News from The Jimmys
Elmore Magazine Call The Jimmys a "Top-10" Summer Festival Band
September 30, 2014
Noted blues publication Elmore Magazine called The Jimmys one of the "Summer Festival Season’s Top Ten Attention-Grabbing Acts". The list includes some impressive company, including The Kinsey Report, Bobby Rush, Dickey Betts, Kim Simmonds, Beverly “Guitar” Watkins and Ironing Board Sam.
The Jimmys are already filling up the Summer 2015 calendar. Book now with Jimmy Voegeli!
The Jimmys Wins Five Madison Area Music Awards (MAMAs)
June 24, 2013
The Madison Area Music Awards (MAMAs) celebrated their tenth year on Sunday night. Many artists garnered awards, but none earned as many MAMA accolades as the band and members of The Jimmys. The highest honor award was presented at the end of the night when The Jimmys were announced the 2013 Aritst of the Year. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported the band!
Check it out:
- 2013 Artist of the Year: The Jimmys
- 2013 Blues Performer of the Year: The Jimmys
- 2013 Keyboardist of the Year: Jimmy Voegeli
- 2013 Brass Instrumentalist: Darren Sterud
- 2013 Woodwind Instrumentalist: Peterson Ross
Here are all the 2013 MAMA award recipients.
Minnesota Blues Society Sends Their Praise!
March 7, 2013
Jimmy,
When our local enthusiastic harmonica player Steve "Boom Boom" Vonderharr sits in with a dynamic piano player, Jimmy of "The Jimmys" and his fabulous blues band, we in Minnesota call it a "Harp Out!". That's what happened last Friday night at Wilebski's, our famous blues saloon. With the help of a top notch horn and rhythm section, The Jimmys create a big band blues sound unlike any band in this area. The selected tunes are varied, and almost always up tempo which keeps the crowd dancing all night long!
Don't miss this band next time they are in town.
Jim Cox, Minnesota Blues Society
12941 22nd Street South
Afton, MN 55001
******
Be sure to check out the Minnesota Blues Society. They keep the blues alive in Minneapolis and all across Minnesota! On behalf of Jimmy Voegeli and the rest of The Jimmys, thank you for your love and support!
Jimmy's a Musician AND a Dairy Farmer
This great write-up was published in the "Country Market" farm publication featuring the farmer-by-day, musician-by-night life of The Jimmys namesake, Jimmy Voegeli. Enjoy!
CD Review - Oslo, Norway
Review by Rune Endal, Editor, Norwegian Blues News
https://www.facebook.com/bluesnews.nytt
This CD is all about eight band members and a full powerhouse presentation that is inspired by Chicago Blues and New Orleans funk sounds. The band's enthusiasm and pulsating sound puts them right up there in the company of live favorites like The Mannish Boys. If you add to this mix Jimmie Vaughan's deep dive in to classic 50's R&B and Rock & Roll, sweet harmonica riffs, and a three piece horn and sax section, you will understand why your feet, legs and whole body will start moving when The Jimmys do their stuff. Their sound is lively and the party format R&B will appeal to those who are fans of such groups as the British Big Town Playboys, The Mannish Boys, and also to those who like old style R&R greats like Jimmy Vera.
But there is much more! When you listen to the instrumental piece "Jimmy's Groove", it sounds like Ron Levy's Wild Kingdom full of organ and jazzy grooves. Perhaps the Norwegian group Greasy Gravy could have developed a sound like this if they had continued. The versatility of The Jimmys comes to the forefront in the next two tunes. The first is a groovy New Orleans inspired Little Feat gumbo-like tune called "She Don't Love Me". The next track gives us a 50's classic inspired "Love Will Find A Way" that sounds like a swinging Jimmie Vaughan.
Six years ago the leader and frontman Voegeli got a lot of praise when he released the album "F is For Blues". He leads the band with authority. It sure also sounds like there are some Norwegian-American roots in the band since there are plans to make Norway their second homeland. We sure like to hear them over here – and soon. I really think it would be fantastic to see them live. That would even be better than their wonderful CD.
Ex-Georgia Satellites drummer Mauro Magellan, Warner Hodges from Jason & The Scorchers, Dan Baird from Georgia Satellites and the often funny and cool Bun E. Carlos from Cheap trick are all guests in the band.
True rock'n rollers always long to go back in times to loosen up their body and mind. If you can't get your body moving with the Jimmys, I suggest you immediately make an appointment with your chiropractor.
This band got style and energy. They provide us with great music that will make anyone feel happy, even on a black day on the Oslo Stock Exchange!
Show Review: The Jimmys at Wilebski's Blues Saloon
Review by Ken Tritz
Appeared in Blue Monday (Issue 96, May 2012)
www.bluemondaymonthly.com
Concert Date: April 13, 2012
Location: Wilebski’s Blues Saloon, 1638 Rice St., Saint Paul, MN
The final leg of my Friday Trifecta on Friday the 13th was undeniably good luck, as I was a friend’s timely phone call and last minute decision to even venture out for the event. The hour drive to Wilebski’s to go see The Jimmys, at a place we have never been, and to see a band we’ve never seen (yes, we live a sheltered life) was probably my best decision made all week!
We arrive a little late with the band 15 minutes into their first set and figure there will be no place decent to sit. As it turns out, it really didn’t matter; the big sound of this band radiates energy that compels a person to get out and dance. I looked around and all I could see were empty tables. It’s a good thing Wilebski’s has a big dance floor, because that’s where everybody was at.
These boys can just flat out rock, with a killer four-piece horn section that includes a trumpet, an alto sax, a tenor or baritone sax and a slide trombone, and then add a superb rhythm section, a slashing guitar, and a band leader Jimmy Voegeli’s extraordinary talent on the keyboards, and they’ll take you from swing, to soul, jump blues, mambo and jazz.
What a great party band, and as I sit here writing this review with their new CD“Gimme The Jimmys” playing in the background, I can’t keep my legs still. They give me the Jimmy legs! And I don’t mean the kind that disrupts your sleep. Most of their music is original compositions with a few covers tossed in, but whatever they are playing, they’ve got the groove.
You’re going to want to see The Jimmys if you haven’t yet. I have a feeling the folks in our neighboring state are about to have one of their best kept secrets exposed, as Jimmy Voegeli was named the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) 2011 Keyboardist of the Year, and The Jimmys just became recipients of the 2012 WAMI Swing Band of the Year. The next chance to see them near Minneapolis, Minnesota will be the Smokin’ in Steele Fest in Owatonna, MN on Saturday, June 2 at 2:00pm. It’s practically in our back yard, so we’ll see you there, and don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes!
CD Review - Americana Gazette (April/May 2012)
The Americana Gazette published a extremely flattering review of "Gimmie The Jimmys" written by Andy Ziehli. Thank you so much! Click on the image to the right to expand the review.
If you haven't ever read the Americana Gazette, please visit their web site. They are a grassroots print publication that is distributed in west of Lake Michigan and east of the Mississippi. The writers and staff make a tremendous effort to support local artists in the area of folk, blues, bluegrass and other creative forms of music from the heartland, real Americana!
Our thanks to Americana Gazette for their support and all they do for keeping the blues alive and well in Wisconsin!
Rob Harrison of American Blues Scene reviews "Gimme The Jimmys"
March 2, 2012
Jump Blues from America’s Dairyland
By Rob Harrison
February 6, 2012
The review on the American Blues Scene website:http://www.americanbluesscene.com/2012/02/gimme-by-the-jimmys-jump-blues-from-americas-dairyland/
So what do you think of when you think of Monticello, Wisconsin? Yeah, right? Some cows maybe. Farms. The Packers are way over in Green Bay. By now you’re even wondering where Monticello is, right? It’s right there in the middle of DairyLand, USA, (a skosh south and west of Madison) where you’ll find the Voegeli Farm, established in 1854. Over a hundred years later and they still produce world renowned dairy geneticists and… one Wisconsin Area Music Industry 2011 keyboardist of the year, Jimmy Voegeli.
Enter The Jimmys and their boogie-woogie jump blues sound that is every bit as excellent as the cows that come from Voegeli Farm, the Green Bay Packers, and Wisconsin cheese. Their late 2011 CD titled simply, Gimme The Jimmys is worth every second, and if you’re catchin’ them live, you’ll be dancing.
This CD opens with a HaDaYa HaDaYa, a jump tune if ever I heard one! Something about adding horns that brings an element of fun to an upbeat blues tune. And the horn section here is the Amateur Horn Stars, featuring Bryan Husk, Chad Whittinghill, and Peterson Ross. Like all the songs on this CD, Jimmy Voegeli wrote the music and lyrics and this is a great way to open an album. In Girl All Woman,there is a deep boogie funk movement of the bass (John Wartenweiler), drum (Mauro Magellan), and piano. The accent is a great harmonica piece by Ken Olufs.Hell or Heaven follows, a nice smooth R&B tune built on a great mix of electric piano and organ. Jimmy’s Groove opens with organ, guitar and bass, and the rest of the band works itself in as the song fleshes out in this jam, featuring Bun E. Carlos on drums. Dig the southern drawl on the slide guitar of Dan Baird in She Don’t Love Me. Two contrasting dance tunes, the upbeat Love Will Find A Way will have you swing dancing, and then a nice slow dance tune in your baby’s arms with organ and brushes in Baby’s So Fine. JiMo Boogie is drum and piano getting it on, and another very danceable tune. Man, move the tables out of the way! Tofflers Pub and Grill in New Glarus must be jumping on Thursday nights when The Jimmysplay! A Dave Potter guitar solo and a vocal embellishment fill in a slower funk groove on All I Ask, before the album ends in an interesting juxtaposed pair of tunes. First, the dirge-like The Tree, with a slow New Orleans style wailing horn sound, strings, and a marching drum in the back, is definitely gonna leave you blue, and then the album ends on a reprise of Heaven Or Hell.
So now you know what’s in Monticello, Wisconsin. The farms have the cows. The cows have the geneticists. The rest of us have the Jimmys. Lucky us.
Bruce Iglauer, founder of Alligator Records, on The Jimmys
February 6,2012
Bruce Iglauer, the respected founder of independent blues record label Alligator Records, took time to review the new Jimmys album, "Gimme The Jimmys". He had terrific things to say. Here are some excerpts from the letter he sent us.
"A well produced and enjoyable album that shows a lot of different facets of their music...from New Orleans Funk, to Jump, to solid Organ Jazz styles. Fun and enjoyable songs, with good horn arrangements and plenty of energy, to say the least."
On behalf of all of us with The Jimmys, thank you so much, Bruce!
About Bruce Iglauer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Iglauer
"Gimme The Jimmys" Reviewed in Madison's "The Isthmus"
By Andy Moore
September 22, 2011
Things come crashing right out of the barn on the first cut of Jimmy Voegeli's jam-packed new record. "Hadaya" punches hard with everything the Monticello madman has. Soaring horns. Guitar solos that jolt through you like you're in an electric chair. Jimmy's shout-out lead vocals.
Then there's Voegeli's beefy piano chops. Patient and endearing on "Hell or Heaven." High on jive in "Love Will Find a Way." Chubby Checker comes alive in "Baby's So Fine." Voegeli's Hammond organ turns "Jimmy's Groove" into a flipped-out skate around the rink.
Voegeli has spiced this project heavily with guest players. The featured guitarists alone are a band unto themselves. Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos sits in, as does Madison's first couple of music, Chris Wagoner and Mary Gaines.
It's a crime not to mention the whole band by name, so I'm going to close my eyes and point.
Mauro Magellan's drumming never lets up. Like a thief, Ken "Birddog" Olufs slides his harmonica in and out of Voegeli's piano lines. Bryan Husk's tenor and baritone sax work threatens to hijack the whole thing.
Voegeli knows exactly what he's doing, but like at his live shows, you'll be too busy having fun to notice. If there's a more musical, more fun-loving, harder-swinging keyboardist/bandleader out there, his name is Terry Adams of the late, great NRBQ.
Read the article in The Isthmus (September 22, 2011)
Madison's Triple M 105.5 FM Reviewed "Gimme The Jimmys"
October 7, 2011
Reviewed by 105.5 Triple M's, Kitty Dunn
Fan Likes The New CD, Suggests New Delivery Method
September 29, 2011
Online purchases of the new album have begun to reach our fans, and their feedback is beginning to arrive as well.
One satisfied supporter from the Milwaukee area emailed us...
"Just a quick note to say congratulations on the new CD. F***ing brilliant! The only thing that would have made it better would be hand-delivery by a stripper!"
Get yours now! Sorry, we can't promise the stripper! Maybe a cute FedEx delivery girl??
The New CD, "Gimme The Jimmys" Is HERE
September 17, 2011
The order of 2,000 CD's arrived yesterday at the Voegeli farm. Thank you to everyone who has ordered copies at our online store. We'll be fulfilling those orders this weekend and be getting your purchase to you as soon as we can.
Today is our official CD release party in Monroe, Wisconsin at the Minhas Brewery Oktoberfest. Music (and beer pouring) starts at 1:00 p.m. and we will be playing from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Jimmy Voegeli and members of the band will be there selling CD's and merchandise at 3:00 o'clock. Stop by and say hello!
Of course, the excitement for tonight's show is that Bun E. Carlos, the drummer from Cheap Trick, will be joining on stage our drummer, Mauro Magellan of The Georgia Satellites. This is going to be a terrific evening of fun and music! Hope to see you there!!
The New CD, "Gimme The Jimmys" Is In Press
September 9, 2011
For real, people, it's being pressed at this very moment! We've ordered 2,000 copies and will have them for sale at Minhas Brewery's Oktoberfest in Monroe, WI on Saturday, September 17, 2011! We'll also have a fresh batch of new t-shirts that we think you'll love...
The album features all original tunes performed by the band, along with a list of world renowned guest artists including Dan Baird of The Georgia Satellites, Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick, Kyle Henderson ofThe Producers, Warner Hodges of Jason & The Scorchers, Richard Wiegel of The Midwesterners, and 2010 Grammy-winning guitarist Billy Flynn.
New Orleans Blues Legend, Bryan Lee, Writes Introduction
September 2, 2011
The Jimmys headlined the Byron Crossroads Blues Festival this past weekend and happened to open for Bryan Lee. The legendary blues artist, nicknamed "Braille Blues Daddy", was originally born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, but became a blues singer/guitarists a Bourbon Street fixture in New Orleans, Louisiana since the 1980's.
Bryan Lee was so moved by our performance that he generously offerred to write an introduction for our new album. While we didn't have enough space to include his entire text, but we are honored to be able to post his inspired introduction here in its entirety:
Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,
Are you ready for some new music? Yes, I know some of it is old music, but it is done up in a wonderful way. The horn section is killer. Many times when you hear a band with a good horn section, the rhythm section sucks. Not this rhythm section. This rhythm section has heart and soul. The heart comes from the drummer, who was born in Brazil. Mauro has the beat, no doubt about it.
The soul of the band is our man on the keys, Jimmy, who by the way, got an "F" in his high school band class. Perhaps that "F" was for "Funky". He does most of the singing and the arranging. This band is his dream. And guess what....it would be my dream, too. When you can get as many nice people and absolute great players together? That IS a dream.
The guitar and bass players, they lay it down, they got the grease. Where there is a swing, shuffle, funk, rock, mambo or ballad groove. This is a great rhythm section!
Then you take these three horn players, trumpet, alto sax, and tenor/baritone sax, and let me say, I have always been weary about trumpet players, weather or not they can hold up the high end on the section parts. Well, guess what... these three gentlemen play as one voice. Each one of them also has solo power. They way they play on the ballads is just beautiful.
Now, you would think that I am done, but I'm not. They got some magic spice. And that is the harmonica. And as I like to say baby, he's a "goodin!"
Groups like this come along and they want to be 'Tower of Power' or they want to be 'Chicago'.Well, guess what kids, they ain't 'Tower of Power',and they ain't 'Chicago'. They are just a GREAT band that plays blues and all kinds of other stuff, and you know I'm a stone soul bluesman. But I would take them into the studio and record with them anytime. So get ready for The Jimmy's!
Bryan Lee
http://www.braillebluesdaddy.com/
CD Release Show - Monroe, WI
August 31, 2011
The wait is nearly over! We are excited to announce the release of their new CD, "Gimme The Jimmys", on Saturday, September 17th in Monroe, WI at the Minhas Brewery Oktoberfest. We are honored to also announce that special guest, Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick, will be joining the band to celebrate the album's release, on which he recorded two songs. Join us for the fun and get yourself one HOT new album!
New CD Update
July 26, 2011
Tracks for the new album are in Nashville, Tennessee getting final mix treatment before being sent for mastering and final disc pressing. We're getting closer! We wish we could have finished this project sooner, but we don't want to rush to the finishing touches. We're confident that the resulting album will be a favorite for everyone!
CD-New Music-Videos
March 11, 2011
We got a new bunch of songs coming out soon, stay posted for any updates!!!! Leave your email address on the "contacts" page, and I will add you to the fan newsletter!! Keep Music Alive!!
Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI)
March 11, 2011
Thank you to all in Regards to the 2011 WAMIS (Wisconsin Area Music Industry), The Jimmys were nominated for a WAMI, as well as our bass player, Johnny Wartenweiler!
I, Jimmy, was nominated, and won "Keyboardist of the Year" A real rush indeed!!
Last year I had the honor of winning a MAMA (Madison Area Music Awards) for "Keyboardist of the Year" Nifty eh?
Blues Review Magazine-Alley Cat
March 15, 2009
Alley Cat (False Dog Records) marks the overdue return of the Westside Andy/Mel Ford Band, a Madison, Wisconsin-based combo that deserves wider recognition. Featuring a rock-solid rhythm section and the triple-threat vocal frontline of Ford (guitar), harmonica wizard Andy Linderman, and keyboard ace Jimmy Voegeli, this varied set hits on all cylinders. The swinging "Around the Next Corner" includes a killer chromatic harp workout and a great chorus on organ, while "That Girl's All Woman" cannily updates the classic "Double-Eyed Whammy/San-Ho-Zay" groove. The band takes on Gulf Coast roots-rock in "Party Girl," soul-blues in the sweet confection "Back Roads," and blistering, Albert Collins-inspired organ blues in "Can't Be True." Highly recommended.
Tom Hyslop, Blues Review - January 2009
One of the Top Ten Madison Discs of 2006
January 6, 2007
Jimmy Voegeli - "F" Is For Blues
This recently released blues stunner from the keyboardist of the Westside Andy/Mel Ford Band is sure to be one of the most talked about local discs in the months ahead
Rich Albertoni - Isthmus/The Daily Page
MAMA's Album of the Year
December 19 2006
JIMMY VOEGELI
'F' Is For Blues
2006 Self-Release
www.jimmyvoegeli.com
Style: Blues/Rock
For a musician of his stature, Jimmy Voegeli has got to be one of the most unassuming and downright shy people in the business. The rare artist who is nearly ego-free is frequently consumed by self-criticism and insecurity, perhaps an unspoken reason that this album took nearly six years to make. There are other reasons listed in the credits, where Voegeli recounts the whole process as a template for how not to make an album, including cash shortages and three computer crashes that resulted in some or all of the songs being lost. A host of personal issues also slowed down production: a divorce, his father's death, even 9/11 and the last two presidential elections. But if the results of 'F' Is For Blues is any indicator, this method is a template for how to make an album because it is one of the best to ever come out of the Mad City.
'F' Is For Blues is permeated with class. From the first strains of the opening cut,Give It Up, which deftly blends the smooth, soulful feel of Little Feat with blues-rock era Rolling Stones, it is apparent that this is no ordinary musical exercise. Just look at the cast of players assembled here: The Crashers' Mauro Magellan, Jon Wartenweiler and Gary Hendrickson; the Moon Gypsies/Stellanovas/Bob Westfall Bands' Chris Wagoner and Mary Gaines; the incomparable talents of Clyde Stubblefield and Billy Flynn; the world-renowned Jon Nicholson; percussion wizard Pauli Ryan; local legends Mel Ford and Tom McCarty and the list goes on.
Co-produced by Voegeli and Broadjam's Roy Elkins, the album is seamlessly exquisite despite the tribulations of its production and the use of multiple studio facilities over a long period of time. The album's design (splendidly done by Broadjam's Donny Sellon with photos by Stephanie Essex Elkins) is noteworthy as well. The cover depicts the actual Monticello High School report card on which Voegeli received an 'F' in band class from one Mr. Mike Korth. In a twist of fate, Voegeli has Korth play a trombone solo on So Go Love, which Voegeli promptly rearranged in editing. Now that's rolling with the punches.
Voegeli is probably best known for his keyboard work with the Westside Andy/Mel Ford Band but has been a mainstay in the music scene here, thanks in large part to his supreme skills on Hammond organ, which figure prominently on several of the tracks, including, Don't Know Why, an absolutely killer blues tune. However, the real surprise throughout F.. is Voegeli's sensational lead and harmony vocals. His smooth delivery and expressive range are augmented by Mary Gaines and she matches him precisely in phrasing and inflection, making this one powerful vocal pairing. Jon Nicholson also turns in a fantastic vocal performance on the soulfulFool, which contains one of the best lines: "I poured out my heart to you / And you drank it like cheap wine."
Voegeli's talents on piano are featured on much of the album's second half, including two tunes with central Wisconsin's blues trio Blue Shadows and a great boogie-blues track called "Waiting For You." The latter is a duet with Derek Hendrickson on brushes, a song that sounds much larger than just piano and brushed drums.
He saves the best for last, too. Booga Brain is a smokin' hot blues instrumental with the similarly smokin' lineup of Stubblefield, McCarty, Ford, Flynn and Ryan. "Papa's Waltz" breaks the mold completely. Voegeli's beautifully played piano is graced by Mary Gaines' cello and Chris Wagoner's accordion and violin. A tribute to his father, Voegeli performed this at his funeral. It's heartbreakingly tender and, somehow, very Wisconsin.
Why the best art is born of suffering is an enigma for the ages and the foundation for the form we call the blues. Yet so much joy emanates from this recording it becomes a reflection of life itself, a triumph of the human spirit by any measure.'F' Is For Blues is institutionally Madison and belongs in every music lover's home.
Rick Tvedt - Co-founder, Madison Area Music Awards, Rick's Cafe Magazine founder
Spots are still available - Deadline for booking is December 12, 2022
#TheJimmysBand
Having a blast in Florida! Here are some photos from the 25th Anniversary of the Suncoast Blues Society! Two more action packed shows this weekend. 
and this Men's T-Shirt, modeled by the always refined yours truly: 
and, of course, 
and had a damn hoot of a good time. Pete Ross's International Gin Day (please note and appreciate the classic sleeveless tourist T-shirt, backwards ball cap, and Packers fannypack): 
4 shows with 
We are already looking into next year's trip, possibly to the Dominican Republic or Mexico....STAY TUNED!!! 
