November 1, 2003
Strat Collector Jerry Henry Shatters Myths with Release of Debut CD
by Tom Watson
If you're new to the Stratocaster collecting community it won't be long before you're introduced to two collecting myths: that the only purpose served by a collectible Strat is wall decoration and that collectors look but don't touch.
Today's nationwide debut CD release of Rockin' the Blues by the Jerry Henry Band proves it ain't necessarily so.
Milwaukee-based bluesman and Strat collector, Jerry Henry (Magayne), would rather see something round, shiny, and framed, decorate his living room. The 1965, 100% original, Candy Apple Red Stratocaster Jerry plays on Rockin' The Blues has been too busy to do wall time.
A recent press release regarding the man, the band, and the CD:
EAGLE RIVER, WI (Oct.13, 2003) "“ The Jerry Henry Band, well known throughout Wisconsin as a premier Blues/Rock act, has announced plans to release their debut CD to a nationwide audience on November 1st. A CD release party is planned to be held at Eagle Lanes in Eagle River, Wisconsin. The band's new CD, appropriately entitled Rockin' The Blues, encompasses the variety of music that has earned them notoriety over the past several years. The original cuts on the disc pay tribute to some of Henry's early musical influences including rock and blues guitar icons Jimi Hendix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The CD, which was engineered and produced by Jerry Henry, has already received airplay on several mid-west radio stations and will go on sale at numerous online outlets including Amazon.com, Target.com, Virginmega.com and Waldenbooks.com.. The disc is being distributed to major retail stores by Galgano Records of Gurnee, IL. Jerry Henry began his musical career in Milwaukee at the age of fourteen playing in his fathers variety band, the Hank Magayne Orchestra. The band, which was well known for performing a wide variety of music, toured Europe several times in the mid-1970's while releasing an album and several singles. Jerry began teaching guitar at the age of 16 and played in Milwaukee area bands throughout the 70's and 80's. After relocating to Northern Wisconsin in the 1990's, Jerry Henry formed a new blues based band with the help of his son Eric on bass guitar, thus carrying on the family's musical tradition. Drummer Don Lincoln of St. Germain became a part of the band in 2001. The trio's popularity quickly grew as audiences became aware of their unique sound and high energy performances. Their reputation as a first rate musical act earned them a spot for two consecutive years on the roster of performers at the annual bluesfest hosted by national TV sportsman and blues aficionado Joe Bucher. The band will perform live at the Eagle Lanes CD release party November 1st. Their performance will start at 9 PM and will feature guest keyboardist Joe Fittante who is a regular member of Joe Bucher's band, The Top Raiders. The event is free and open to the general public. |
Artwork from the CD, Rockin' The Blues.
The CD will be available soon from outlets such as Amazon.com, Virginmega.com and Waldenbooks.com.
And the '65 CAR Strat? While it's a centerpiece of Jerry's guitar collection, it won't be seen hanging anywhere but from the shoulders of a bluseman.
Published November 1, 2003 10:02 AM.