HWY 41 came together in early 2007 through a daisy chain of events that’s not uncommon for bands – a “who-knows-who” trail of familiar musicians.
Four of the group’s five members had played together in various forms at various times, but never as a complete unit. As fate, luck, karma – whatever – would have it, all were looking for a fresh musical start, so they turned to the most likely source . . . old friends. Lead guitarist Mike Rettig had originally been part of the trio Almost Famous that played throughout the Bradenton, Fla. area for a time before adding an experienced and talented rhythm section in long-time friends and Canadian transplants Dave Russell (drums) and Dean Tribble (bass/vocals). For six years, Almost Famous built a solid following by gigging at local clubs before Tribble’s unexpected death in 2005. The loss hit hard, and the remaining members of Almost Famous decided on a hiatus to honor Tribble’s memory and deal with their own grief. Uncertain on a future musical direction for Almost Famous, Rettig and Russell then chose to team up on a new project – Midnight Alibi. The duo was brought into the band by acquaintance Chas Nardone, a bassist who had connected with guitarist Dave Glaser to launch the group. Midnight Alibi was rounded out by vocalist Kevin Simmons, who had recently relocated to the Sarasota-Bradenton area from Washington, D.C. Ultimately, Midnight Alibi went into rehearsals, but the band never made it off the launch pad. Despite going their separate ways, however, the members continued to stay in touch with the hopes of one day playing together again. The itch to perform soon called Rettig and Russell to reunite with the other two remaining members of the original Almost Famous lineup – Jenifer Cosby (vocals) and Tom Whelchel (rhythm guitar). They played several shows with a substitute bassist before bringing in Jeff Kemper as a permanent replacement for Tribble. Kemper was a known quantity to Russell. The two were neighbors who had played together before, and Kemper spent several years as a songwriter, singer and guitarist with another local band – Blue Logic. With Kemper on board, the re-formed Almost Famous went back to work, and Simmons re-entered the picture. Looking for a more diverse sound, Almost Famous asked Simmons to add some of his vocal talents to the band, complementing Cosby’s sizzle. It soon became clear, however, that a new, more powerful rock direction was in order, instead of the pop/country leanings of Almost Famous. With Simmons, Russell, Rettig and Kemper in the lineup, the last piece of the puzzle for this new band seemed to be a steady second guitar to add some extra punch behind Rettig’s masterful lead playing. Enter Midnight Alibi alum Glaser. The chemistry was instant, and HWY 41 began regular rehearsals early in 2007. The band’s sound was a work in progress from the start, but it soon became clear that they excelled at hard-edged, blues-tinged rock and with their ability to put their own very distinct stamp on recognizable songs such as REM’s Losing My Religion or the Three Dog Night classic, Mama Told Me Not to Come. Simmons left the band in May 2008 to pursue other projects and was temporarily replaced by vocalists Doug Mock and Jage "Nick" Nichols. The band is currently seeking a new full-time frontman. Today, HWY 41 jams through its mix of old and new music – with some originals tossed in for good measure. At a HWY 41 show, you'll hear everything from Cream and the Allman Brothers to Three Doors Down and Green Day. They continue to play clubs, fund-raisers and anywhere else where good, straight-ahead guitar rock is appreciated. But primarily, HWY 41 is four friends having fun and united by their love of music. |
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