nicely into the last track “Miss Me,” a catchy break-up song, with more of that slide, more soulful harmony vocals, which breaks into a gospel, flavoured, organ powered breakdown, bringing a sexy, sweaty , soulful CD to a rollicking close.


— By Richard Amery, L.A Beat Editor
- L.A. Beat


"Stack of soul from Soulstack’s debut CD"

Toronto blues/ soul/ R and B band Soulstack are aptly named— a stack full of soul, that wouldn’t be out of place on the classic Memphis R and B Record label Stax.

They make an auspicious debut on “Big Red” starting with a brief intro, then a catchy slice of R and B sweetness, “Stone Cold Man” which wouldn’t be out of place on an Earth Wind and Fire record. It has an unstoppable beat to draw you in, then some tasty organ and a catchy , slightly overdriven guitar riff. It ends on a beautifully bent harmonic, leaving the listener wanting more

They continue on in a more laid back blues vein on the gospel standard “ In My Time of Dying,” powered by that awesome organ and a touch of tortured slide. They have superb harmonizing vocals, reminiscent of the Homes Brothers and once again, leave the listener wanting more.
“ Desperate Times” gives a nod to the Doobie Brothers’ “Taking it to the Street” in the intro, then settles into its own roovy groove.
There is some Little Feat influence on the CD and a whole lot of soul.

I can’t get enough of that classic organ sound.
“Since You Came Around,” is another catchy, toe-tapping number,” which will get your mojo working.


And “Skinny Girl” just stands out from all of them, it reminds me of another one of my new favourite blues/ R and B bands the Boogie Patrol.” It has ’70s soul to spare.


“Just a Natural Thing,” highlights some more of those beautiful vocal harmonies. It is punctuated with a tasteful guitar solo.
The harmonies are still subdued on the slower “River of Love.”


They have a lot of gospel influence throughout the CD thanks to the organ and the vocals, especially on another slower number “ Holy Roller” which also features more tasteful slide guitar playing, pus a cool piano and organ solos, which intertwine beautifully together.


They slow things down slightly on the blues tinged “Let Me Be Your Fool,” which features more beautiful acoustic slide guitar which builds into a an excellent solo.
It leads nicely into the last track “Miss Me,” a catchy break-up song, with more of that slide, more soulful harmony vocals, which breaks into a gospel, flavoured, organ powered breakdown, bringing a sexy, sweaty , soulful CD to a rollicking close.


— By Richard Amery, L.A Beat Editor
- L.A. Beat


"CBC - Here and Now"

From live interview on CBC Here and Now:
"When I heard this record, all I could think of was how great the band must be live, it just made me want to Dance!" - Laura Di Battista
(The single "Since you Came Around" was featured as their song of the week with play every morning) - CBC


"Soulstack – Soulstack | Album Review"

Soulstack’s third album carries on the standards set by their previous albums: original material, well played and sung but difficult to pin down in terms of style. This is certainly not a straight blues album but there are some blues references, as there are soul, country, rock and pop. Bands such as The Gin Blossoms come to mind when listening to Soulstack’s music but you can equally discern traces of The Band, Little Feat and some of the soul greats of yesteryear – an intriguing mix! The band is Jon Knight on lead vocals and guitar, Chris Latta on guitar, Mark Wessenger on keys, Darryl ‘Harpo’ Peterson on bass and Tom Bona on drums. They are joined throughout by young keyboard player Matt Weidinger and on one track by Dawn Blythe on percussion. All the musicians contribute backing vocals, Jon and Mark wrote all the material and Jon produced and mastered the album, so this is very high quality music produced ‘in-house’.

Frontman Jon has a voice that suits this music very well, as can be heard immediately on the opening track “Just Don’t Call It The Blues”. The tune opens with a driving beat and some fine keyboard work as clavinet and organ play against the guitars to provide a funky approach. The jaunty “Can’t Take It With You” is a blend of soul vibe and Americana feel with harmonies and a repetitious but catchy chorus of the title, the organ providing the core solo but praise is also due to the piano playing that follows the organist’s every twist and turn. “Little Fire Alive” has a lovely, gentle feel with superb harmonies and appropriate accompaniment to Jon’s great vocal: “Hold on, hold on, you’ve got to keep a little fire alive.” The track closes with the harmony vocals simply accompanied by piano and gentle guitar chords before a striking guitar solo graces the outro. “A Lot Of Good Men” definitely has a soul vibe with churchy organ and a pounding chorus, the sort of track that would work well on mainstream radio (if music of this sort was still programmed there). Brooding bass and hard-working drums open “Poison Headache” before the guitars and keys get to work, Jon singing of “taking every poison I can think of to get you off my mind”. As the song develops the interplay between the two keyboard players is worth listening to closely.

The band drops the pace for the attractive love ballad “Tip Of My Tongue”, Jon’s vocal soaring over some very solid playing and great harmonies from everyone, the bridge having just a hint of reggae under the chiming guitar work, making this one of the standout cuts on the album. “No Man’s Land” is the shortest track, opening with plenty of swirling organ and a grinding rhythm that takes the band towards blues territory, the two guitarists trying to out-muscle the organ without much success until the coda which has definite echoes of the Allman Brothers in the twin guitar work. “Love Thing” has some more good keys and piano work in a song with a definite Americana feel and distinct echoes of The Band to this reviewer’s ears. The solo organ opening to “Real Bad Feeling” soon gives way to a catchy tune with the sort of harmony vocal work that distinguished many of the Eagles’ best efforts. Closing track “Time Don’t Wait” returns to an Americana approach, a slower track with plenty going on musically as the passionate guitars sing out over warm organ and piano accompaniment, all supporting Jon’s world-weary vocal as he tries not to miss a great opportunity in his life.

There is little actual blues in this album but equally there is a great deal to enjoy if your tastes run to music beyond the usual blues frontiers. A thoroughly enjoyable album, recommended to the broad-minded. - Blues Blast


Discography

2012 - Big Red

2013 - Five Finger Discount

2015 - Soulstack 

2015 - Soulstack Live and Acoustic

Photos

Bio

Soulstack | 2021 | Bio & One Sheet | www.soulstack.com

Soulstack delivers a visceral experience; one of seasoned musicians playing roots, blues and Americana – walking the line between the traditional and a catalog of ever-evolving songwriting. It’s the sound of Staples Singers-inspired southern harmony, tremolo-drenched baritone guitar, with a late-sixties New Orleans-style rhythm section and the gurgle of a Hammond organ driving it along with the unmistakable and distinctive voice of Jon Knight.

Soulstack rolled out their full-length debut, “Big Red” in 2012. It garnered substantial national and international airplay andchart positions with commercial and college radio. This release was a Hi-Fi representation of their unique live show, already known in circles as a finely tuned machine burning down the highway from Detroit influenced fuzz-tinged rootsy rock’n’roll to swampy Alabama soul.

Following suit in 2013, Soulstack released ‘Five Finger Discount’ to further acclaim. With these two releases garnering international radio play, TV shows, nominations, awards, large North American festival shows and an European debut appearance (Moulin Blues, Netherlands), Soulstack had positioned themselves as a band to watch. 

In 2015, the band released their third studio album, the self-titled ‘Soulstack’ which was recorded live off the floor with the classic method – six men in a room recorded straight onto 2″ analog tape, ‘Soulstack’ captures the band as a moment in time, as one would see and hear the band at a live show, delivering the energy and excitement of their live performance directly onto this recording. ‘Soulstack’ is currently on rotation on many stations around the globe.

Soulstack released a limited edition, live compilation album titled “LIVE CUTS” [January 2017] which features a variety of tracks superbly recorded live in a small club setting, and includes two live tracks from Moulin Blues. The formal release of the long-awaited ‘Live & Acoustic’ DVD/BluRay/CD, capturing the band in a broken down, intimate setting, with acoustic guitars, a grand piano, Hammond organ, hand drums/percussion, and recorded in front of a live audience, occurred in 2017.

Currently, Soulstack has been in pre-production for their fourth, full-length studio album, with the working title; “Sweaty Moments”.  Releases available on iTunes, indiepool.com and select retailers. 

Soulstack is: Jon Knight ( Vocal/Guitar), Mark Wessenger (Vocal/Piano/Organ), Chris Latta ( Guitar / Baritone), Darryl ‘Harpo’ Peterson (Bass) and Tom Bona (Drums), with occasional guest member Matt Weidinger (Piano/Organ/Wurlitzer/Clavinet). Soulstack has been performing recently with special guest musicians Michael Francis, a 5x Grammy Award Winning Sax Player from ‘Asleep at the Wheel’ fame and World-Renowned Harmonica virtuoso Roly Platt.

Soulstack has been nominated for a total of 8 Maple Blues Awards, winning 3 of these as Drummer of the Year. [Nominated as Electric Act, Male Vocalist 2x, Keyboard Player, and Drummer 4x]

It is an experience to hear Soulstack.  | www.soulstack.com

Contact: Tom Bona Marketing  416-458-4079 | tombona.marketing@gmail.com  

Band Members