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What starts off innocently enough as a rousing roots rock rave soon moves into honky tonky territory with jive white boy boogie sandwiched between Cajun shuffles and R&B grooves. The Weavils new album, "Make It Happen", has the mojo rising with a love of Little Feat, Hooters and The Neville Brothers carrying the disc down the Delta and through the bayou. Like their insidious namesakes, the Weavils dig deep to creep down into your musical consciousness. Choose from a jumbo serving of gumbo in "Since I Grooved Witchu," or the tastefully rendered ballad, "Free Friends." Either way it's a well designed menu of musical feasting. From the propulisive throb of "River City Blues" to the splintered nerves in "Sleepin' Pill" this record is a banquet of newgrass grunge and cockeyed rock. The keyboard magic of John Finucan and the songwriting skills of Jeff Gauss and Hawk Hawkins elevates The Weavils from being just another party band without leaving the party behind. In fact, despite making a prime getdown disc, "Make It Happen" happens to leave one with a sense that the Weavils may be even better live.
John Noyd Maximum Ink Volume III Issue VII
- Maximum Ink
Amazing show and disc
by tina dancer
Rating: 10 of 10
i was so excited to see the weavils at madison's lovely barrymore theatre in may of '99 that i scoped out a spot in the front row center. after seeing guitarist jeff at a weekly blues jam in town for a year or so, i figured it was finally time to catch his "real" band-the weavils-and i was extremely impressed with the solid rhythm section, great vocals, incredible diversity of musical styles, and great keys and guitar that dance atop that solid groove.
the house was close to sold out (about 1000 people from various walks of life) and the energy and vibe was thick and high. excitement grew wildly as the weavils took the stage with guitarist jeff dressed as a psychedelic gypsy. as WORTfm's radio personality frank perez took the stage to introduce the band, i was overwhelmed while jeff took a brief moment to say "high" and introduce me to the band. for the next 75 minutes i became enthralled and mystified by the web they weaved before my eyes and ears.
i am so excited that the band had the foresight to professionally record this gig on digital multi-track recorders with studio earth remote recordings because now i am able to re-live this great night (5.8.99) over and over. the sound is fantastic, the performance is top-notch, and the mix is superbly hot! the disc cover also has a reminder of that great night, the barrymore marquee lit up in wonder.
the infamous phantom jam opens the disc (after frank's intro) with screaming keys ala phantom of the opera and a soaring guitar solo that rises far above the solid funk groove. this is followed by a wonderful segue into make it happen, the original rock anthem that is the title cut of their first disc...but not on that great disc. jeff then fronts the next tune, satisfy, a funky blues rocker with high energy. i seem to remember him breaking a string on this one but there is no evidence of that on the recording-the marvels of digital editing and mastering. john luc finucan fronts the boys on the next tune, dance of death, a cajun rocker with words of warning...great piano solos throughout. next it's geppy's (bassist) turn to sing the first cover of the night-phish's mike's song. this is a wonderful exploration of time and space that transcends reality itself, is truly amazing and clocks in at over 7 minutes. very psychedelic!
the great jazzy instrumental steely weavils follows with keys and guitar swapping orgasmic solos that uplift the human spirit. (nice song john!) the second cover follows with jeff fronting a killer version of the beatles' rain with an extended outro that rocks hard and climbs up the scales beautifully and is one of the best interpretations of the beatles that i have ever heard.
the rest of the disc is all originals with the super stinky and fonky since i grooved witchu appearing next-great guitar solo from jeff. the fun and loveable pop genius of heart of yours follows with high energy. a then-new song follows, the uplifting happy land from the pen of keyboardist john luc. another example of great soloing from both "front guys" culminating in a harmonic ray of sunshine. my favorite tune follows, sleepin' pill, about an experience with downers from jeff that is super funky, rockin', and psychedelic at the same time! next we go back to john's 50's style rocker television zombies, a great tune that's sung well and performed with energy, emotion, and stamina.
all good thangs must come to an end so the boys close with the funk-rock groove of celebrate yourself, the opening tune from the first disc-make it happen. incredible screaming keys dance throughout this tune with glee and splendor. an outro full of thank yous and sustaining and swelling feedback follows to close the disc.
thank you weavils for the great performance and this fantastic documentation of one your best shows...
BUY THIS DISC NOW 'cuz it's awesome!!!!!!!!!
- www.backstagecommerce.com
HAPPENin'!
by tina dancer
Rating: 10 of 10
the weavils' first cd, make it happen, is half studio and half live and rocks with funk sensibility. featuring both bassists, hawk hawkins and mike "geppy" gephart, this great disc goes through many emotions. from the funk of celebrate yourself and satisfy to the popness of heart of yours and the psychedelia of nature's hand, this has got it all...even a ballad, free friends. great solid grooves are augmented by fabulous piano ala dr. john and blues-rockin' guitar to create an atmosphere that can only be known as the weavils.
a great disc that holds up well after multiple listenings...and great cover art!!!!!
- www.backstagecommerce.com
make it happen
by jeff gauss
Rating: 10 of 10
make it happen is the weavils first cd. we spent several years fine-tuning these 13 original songs of various styles while playing many clubs throughout the midwest and about 2 years tweaking and mixing this half studio/half live disc. Featuring both our extremely talented bass players combining with the incredibly tight drums-this disc features blues, rock, cajun, psychedelia, and pop. bonus track IHOP Bop is really a lot of fun, satisfy and celebrate rock hard with funk.
enjoy
- www.backstagecommerce.com
Weavils Kick Ass
by norman Rating: 10
These guys are definitely one of the best bands out there. not only do i recommend all three CDs but you really should see them live! Their great blend of musical styles, original lyrics, and fabulous musicianship combine to create one superb big bowl of gumbo full of luciously arranged musical greatness.
Ignore the idiots below, they are merely jealous of this talented band, and get some weavils today.
You will be very glad you did!
- www.backstagecommerce.com
live at cornstock
by Lisa
Rating: 10 of 10
The Weavils CD is great and their shows are awesome. If anyone has issues with appreciating this group then you have issues appreciating or understanding what natural talent is because these guys are the definition of it. You can't watch John Luc's fingers or hear them on those keyboards without being put in a state of amazement. If you can't feel what comes out of these guys then I question your ability and credibility to judge music. Keep doing your thing guys, it's loved.
- www.backstagecommerce.com
Discography
-Make it Happen-
The Weavils' debut studio album including a few live cuts recorded at
Barney's 12/97 in Oshkosh, WI
-Live at the Barrymore-
Recorded 5/8/99, this CD captures the incredible live show performed when the Weavils opened up for Natty Nation at the
Barrymore Theatre in Madison, WI
-FROM THE VAULTS 1-
This fine hour-long disc features both studio and live tunes from the
mid-nineties Weavils lineup
-FROM THE VAULTS 2-
Recorded 7/11/98, this double CD captures the band at their
favorite outdoor summer festival,
CORNSTOCK,
in Sugar Bush, WI
-FROM THE VAULTS 3-
Recorded 7/12/03 with a MULTI-TRACK setup, this new piece captures
The Weavils at their favorite festival...again...
and sonically blows away all previous releases!
-FROM THE VAULTS 4-
Two acoustic (unplugged) performances, recorded on 4/21/04 at
Milwaukee's Shank Hall and 7/18/03 at Madison's The Annex.
These unique performances were opening slots for Michele Rundgren and
The Brain Surgeons, respectively
Photos
Bio
Celebrating 15 years of rockin' people to their very core!
Grateful Web's Band of the Month
for April 2007
http://www.gratefulweb.net
The Weavils were formed on January 29, 1992 and have been performing together live since that date. Based all over Wisconsin, band members claim home to the
Madison area, Fox Valley, and Central Wisconsin.
The Weavils' passion for well-played music is best reflected in their energetic live performances that combine a healthy mix of originals and covers from influences like The Beatles, Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, Frank Zappa, The Doors, Dr. John,
The Who, Phish, Todd Rundgren, Blue Oyster Cult, The Radiators and far more worthy others that wouldn't fit on this list.
Each handcrafted set keeps the audience engaged, entertained, and dancing while still satisfying the band's need to challenge and push themselves to grow musically.
The Weavils will not only play the song you want to hear with the same passion as if it were their own, but also the songs you forgot you loved and songs you'll enjoy hearing for the first time.
Jeff Gauss is the guitarist, lead vocalist, and a founding member. He's been performing since 1980 with bands ranging from folk and blues to rock, pop, and theatre.
Previous bands include Oasis, Envelopment, Piecework, Chris Plata with Extra Hot (featuring Clyde Stubblefield), Barb Bazaldua Band, Olive Parade, The Lizardz, 3 Day Stubble (featuring legendary blues guitarist John Davis), solo acoustic shows, and an acoustic duo with former Weavil Hawk Hawkins.
Jeff's theatrical credits are as assistant musical director and guitarist for Act Two/Mainstage Productions/Theatrix's versions of Jesus Christ Superstar,
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat & Evita.
Jeff has also worked as a house soundman at the Crystal Corner Bar, the Portal Music Cafe, and The Annex in Madison and mixes live sound for several bands including
El Donk and PROG.
Dean Tassone is the drummer and one of the founding members of The Weavils. He also provides lead and backing vocals from behind his drum set. Dean is a seven-year alumnus of the award-winning Americanos Drum & Bugle Corps, and performed along with Gauss in a previous project called Piecework before forming The Weavils.
Dean is the backbone of the band providing a relentless driving groove while controlling the dynamics of the band with a mere flick of a stick. Dean is also a full time father, husband, and boss - running his own company in Appleton, WI. Still, he has found the time to take the stage with acts like Little Cisco, Bobby Evans and the Alimony Blues Band, The Great Garbonzos, Otto's Jacket, Father Mac (Beatles Tribute) and with Geppy on two live recreations of Pink Floyd's "The Wall."
John Luc Finucan is the keyboardist, vocalist, and accordion player for The Weavils. John has played with bands throughout the Midwest since 1981 including Thef, Dizzy's Horn, Accelerators, Politix, and the Blue Olives - covering styles from jazz to classical, experimental, pop, and blues.
With his solo album "Mystery Light," John has asserted himself as one of the state's finest pianist/keyboardists and still does command solo performances for elite audiences. John joined The Weavils in 1994 and resides in Edgerton, WI.
Mike Gephart is the bass player and vocalist. "Geppy" joined The Weavils in 1996 after spending two years admiring them from the dance floor. He has been performing live since 1989 in every style from country to heavy metal. Bands that have benefited from Geppy's in-the-pocket groove are Dark Ages, The Alamo Band, F.B.N.C, Bobby Evans' Dairyland Kings, The Groove Pilots, The Great Garbonzos, Otto's Jacket, Father Mac, A tribute to Pink Floyd's "The Wall" and, most recently, a 6 year stay as bassist for Boneyfingers from Milwaukee, WI. In addition, Gep has played bass for such theatrical productions as "Jesus Christ Superstar", and "A Chorus Line."
Geppy currently resides in Oshkosh, WI with his wife and dog.
Each member of The Weavils contributes to songwriting and vocals.
See our videos at WeavilTV
http://www.weavils.com/WeavilTV/
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