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Hell or High Water has had many incarnations over the last 15 years. Great music and a great time! Their motto is, “We’re having as much fun as you are”! The ever-changing set lists are super charged with the energy of seven guys who clearly love what they do……and it shows! Here’s how they cook the gumbo: Take the power of three guitars, add some crackling keyboards, spice it up with some tasty mandolin and stir not so gently with some house rockin’ bass lines. Mix all that up with some locomotive drumming and top it all off with delicious vocals and harmonies. Add a packed house, light the stove and stand back! Trying to describe their style is like eating soup with a fork. You’ve got to see it to believe it. The closest anyone has gotten to describe their style is….. …“It’s like a night of bar hopping with John Lennon, Jerry Garcia and Keith Richards, with Bobby Dylan driving the Limo” So, sit back, get on the bus and enjoy the ride! P.S. Check us out on youtube! |
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Tom Wipf When Tom and Stells started playing guitars together all those years a go, neither of them could have imagined the great ride that has morphed through so many iterations into the Hell or High Water Band. Hundreds of great gigs and countless hours of the most enjoyable rehearsals in the history of music have created a band bond of friendship and music that comes through loud and clear in every tune. Tom and his trusty Tiger guitar can’t wait to “dust off those rusty strings just one more time”. And, if you listen very closely, you might be able to imagine for a magic moment, the sound of another bearded, grey haired guitar player. Favorite band: Hell or High Water |
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Stells What can you say when you've been given the opportunity to play your favorite classic rock tunes you grew up with with the PEOPLE you grew up with? I'll tell you in two words: "why me?". We've been rockin since '89. Started with Tom, me, a drum machine, and some guy named Jay. I think the best thing about this band is the natural chemistry between the musicians. The crowd is always into it. We can see it in their faces. We play hits, so everyone sings along with us. Some even come on up and belt one out. I'd have to say it's more of a party....but we're so damn good too. Favorite quote:We'll never be good enough to play professionally" - former HOHW member, in Tom's basement circa 1990 |
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Charlie “Chuck” Menduni If you’re lucky in life you find something you can always look forward too, that anchors you, and helps define why you’re here. First as drummer, and now as third guitar, this special cast of characters has been just that, and has been my extended family for over 15 years. Friendship, music & laughter….this crew embodies it all. A circle of friends that has over the years seen some come and go, yet rolls along with a life of it’s own, bigger than any one of us. A cohesion of spirit that leaves drama and ego behind (well, um, mostly) and focuses on having fun, and finding the groove. It’s an energy that consistently finds its way through each note to the audience, and it’s why we’re here. Favorite band: Sgt. Pepper’s Grateful Coral Reefer Band |
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Glenn McCready I was asked to join this band after a chance meeting with Stells while we were both auditioning for the massive Hamilton, Joe Frank, and Reynolds Reunion Tour. Neither of us got that gig, but I was asked to join HOHW. It’s been a little over 10 years now, and I think they’re going to keep me. I have never had so much fun playing as I do here. This is more than just a band. Anyone can play music. The camaraderie in HOHW is beyond the music. I can only play bass one way, the way I do everything, and that’s full throttle. These guys allow that. Come and listen to the band, and look for the oversized leaping gnome with the Rickenbacker…that’ll be me. Favorite band not named Hell or Highwater: These guys from Liverpool, I heard they made out okay |
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James Quigley This long strange trip called Hell or High Water started for me almost ten years ago. It has brought me new friends, presented musical challenges with great rewards, arranged many early mornings and even more late nights, and through all that there always a cooler of booze somewhere within arms reach. As for musical training: I studied classical piano as child (as well as classical violin & Irish accordion) then after many years I briefly explored a short tour at Julliard’s evening division. Most of my music education is from playing with some of the finest musicians around. Two things to know about me: 1) I am the first member of HOHW to run (and finish) the Kenny Dolan Memorial Run and 2) I am the proud owner of a Robert Moog Theremin Favorite band: Rush, Pink Floyd, Dead, & Beatles…pick anyone and you’re correct |
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Steve Bernstein, Publisher of Relix Magazine Little known fact: Grew up in a house with two sets of twins, me being one quarter of them. |
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Tony Ieva A long time member of the Bay Ridge music scene. Introduced to the world of music in 1974 when asked to be a roadie for Glenn Miller. Introduced to drums by Tony Ungaro, musician, recording engineer, & long time friend, while a road crew member and was given experience, confidence, education to music, and friendship by the members of that band! Played percussion for Glen Miller, Kenny & Rob, & Jack Whitman from the late 70's thru the mid 80's in such Bay Ridge establishments as Beards, Horsefeathers, Cobblestones, & Tuns Tavern! Became a roadie for City Kids in the early 80's where I became a student of the late, Michael Colangelo, then drummer for City Kids! He was my first and only drum teacher! The most awesome drummer I've ever seen! Formed my first band with Paul Stingo of The Rockinghams, called Flashback! Most recently had been a member of a 60's band which lasted 4 years called Forever Young and I am currently the drummer for 50's 60's group, The UpBeats, currently performing all over the tri state area! And now, perhaps I am beginning a Long Strange Trip ( See boys, I'm getting the Dead lingo thing ) by joining this very unique group of musicians, in all their variations, shapes and forms, Hell Or High Water! Favorite band/s: The Beatles, Todd Rundgren & Utopia |
