Milwaukee
Viersen - NRW - Germany
Band Images
Band Details
About the Band
The band Milwaukee, founded in 1978, played numerous concerts in Viersen (Lower Rhine/Germany) and the surrounding area in the late 70s and early 80s. Stylistically they were inspired by the American West Coast and Southern Rock bands that were still very present at the time. Some of these bands' pieces were covered, their own pieces were worked out in a comparable style and added to the program. Through training and study they left for Milwaukee, which dissolved in the 80s. In the fall of 2017, all band members were reunited: Olaf Rappe, Frank Wehner, Christoph Hinners, Marcus Meertz and Roland Busch came together again for the first time in 35 years, rummaged through old picture boxes, exchanged memories, and looked at 40-year-old Milwaukee posters. The idea quickly developed to re-record the old songs from the 80s and try out how they sound today. Step by step, the old songs are recreated. From the beginning, the band was supported by the Mönchengladbach singer/songwriter Lucy Malheur. Beate and Thomas Jakobs, known as “Voices of Spring”, were also recruited as additional singers - both are known for their buttery-soft vocals. Stefan Koch joins as a saxophonist and has been a permanent band member ever since. Their second album “Milwaukee and Friends - Crossing Borders” was released in June 2024. It is a very special project with 20 Special Guests IIt was really a special task to bring musicians from different countries and genres together to create something special. The collaboration between Milwaukee and his 20 guests has resulted in a unique and diverse album with songs that showcase the talents of everyone involved. From British soul and blues queen Emma Wilson's soulful vocals to The Dewberries, US-based Paula Greene Jones and John Ragin's Americana style, each 20 guests bring something different to the table. Other guest singers include Linda Heepen from Australia, Stefan Steinhäuser and Angela Furtkamp. The album features some outstanding guitarists, Miiro Heikkila from Finland/Spain, the German guitarist Jochen Volpert and Ben Corner from England. Their guitar solos on “Cool Breeze” are a standout moment, with each musician adding their own touch to the track. The brilliant background vocals from Lucy Malheur and the Voices of Spring and the riffs from the brass ensemble “Ein kleine Blechmusik” on “The Letter” give the music a new dimension. Other special guests are Ralf Klemens (g), Andreas Pater (b), Christoph Hinners (g) and Milla Meertz (cello). Musically, the album is as diverse as its guests and combines different styles from smooth jazz to soul and blues rock. Overall, “Crossing Borders” is a testament to the power of music to bring people together, no matter where they come from or what style of music they play. It is a celebration of cooperation, friendship and the universal language of music. Milwaukee: Marcus Meertz (dr), Roland Busch (b, voc), Frank Wehner (keyb), Stefan Koch (sax), Olaf Rappe (git)
Discography
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Milwaukee and Friends - Crossing Borders
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| Track # | Song Title | Style | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Weight | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 2 | Midnight in Harlem - details | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 3 | Rio De Janeiro Blue | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 4 | Tears from the Sun | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 5 | Can't Find My Way Home | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 6 | The Letter | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 7 | Cool Breeze (Radio Edit) | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 8 | The Spirit Trail | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 9 | Drift Away | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 10 | Turn the Page | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 11 | Cool Breeze - details | Smooth Jazz | Jazz |
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The Reunion Recordings
Details
Label: Zoundr
Genres: Blues
Styles: Blues Rock
Songs on the Album
| Track # | Song Title | Style | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Standing in the Rain (feat. Lucy Malheur) | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 2 | I Love You Coming Along My Way | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 3 | You Brought the Love into My Life | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 4 | Highway to L.A. | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 5 | Ode to Billie Joe (feat. Lucy Malheur) | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 6 | Put It Where You Want It | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 7 | Don't Want You No More | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 8 | It's Not My Cross to Bear | Blues Rock | Blues |
| 9 | Milwaukee | Blues Rock | Blues |