The HappyJoy Band
When AC went into the studio to record what was to become “Dancing on the Water” he never knew what the project would become. The first day of recording was with Cluckin’ A and that was great. However, AC also wanted to record songs that needed instrumentation beyond the fiddle, banjo and acoustic bass of traditional old-time and bluegrass music. He had also started to write songs such as War is Obsolete which needed electric guitar, bass and drums; others needed keyboard. (This process is described in the documentary movie, “Following the Road: Music and Life Lessons with AC Bushnell” which comes with the “Dancing on the Water” CD/DVD 2-disc set. Click here for more).
AC’s co-producer, Jerry Brown, suggested various musicians for different songs. Among them were the four musicians who along with AC became The HappyJoy Band. AC was thrilled with their great musicianship and musical sensitivity. The members are:
AC Bushnell – fiddle and guitar – The guiding light
Kevin Brock – percussion – Kevin is an immensely talented drummer with great sensitivity who never ever strays from keeping the perfect rhythm. Kevin has graced many CD’s and is a musical force who works closely with the Paperhand Puppet Intervention (click here for more)
Chris Frank – keyboards – Chris is a great keyboard player who can literally play anything. He also plays with The Red Clay Ramblers.
Will McFarlane – guitar – One of the great guitar players in the world, Will can play virtually anything and hold his own on any stage with anybody. He played with Bonnie Raitt for six years and has played with Tammy Wynette, Waylon Jennings and many others.
Robert Sledge – Bass – Robert is also a fine guitar player. He is brilliant at arrangements and vocals. Robert played bass with Ben Folds Five.
AC is a HappyJoy Boy Toy!The HappyJoy Band’s public debut was at AC’s CD/DVD release party and concert on November 3, 2007 at the ArtsCenter in Carrboro, NC. Andrea Nell also sang harmony vocals with the band that night and AC is looking forward to her singing with the band again.
Since the concert AC has continued to record songs with The HappyJoy Band. His friend Machai says, “AC is a HappyJoy Boy Toy!”. Whatever that means.
October 30th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
[...] comes AC Bushnell and The HappyJoy Band: me, Mitch Rothrock on guitar, Kevin Brock on drums, Robert Sledge on bass and Lance Ashley on [...]
December 4th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
[...] is with much sadness that I share the passing of our band’s drummer, Kevin Brock on Monday, November 3rd. Kevin was such a bright light. It’s hard to [...]