Artist description American Roots Rock Painted with the Colors of the Blues and Soaked in Funk!

Music Style Amercian Roots Rock Painted with the Colors of the Blues and Soaked in Funk!

Musical Influences James Brown, Aerosmith, Rolling Stones, Maceo Parker, Stevie Ray Vaughn

Similar Artists Dave Matthews, Big Head Todd

Artist History In 1995, after traveling from sea to shining sea, a fiery guitarist unearthed an intoxicating high voltage hybrid sound we now know as “American Roots Rock Painted with the Colors of the Blues and Dipped in Funk!” Founding member and lead vocalist/guitarist Michael Kranicke set out to fulfill one promise: Fill the seats of a mighty round table with the best of the best, and deliver a mesmerizing sound to all four corners of the globe. These men would henceforth be known as the VOODOO KINGS!” Many men, during the haunting years of 1995 to 1997, passed through the sacred doors leading to the VOODOO KINGS, but the next to possess the courage and drive to hold a seat at the table wasn’t to be found until the dawn of 1998. Drummer Jeff Kissel, in a recording session for the sophomore album "Gone to the Dogs", laid his trademark electrifying grooves that would propel the VOODOO KINGS to the next level. The six-song EP, produced by Rick Barnes and Michael Kranicke, was well received by fans and industry insiders. It was “the pleasant surprise of the month!” for Mike O’Cull of Chicagogigs.com; and Kevin Toelle from the Illinois Entertainer said, “the VOODOO KINGS have come up with a winner!” In the year 1999, with the foundational back beat solidified, bassist Doug Iha took his place at the evolving round table laying in bombastic low tones and bass lines. With soaring guitar lines, thumps that bump, and bass that makes men scurry and women swoon, the rhythm section was formed and the ring was almost complete. The Crusade would continue on in search of men with courageous hearts, unparalleled drive, and kick ass attitude! Nearly a year later, 2000 would cross the trio’s path with the hypnotic horn lines of one, saxophonist Rick Deja. His ability to create electrifying melodies and mesmerizing solos would escalate the VOODOO KINGS yet higher in their journey. In 2001, trombonist Jim Struyk would pass through the sacred gates into the midst of the VOODOO KINGS. Jim’s high energy, relentless style, and ability to deliver a huge, juicy, big bone sound have taken the VOODOO KINGS to their present state of being. Today, with the seats of the round table filled, the VOODOO KINGS take their audiences on a journey, transforming them with their original brand of American Roots Rock Painted in the Colors of the Blues and Dipped in Funk. The spring of 2002 marks the release of their third studio album. Recorded at RAXX TRAXX studios in Chicago, American Lights brings together once again the producing talents of Rick Barnes and Michael Kranicke. The album proves the chemistry the VOODOO KINGS have is a magic that that can only be topped by their adrenaline soaked live shows!

Group Members Michael Kranicke - Lead Vocals/ Guitar Jeff Kissel - Back Vox/ Drums Doug Iha - Back Vox/ Bass Guitar Rick Deja - Saxophones Jim Struyk - Trombones

Instruments Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Sax (Alto, Tenor, Bari), Trombone

Albums Gone To The Dog (1998), Amercian Lights (2001)

Press Reviews “ The Voodoo Kings are the tightest band I have seen in a while!” Joseph Filipak, Chicagogigs.com “This is one band that should already have a record deal.” Maggie Linbeck, Nefariousmag.com “The band pumped out a sweaty mix of boisterous funk and straight ahead rock... Eric Shelkopf, Kane County Chronicle

Location Chicago, IL - USA

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