Music plays a significant role in our lives, and during times of isolation and solitude, it can become even more meaningful. With the changing times, artists here and around the world haven’t been able to perform live, but that doesn’t make their music any less impactful. I spoke with Jim (Jimbo) "Big Train" Madsen of Big Train and the Loco Motives and Michael Bendure of Heartbreak Rodeo about their individual bands and their combined efforts in the blended band known as Bandemonium. Although it might be awhile before you can go and see them live, supporting local musicians is more important than ever. After learning about their bands and music here, be sure to follow their social media accounts, download their music, and enjoy a concert in the comfort of your own home.
Can you share some of your history?
MB—Heartbreak Rodeo formed in spring 2014. I had a previous band lined up for a show at Norman Music Festival that year, but it disbanded in late 2013. David Henson had a solo set scheduled, so the two of us started working together so we could back each other up and not have to play alone. Well, then we started adding in cool cover tunes, and that opened up doors for more gigs. Before long, we had a band name and played for about nine months as an acoustic duo called Heartbreak Rodeo. By the time 2015’s Norman Music Festival rolled around, we asked Chris Walsh to join us on bass, and we’ve been a trio ever since. We’ve played nearly 200 shows together since and have dozens more scheduled for the remainder of this year.
JM—We’ve been playing together in one form or another as Big Train and the Loco since 1994 or 1995 with The Big Train String Quartet in Iowa. After moving to Oklahoma, I resurrected the band for the Norman Music Festival.
I think the genesis of Bandemonium started back around 2012-ish with the Songwriters Association of Norman when we'd do a 5th Tuesday at Abner’s or O'Connell’s. Instead of having one person sing, we would have a "backing band” in one shape or another. I might get up and play congas and Michael would get up and play bass. Other people would also jump in on other instruments, and it became a very collaborative, fun environment. It helped promote "we" over "me". Since that time, we've been looking for any and every opportunity to share the stage.
MB—Although each band keeps their unique identity and band name at Bandemonium gigs, the point is that we take turns and often end up backing up each other on stage. Sometimes, there’s upwards of 10 people crammed on the stage! It could be Jim playing lead guitar with Heartbreak Rodeo or Mike “Pinebox” Lander on percussion with The Whiskey Gingers, or Heartbreak Rodeo backing up Big Train on vocals. Every show is different, every show is spontaneous, and most importantly, every show is fun. When the musicians are having a blast on stage, the audience can’t help but enjoy themselves as well.
Who’s Who in the Bands?
MB—In Heartbreak Rodeo, both David Henson and I play guitar and sing, while Chris Walsh plays bass and also sings. Our website is HeartbReakrodeo.com and we’re on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @heartbreakrodeo.
JM—Big Train and the Loco Motives features Mason "Thumper" Cullen on bass, Bill "Top Dog" Cummins on harmonica, Mike "Pinebox" Lander ("The King of Found Sound") on percussion, and me on guitar and vocals. More detailed info is at BigTrainBlues.com.
MB—Bandemonium also features the female-fronted band The Whiskey Gingers, composed of Jess Crothers on guitar/vocals, Jenny Bendure (my partner) on guitar/vocals, and me on bass/vocals. Check us out at TheWhiskeyGingers.com; we're also on social media @whiskeygingersok for Facebook and Instagram, and @Whiskey_Gingers for Twitter.
Your musical styles?
JM—I describe Heartbreak Rodeo as the coolest acoustic rock band you're ever going to find. We’re quirky and fun, driving and sensitive, always interactive and have the coolest repertoire, and we will leave you smiling at the end of the night!
MB - We’re a like an acoustic combination of AC/DC, the Beatles and the Eagles. Instead of lead guitars, every song features strong vocal harmonies in the stylings of Crosby, Stills and Nash, or the Beach Boys.
JM—Big Train and the Loco Motives draws on the blues from the simplicity of the Mississippi Delta sound, to the electrified urban growl of the south side of Chicago, to the boogie woogie of the Texas road houses. It's Muddy Waters, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, Howlin' Wolf, Eric Clapton and all the other blues greats who built and carry on the blues tradition.
MB—Additionally, The Whiskey Gingers have a laid back, vocally powerful coffee house acoustic folk feel to their original and cover tunes.
JM – Together as Bandemonium, it's an ever-evolving mix of our individual styles as we feed off each other's style, then take it on to the next level. As Emeril would say, "BAM!" We kick it up a notch. Then another notch. Etc.
Do you write any of your own lyrics?
Absolutely. We are all prolific songwriters, stemming from our ongoing membership and leadership roles with the Songwriters Association of Norman. David Henson was actually a professional songwriter under contract for a studio in Texas for several years.
What venues do you play at?
MB—Individually we are playing venues all throughout Oklahoma and surrounding states, including regional/local festivals and street dances. We have several venues that are perfect for Bandemonium. Norman venues include Othello's, Bison Witches and Hollywood Corners. Also, Libby's in Goldsby, Belle Starr in Purcell and the Thunderbird Sailing Club at the Thunderbird Lake Boathouse.