band
Imagine a world in which middle-aged men are transformed into road-hardened, angst-filled bluesmen...
Imagine a world in which disposable income is traded for music equipment...
Imagine a world in which bowling night is replaced by band night...
That world is White Molasses!
Welcome to the official website of White Molasses!
The Band -
Chris "You Gotta Hear This Guy" Amick (lead guitar) - By far the most talented and accomplished musician in the band. A smoking lead player who really came by it naturally, but has also put in the time to be great. We've said it before, we're all really here to back up Chris. As if he weren't lucky enough, Chris has undying support of his hobby from his family.
Jeff "The Brew Dr." Boggess - (rhythm guitar/lead vocals/harp)- The guy who always leads the rehearsals/practices (if he didn't, the beer drinking would take over 100% rather than its 75% dominance otherwise). Has played bass and guitar in bands and begrudgingly handles the singing duties. Known more for his PhD in clinical psychology and homebrewing prowess, he is starting to come around on guitar, but only because he has invested heavily in good equipment. "It is better to look good than to be good".
John "In Theory" Boggess - (bass/backing vocals) - Although John was one of the first to acquire a "rock-n'roll" instrument back in the 70's (still wish he had that Fender Musicmaster), he is the newcomer to this version of the band. John has been rock solid during live shows, but often wanders during practice due to the fact he is also the sound engineer. With his Electrical Engineering degree, John is invaluable in understanding the "theory" behind our sound problems. "Theoretically", the sound has always been perfect.
Steve Dreyer - Currently handles the drums for White Molasses. Steve is a veteran semi-pro player who lives in Charleston, WV. In addition to White Mo, Steve is the full time drummer for a local jump blues band called "Blues Du Jour". Du Jour features Julie Adams (from Mt.Stage fame) on lead vocals. Steve comes to the band through connections with Jeff B. as he is also a Ph.D. clinical psychologist. In addition to being a fine drummer, Steve is an avid basketball player (he's tall) and snow skier. Steve also has a penchant for sporty cars with horsepower.
Dave Pearcy - Dentist #1 in the band (we are looking for an orthodontist so that the younger Boggess bros. might get a discount), Dave's primary role is keys with the occasional backing vocals. Dave is also multi-talented and plays guitar/piano/sings for his church's praise/worship band, makes a mean mint julip, and enjoys long walks in the rain. Dave has played for numerous bands in the valley over the years , but when compared with White Molasses, none are worth mentioning.
Linda Workman - Psychologist #3 in the White Mo line-up. Linda brings a bit of class and a great voice to the White Mo sound (although the guys are working hard on eroding that "class" thing). Her primary role in the Mo' is lead vocals, but she is multi-talented on numerous instruments (guitar, fiddle, zither?). She lends her talents to several other groups and is a regular in her church's praise/worship band. Her Husband Rick is also a psychologist and commutes 120 miles to work everyday by running.
Supporting Cast -
Loren Claypool - (Guitar/vocals) - Original Wino Bob member and sits in with the band whenever he is back in the area from his current home base of Mequon, WI. Loren brought an avant garde quality to the band with unique versions of rock classics. His lead playing was always unique and you never knew what classic riff was going to be "blended" into the solo. A Frank Zappa disciple if there ever was one. Loren is building quite a guitar collection and has always been partial to Fender. Keep up with Loren's music projects at LorenClaypool.com.
Sandy Cormack - (Lead guitar) - Early Dillinger band member. Sandy is a giant on guitar in the same league as Chris. Sandy jams with the band whenever he is in from the Baltimore area. Sandy is pretty much always in some kind of band and has even had the dream job of playing in a Zeppelin cover band. Sandy is a chameleon who can really mimic the style of some the all time greats. Currently a Hamer freak. His band is The Dangertones.
Mark "Whackmaster" Coppala- (drums/harp) - Back in high school, Mark was on the "cutting edge". While most of us were trying to figure out the latest AC-DC song, Mark's band was writing original material and playing new wave or punk. With his recent relo, Mark's current focus in the band is "stunt harp". Deep down Mark is a true blues man. His drumming style is certainly in the John Bonham mode, except without the "shading and light". Even deeper down, Mark is a turkey killing machine.
Mark Davis - (Percussion, vocals) - An occasional member of the band, Mark is the only "real" musician among us. With a degree in both percussion and vocal performance, Mark is a music teacher by day and performer by night. Mark currently fronts a local "world music" band known as Voodoo Katz. Mark previously toured and recorded with the college rock band "Crazy Jane". Crazy Jane toured nationally and was on the second stage of the Lilleth Fair Tour.
Lee Hines - (Drums) - Longtime friend of all the guys, Lee gave it a genuine shot after playing in high school bands and has played in bands most of the last 25 years. It shows when he plays; always an accomplished drummer, Lee has chops, taste, and musical sense to spare. Lee surprised us by showing up at the 2002 Mardi Gras party and now finds himself somehow attached to the tarbaby we call "White Molasses".
