Snapshots in Time

PLAYING OVER THE CHANGES

50 years in the Music Business 1976 - 2026
Part 4 - B (1982 - 1985)

ANNOUNCEMENT:
This installment was written early in the month. On April 7th, my wife Jeanne, was admitted to the hospiral. Three weeks and two days later, she is still there. Jeanne is a very private person and has been in a rough fight. But she is a fighter and will get through her battles. I ask for prayers and positive thoughts for her at this time. Thanks to all of you.

Here is the 2nd part of April's installmrnt.

INTRO:

Last time, all of you were introduced to the NE Ohio Rock Band, Bourbon Street. Although our time together may have lacked in quantity, the 5 of us established a coverband that, in my opinion,
demonstrated quality, versatility and potential during it's run.

A. MORE BOURBON STREET

The best way to make my point is to introduce you to the band. We ranged in age from our late 20's to early 30's when we began. Our musical backgrounds were all quite different. Yet those differences gave way to an eclectic playlist with fresh arrangements of many genres of music. There was no other 5 piece band doing what we did in Northeast Ohio. Not bad for a Bar Band.

Bourbon Street

• Jim Stamper
Drums, Background Vocals, Lead Vocal, Business Manager

• Red Higgins
Bass, Lead Vocals, Background Vocals, Front Man

• Gary Mikulik
Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals, Background Vocals, Electric Fiddle, Drums

• John Brzozowski
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Trombone, Rhythm Guitar, Electric Piano, Harmonica, Background Vocals, Percussion

• Kevin Scalley
Alto, Tenor, Soprano Saxophones; Clarinet, Flute, Piccolo, Electric Piano, Synthesizer, Background Vocals, Percussion

B. Versatility
In the early/mid 1980's, times were indeed changing on the local live music scene.

The Bar/Club Scene featured Rock, Country, Blues, R&B, Country Rock, Alternative, and even a little Jazz thrown in. Bourbon Street played music from most of those. On the Wedding/All Occasion/Party/Country Club Scene, there were many types of bands. There were still bands playing Standards, Big Band, Polkas, Tarantellas, Csárdás', Waltzes, 1950's-1980's Rock. Once again, Bourbon Street could do it all. Bourbon Street was different. Most Wedding Bands tried to play Rock, but not very convincingly. We were a Rock Band that could also play the other music well.

In Clubs and Bars, Bourbon Street had a pretty cool playlist. Thinking back some 40 years is difficult. I recall doing, a Beatles Set and other 60's Songs. From the 70's, you could hear covers from: The Doobie Brothers, The Marshall Tucker Band, Z.Z. Top, The Blues Brothers, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Kool And The Gang, Pure Prarie League, Van Morrison, Bob Seeger, Rick James and many others.

We also did current (at the time) hits from Huey Lewis and The News, songs like 867-5309, even The Curly Shuffle among others. Jim Stamper, if you can recall good ones I missed, feel free to add them.

With a name like Bourbon Street, even in clubs, we would finish the 1st Set with some Dixieland, usually "When The Saints..." Often in the 1st Set, the guys would let me do a Jazz Tune. Usually "Misty" or maybe "Take Five." Occasionally, we did an original by me called "Legerdemain." 20 years later that Tune appeared on my CD, Headin' Out Again (2006)

Finally, beyond the great musicians and chemistry we had, the Arrangements we did were often different from the Hit. But, many times we heard from the crowd that they liked our version better. When I wrote a horn chart, I had to make 2 horns sound like 4 or 5. And Gary could make his Guitar sound as full as having another guitar and keyboard..After a horm song we could play "Orange Blossom Special" with Gary on Electric Fiddle, JB on Guitar and your truly on Electric Piano. Other bands would add 3 horn players dressed like the Blues Brothers playing maybe 60% of the gig. We had 5 players working 100% of the gig plating our butt's off.

CODA
In May, expect to hear some great Bourbon Street Stories. Also, hear about my trip back to the life of a journeyman Woodwind Doubler/Jazz Musician after Bourbon Street broke up.

Next time, Bourbon Street and Beyond (1985 - 1990)

Peace
- 4/5/26
- 4/29/26

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