| Barikada
- World Of Music - Svastara - 2008 |
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Jo Hikk is country / southern rock / rock band from Calgary,
Alberta,
Canada.
Jo Hikk wasn't born yesterday... Hailing from Calgary, this established
country rock act has been playing together for some time. In the last two
years they have become one of Alberta's top drawing "live" acts
in the club and concert scene. With a brand new album due out early 2008, Jo
Hikk is now becoming one of Canadian country music's newest rising stars. The
band is comprised of brothers Kelly (lead vocals / bass) and Kenny Sitter (guitar
/ vocals) with Al Rheaume (drums) and Serge Soucy (keyboards / vocals).
Performing shows from Canada to Kandahar, Jo Hikk has shared
the stage with some of music's biggest names. Known for their great vocal sound,
energy
and playful antics, Jo Hikk has a proven track record as a real crowd pleaser.
As songwriters, the band has been developing their own material over the years
and as a result, released a five song EP produced by Bob Foster (Jan
Arden).
The buzz generated by their original tracks attracted not only many new fans
worldwide, but also the interest of several music industry professionals.
Early in 2006, Jo Hikk signed a management deal with MCC Entertainment /
Landis Productions and work began on their new full length CD with multiple
award
winner, George Canyon signing on as producer. The album was recorded in Nashville's
famed Masterphonics Tracking Room, and MCC Recording Studio in Calgary.
The new album titled "Ride" features songs penned by Jo Hikk,
along with fellow Canadians A. J. Goodvin, Randy J. Martin, Gordie Sampson,
Sean Hogan,
Cyril Rawlson, Ron McNeil, Wayne Sheard, Ron Kerr, Nicole Higgins and George
Canyon. The album also includes songs written by some of Nashville's top writers
Pete Sallis, Neil Thrasher, Ritchie MacDonald and Bo Allen.
KELLY SITTER - lead vocals / bass / acoustic
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Kelly's musician parents recognized his
talent at an early age. He formed his first band in elementary school, along
with his guitar playing brother Kenny. As lead singer and drummer, Kelly
belted out the Beatles "Twist and Shout" at their school talent
show and garnered what he remembers as "hoards of screaming and crying
fans, quite similar to an actual Beatles concert really". His
brother however recalls the talent show performance quite differently. "Yeah,
there was screams, but that's because the gym lights went out and the
girls were afraid of the dark". None-the-less, Kelly was hooked.
Immediately after high school, true to their Gypsy blood, Kelly and Kenny
hit the road
playing clubs throughout western Canada.
Kelly's appreciation for a diverse array of music styling
combined with a boundless vocal range and smooth sound has helped him develop
a country style
that is expressively unique, but firmly planted in tradition. Kelly's professional
performances are numerous and some highlights of his career include sharing
the stage with accredited Canadian artists such as Lisa
Brokop, Julian Austin, Aaron Pritchett and Paul Brandt.
KENNY SITTER - guitar / ganjo / vocals
A native Calgarian and brother to Kelly, Kenny is definitely the "comedian"
of the group. He's been wailing on the guitar since early childhood.
Bringing energy and antics to the stage, he adds the "rockier edge" to
Jo Hikk and enjoys entertaining audiences with his ripping guitar solos. Being
somewhat of a "stage hog", Kenny loves to bask in the spotlight.
He toured several years with Canadian recording artist Julian Austin, touring
throughout Canada and entertaining the troops in Afghanistan and Dubai. He
has also shared the stage with some of Canada's finest such as Matt Minglewood,
Charlie Major and Lisa Brokop as well as America's legendary Toby Keith (...he
sometimes shares the stage with Jo Hikk too, but it's like
pulling teeth...)
SERGE SOUCY - keyboard / harmonica / vocals
Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, born to French Canadian parents, Serge is fluent
in both French and English. He grew up in a musical family and was accompanying
his older brothers on stage at an early age. He loves performing and puts
it "all out" when doing so. Serge's zesty personality and stage
presence along with his sexy creative dance moves, adds pizzazz to live shows.
Before becoming a Hikk, Serge played with the popular country band Appaloosa
opening for Dwight Yoakam, Brad Paisley, Jason McCoy, and Pam Tillis. He
also toured Canada, Afghanistan and Dubia with Julian Austin and has worked
with other recording artists such as Aaron Pritchett, JR Vatour, Matt Minglewood,
and The Cruzeros (...Serge enjoys the challenge of trying to share the
stage with Kenny...)
AL RHEAUME - drums
Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, to an Italian Mother and French Canadian
Father, this bilingual, handsome devil has been playing drums since the age
of 6. He started playing professionally in 1992 and his music has taken him
all over the world. With his great sense of humor and quick wit, Al has a
chemistry that "just fits" making him a true Hikk.
He also toured with Canadian recording artist Julian Austin entertaining
the troops in Afghanistan and Dubai and has shared the stage with other great
Canadian artists such as Matt Minglewood and Diane Chase (...Al tries
to share the stage with Kenny as well, but Kenny insists on standing in front
of him all the time...)
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