Our monthly Musical Chairs is a showcase for original music created and curated by Tim Eddy. This month it features Kris Risch, James ‘Mudkat’ Grant and Hans Reimer.
Risch is a local singer songwriter that plays music because it brings him joy. He has played in a few collaborations including The Pinch Hitters and with the recently formed Substitutes. He also plays in a duo with his wife Lisa. He has published one CD and was a winner of the Larryfest songwriters competition in 2017. He is a founding member and regular participant of the Organic Music Cooperative which gathers every other Tuesday at the Historic Trempealeau Hotel. He is especially excited to join his OMC comrades, James “Mudkat” Grant and Hansel Reimer in this Saturday’s Songwriter Showcase at the Hotel. “I’ve played with these guys a bunch over the Years at the OMC and greatly respect and enjoy the passion they bring to their music. It will be a treat to share the stage with these two. ” Hope to see some old friends and meet some new ones too.
James “Mudkat” Grant began listening to rock n roll, classical, and country music at an early age. He joined his first band in high school after seeing the Beatles on TV, extending it through college years playing hundreds and hundreds of gigs. Having the opportunity to open for the Flying Burrito Brothers in May, 1970, changed their repertoire and musical direction. The band, now called North Country, moved to Denver, where they opened for the comedian Steve Martin, but within a year the band had broken up, so Grant moved into doing solo work with vocal, guitar and harmonica.
Recording his first CD in ’95, “Not the Only World”, which was nominated for a Minnesota Music Award, James continued writing and performing in the upper midwest with occasional forays with other musicians. “This Town”, an EP, with This Town , the title cut, Southern View, Distant Light, and Something New, was recorded in 2013, with other songs waiting for studio production.
James Grant has been heavily influenced in his writing style by Sting, Neil Young, Dylan, James Taylor and others, along with environmental and social justice issues. His passion for writing and performing, with guitar and vocal study, has continued to this day.
This very early member of the Organic Music Cooperative delivers reflective originals and digs deep for obscure tracks that need to be shared and brought back to life.
Hans Reimer was born right here in Trempealeau county, was homeschooled and started playing music at a very young age. The family band began first with his parents then later with his siblings. They even backpacked through Europe, playing music and writing songs for two months. Now, 20 years later he is still writing songs and playing music. ‘I love music. I love life, I love jamming and connecting with people through music. I probably have written hundreds of songs but I can only remember the good ones and I am excited to share them with you!!’
These three will take turns playing their originals. No cover. The hat will be passed. Thank you for your support of live music!