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Big Whiskey News 5-22-04
Brad Kelly is no longer playing with BW. You can catch Brad playing with good friend Dan Varner most Thurs - Sat. around Cincy. We wish Brad the best and we will miss his talents and friendship most of all.
Clark Jenkins - Clark started playing guitar at the age of 11. He was playing festivals around Cincinnati in the 7th and 8th grade. After putting down the guitar for sports in high school, he began to play again in college. Clark attended the University of Cincinnati where he studied communications and majored in Rugby.
After college Clark moved to Atlanta to start his carreer in sales. He soon realized that playing music would be his focus and moved back to Cincinnati. Clark met up with long-time friend Chris Underhill and Big Whiskey was born. Chris and Clark were Big Whiskey for the first two years. Chris has since moved on but will always remain part of the Big Whiskey Family.
Clark's first musical influences were his mother,two sisters, Uncle, and Grandfather His major influences were bands such as Jackopierce, Freddy Jones, Jupiter Coyote, and Vertical Horizon. Clark plays an 813 ce Taylor Guitar. which he takes everywhere..
"CC’s Showcase, a new club in Middletown Ohio hosted the most recent performance by Noah Hunt and The 420 All-Stars this past Saturday night. The intimate setting of the club amplified the powerful voice of Noah Hunt as he rolled through two straight hours of an energetic yet well rehearsed performance. The evening opened with a local acoustic duo, “Big Whiskey” , the talented Brad Kelly and Clark Jenkins who kept the crowd in rhythm with a smooth 45 minute set. The pair traded off vocals during the show and highlighted their performance with a cover of “Walking in Memphis” favored by the crowd."
- Excerpt from NoahHunt.org's CC's Showcase Review.
Where: Stanley’s Pub
When: March 12, 2003
Big Whiskey the local Cincinnati acoustic duo has recently been showcasing their impressive talents weekly at Stanley’s Pub. Clark Jenkins, and Brad Kelly, ( now formerly of Big Whiskey as of 5-04) performed original songs from their upcoming CD and rolled through renditions of favorite cover songs with their unique touches and blending harmonies.
Once they took the stage, Jenkin’s powerful vocals accompanied with the strength of his rhythm guitar playing swept through the bar to the cheers of the local Wednesday night crowd . Kelly was extremely impressive with the lead guitar, he played masterfully throughout the long evening and never seemed to tire. He also lent his lead vocals to the songs “Paranoia” and “Seeing Clearly” while romancing his guitar with flawless picking.
With "March Madness" in full swing, the humble duo politely shortened their first set so that local fans could watch the second half of the tight Cincinnati basketball game. During the break Clark told NoahHunt.org that on their album he penned eight of the songs and Kelly wrote two but added, "On the next album it will be more fifty fifty." When the music resumed Jenkin’s vocals powered through his songs with real emotion and passion on the catchy “Shine on” and the relationship angst of “Starting Over”. The uplifting songs he wrote demanded consistency and strength and as the sweat formed on his brow his voice never weakened. These guys are genuinely into their music, Brad smiling on the upbeat songs and Clark closed eyed on the quieter tunes. Both band members connecting with each other and their audience throughout the mostly up tempo set.
Chris Underhill who started out Big Whiskey with Jenkins was in attendance and joined the band as well as soloing for the crowd. He performed a mellow acoustic version of Jim Croce’s “Bad Bad Leroy Brown”. Brad Kelly had formerly played with Ian Mathieu (Ian & Brad) and when both acts lost their partners they were brought together through recommendation. Jenkin’s and Kelly have been playing together as Big Whiskey for the past year. The pair blend so well together complimenting each other’s styles they could very well be a seasoned act. As with past Stanley’s Pub successes there is a hint of reflection to the Jason Dennie/ Noah Hunt combination.
The third set displayed several memorable cover songs. Big Whiskey performed a surprising acoustic guitar version of “Gin and Juice” the classic Snoop Doggy Dogg rap record and then swiftly rolled into a cover of Waylon Jennings’ “Good Ol' Boys.” One minute "Dogg Pound Gangstas" next "The Dukes of Hazzard," both Big Whiskey versions were applauded by the crowd. With the signature sound they stamped on them Big Whiskey owned those songs. Also impressive was harmonies and vocals accentuated on their medley of “King Bee/All new Minglewood Blues” always a crowd pleaser.
The band continued to encore requests through cigarette smoke and last calls until 2:30 AM, Stanley’s closing time. Winding down the evening Clark dedicated an unexpected addition to their set. “We want to play this one for our friends from NoahHunt.org, we don’t know it well but we’re gonna try.” The guys playfully belted out with smiles and laughter the Noah Hunt song “Go for a Ride.”
This band truly represents what the music world needs more of. Acoustic original music, raw with no gimmick. Just two hardworking musicians showcasing their talents. For 29 and 27 there’s a lifetime of passion in their music that touches to the soul of the audience. It’s a feel good vibe you bring home with you when you leave.
Price of admission $.0
Music experience by audience, “priceless.”
Review by- NoahHunt.Org
All Photos by NoahHunt.org ©2003
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These photographs were taken as Big Whiskey performed their weekly Thurday night show at "Stanley's Pub" located in Columbia-Tusculum & Friday Night show at "Mt. Adam's Pavilion" located in Mount Adams. Acoustic Smiles & Tambourine Blues @ NoahHunt.org was there to celebrate the upcoming release of the bands first album with them. The band members survived a nightmare of a week which included constant rain that forced them to cancel a Wednesday night outdoor show. Each singer suffered with a cold or a sickness that included a show without the talents of Brad Kelly and finding last minute replacements. And if that wasn't enough to deal with they wrapped up the week with a live recording of Saturday nights show with the full 5 piece band at "On The Rox" located in West Chester, Ohio.
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May 29, 2003
Clark Jenkins & (Brad Kelly formerly of Big Whiskey)
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May 30, 2003
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