a brief history

REDNECK LULLABY IS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED

What A Blast!
We were honored to have some special guests show up to claim their official Barfly Status.

RICHIE HAYWARD (Little Feat} dropped in to play on a track.

Canadian legend WILLIE P BENNETT (Fred Eaglesmith Band) sang some backup and added some harmonica to 3 tracks

MICHAEL FONFARA (Lou Reed/Rhinocerous/The Checkmates) added some sweet B3 organ to a few tracks

Besides Ritchie, the drumming was handled by DANNY LOCKWOOD, SEAN O'GRADY and LINDA DUEMO

Award winning keyboard wiz JESSIE OBRIEN came by to show his support and plays on three cookin' tracks.

The incomparable Cow Punk Queen LORI YATES adds her haunting vocals to Redneck Lullably.

My favorite sidekick SUE SWEETMAN sings some sweet harmonies, and our new friend CARL GOODMAN added banjo to a few tracks.

During the sessions our good friends John Mars, Chris Houston, David and Pamela Smye, Paul Intsen became part of the BARFLY CHOIR and got to sing along with everybody on the project.

Of course we can't forget the Barflies, SHAUNA DRAYSON, CARRIE ASHWORTH, LINDA DUEMO AND DAN WALSH who provide the glue and the inspiration for my writing. Thanks you guys!

Recording History

1985, JP and Ray Ovington form the band Plastic Diet They release the underground recording "Sub Level Audio Bulk" and begin playing all original "punkwave" shows throughout Southern Ontario while attending College.

1989 - "Songs From Mom's Kitchen" is released. Recorded live in his mom's kitchen while she was away for the long weekend. This recording reintroduced the rootsy writing that started in the street singing days. Influences like "The Flying Burrito Bros", "Grateful Dead" and "Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks"[b/] are evident throughout. JP was joined by Randall Hill, Laurel Arbuckle, Mark Foley, Johnny Givens and guests. It was recorded by Mike Nothcott.

1991 - Riemens releases a series of original western swing singles in Europe under the guise of Ugly Bob's Little Big Band. The group consisted of Randall Hill, Laurel Arbuckle, Jayce Ford and JP

1994 - Full Moon In August is released - A polished version of "Mom's Kitchen", this recording continued the roots tradition with it's consistent, entertaining storytelling. Sue Sweetman, Cindy Dell, Ray Ovington, Ron Brammel, and John Lewis helped out on this one.

1999-Girls is released. This is JP's first cd produced after becoming a working partner at Grant Avenue Studio. it's a rock quartet featuring Dan Walsh on electric guitar, JP on telecaster and vocals, Ray Ovington on drums and John Blume on bass. The collection of songs introduces you to 12 different girls. (surprise!)

For the next few years JP concentrated on the workings of the recording studio and honed his skills as an engineer and record producer.

2004 His new release, "Blue Martini" was recorded at Grant Avenue Studio (of course) and is fully self produced and engineered. Studio musicians,Bob Doidge, Jessie Obrien and Sean OGrady formed the core of the group. The recording combines a new jazzier texture with southwestern swing influences and evokes an appreciation for well-crafted songwriting.

2005 "Plain & Simple" is an honest representation of his down home acoustic roots. His band The BarFlies are introduced, featuring Carrie Ashworth on upright bass and Shauna Drayson on backup vocals along with guest instrumentalists Randal Hill on mandolin and Dan Walsh on dobro and lap steel.

2006/7 "Redneck Lullaby"reintroduces Dan Walsh into the group along with guests Richie Haywardfrom Little Feat, Lori Yates, Michael Fonfara, Jessie O'Brien, Danny Lockwood, Willie P. Bennett, Sean O'Grady and our new drummer Linda Duemo Of course, Carrie Ashworth is on bass and Shauna Drayson on backup vocals. Sue Sweetman also helped out with vocals as well as Carl Goodman on banjo.