JP Riemens

JP Riemens

http://www.jpriemens.com

http://myspace.com/jpriemens


Back in the late 70's formed his first group with former "Martians", Stan Baka and Kevin Cosman which ended abruptly with Stan's tragic and fatal motorcycle accident.

Around 1981 he forms a band with drummer Ray Ovington called Kaos and toured the Ontario / Quebec rock circuit for another 3 solid years.

1985, JP and Ovington form the band Plastic Diet and begin playing all original "punkwave" shows around Ontario. They released one recording on cassette only - Sub Level Audio Bulk

1989 "Songs From Mom's Kitchen" is released. Recorded live in his mom's kitchen while she was away for the long weekend. This recording reintroduced the rootsy writing that started in the street singing days. Influences like "The Flying Burrito Bros", "Grateful Dead" and "Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks" are evident throughout. JP was joined by Randall Hill, Laurel Arbuckle, Mark  Foley, Jace Ford,  Johnny Givens and guests. It was recorded by Mike Nothcott.

1991 Riemens releases a series of original western swing singles in Europe under the guise of Ugly Bob's Little Big Band. The group consisted of Randall Hill, Laurel Arbuckle, Jace Ford and JP

1994 "Full Moon In August" is released - A polished version of "Mom's Kitchen", this recording continued the roots tradition with it's consistent, entertaining storytelling. Sue Sweetman, Cindy Dell, Ray Ovington, Ron Brammel, and John Lewis  helped out on this one.


1998 Riemens becomes co-owner of Grant Avenue Studio. He immediately sets up and becomes the in house Mastering Engineer, (Gordon Lightfoot, Ray Materick, Willie P. Bennett) as well as producing and engineering many other projects (Edgar Breau - Canadian Primitive, Hobo Stew, Stephen Hogg - Nudderwun, Lounge - Lounge)

2001 - Riemens engineers and produces "Girls". It is more electric rock oriented and was helped along by band members  Ray Ovington, John Blume and Dan Walsh. The concept album is a collection of stories about (you guessed it) girls.

2004 releases, "Blue Martini", recorded at Grant Avenue Studio (of course) and is fully self produced and engineered. Studio musicians, Bob Doidge, Jessie Obrien and Sean OGrady  formed the core of the group. The recording combines a new jazzier texture with southwestern swing influences and evokes an appreciation for well-crafted songwriting.

2005 releases "Plain & Simple", an honest representation of his down home acoustic roots. His band The BarFlies are introduced, featuring Carrie Ashworth on upright bass and Shauna Drayson on backup vocals along with guest instrumentalists Randal Hill on mandolin and Dan Walsh on dobro and lap steel.

2006/7 releases "Redneck Lullaby", reintroduces Dan Walsh into the group along with guests Richie Hayward from Little Feat, Lori Yates, Michael Fonfara, Jessie O'Brien, Danny Lockwood, Willie P. Bennett, Sean O'Grady and our new drummer Linda Duemo .  Of course, Carrie Ashworth is on bass and Shauna Drayson on backup vocals. Sue Sweetman also helped out with vocals as well as Carl Goodman on banjo.