In 1974 and 1975, Back Jack laid down tracks that, decades later, would finally surface thanks to RidingEasy Records, capturing the raw energy of a band at its creative apex. These recordings, with standouts like ‘She’s Been Down So Long’ and ‘California,’ reveal their knack for blending bluesy grit with progressive rock elements, underpinned by tight, powerful rhythms and soulful, unpolished vocals. While they never cracked into the mainstream, their standout performance at the KSHE Kite Fly Contest—where they played alongside heavyweights like Charlie Daniels and Rush—solidified their status as underground legends in the local rock scene.
Though the group disbanded shortly after, Back Jack’s recordings remain a time capsule of the region’s vibrant rock scene, preserved through reel-to-reel and cassette tapes tracked down over the last 15 years. Today, they are celebrated as a hidden gem of the Midwest, reflecting the rawness and rebellious spirit of rock in the 1970s.
by Klemen Breznikar, September 9, 2024
Tracks
1. Bridge Waters Dynamite - 3:51
2. Reefer Madness - 2:24
3. Gearhead - 4:07
4. Satisfied Man - 8:24
5. Assault And Battery - 3:49
6. As You Were - 3:05
7. Tomorrow - 6:00
8. California - 7:05
9. She's Been Down So Long - 4:01
10.Over and Over - 6:07
11.Rock 'n' Roll Boogie - 2:43
12.Phonic Voyage - 4:26
13.Silver Star - 1:52
Back Jack
*Mike Collier - Guitar, Lead Vocals
*Kim Mckinney - Bass Guitar, Vocals
*Hans Myers - Drums
*Jeff Ballew - Guitar, Vocals
*Mike Lusher - Drums, Vocals
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