Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo
Encyclopedia
Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo is an American blues/rock power trio, based in Madison, WI. Led by Aaron Williams on guitar, the band’s sound is likely best described by “Ole Harv” of WVPE 88.1 (NPR) as “blues and roll for the masses.” Aaron is joined in the band by Eric Shackelford on drums and Z on bass. 365Ink says, “Compared to early George Thorogood, Williams & The Hoodoo have all the fire and swagger of the slide guitarist in his younger days, but with more finesse and way more versatility.” Pulse magazine adds, “A little classic, dirty blues, a little Black Crowes on speed and a little rockabilly. Our Pulse Pick of the week!”
, Taj Mahal, Leon Russell, Canned Heat, Carey Bell, and Jimmy Thackery, who promptly dubbed Aaron “The Brat with the Strat” because of his prowess with guitar and his affinity for Fender guitars. Eric Shackelford has played drums since the age of 11. Majoring in music and religion in college, Eric held the position of drum chair with the Iowa All-Star Jazz Band and had the pleasure of sharing the stage with jazz great Ignacio Berroa. Eric has pushed himself to play all styles of music, including adding New Orleans funk to his style, making him a great addition to a blues rock power trio like Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo. Z has been playing bass for 12 years. Immediately prior to joining the Hoodoo, Z studied and performed classical guitar. Z’s various disciplines allow him to add yet another element to the blues/rock sound of Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo.
The band’s first full-length CD “It Ain’t Easy” was named Blues/Rock Album of the Year by Real Blues magazine. For the first time in the band’s short history, they were nominated for six Madison Area Music Awards and took home five, including the highly coveted Artist of the Year. 2010 marked the first year that a panel of music experts cast the deciding vote and the first time Artist of the Year was awarded to a blues-based band. The band won Blues Artist of the Year in 2011. They were also twice-nominated for Blues Artist of the Year by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry
. Aaron was honored in 2011 by an appearance in Madison magazine and the cover of Americana Gazette.
The Band's 2011 release of "10:49" brought radio promoter Frank Roszak to the team, which helped the band break into radio on a much larger scale. The CD currently spins on several radio stations across the country and internationally and has earned the band several impressive reviews. The band has appeared on various radio shows and television across the county and was recently honored by inclusion on the first-round ballot for the 2012 Grammys in the Best New Artist and Blues Album of the Year categories. In addition to Madison magazine, Americana Gazette, and Elmore magazine, the band has been featured in The Daily Times, The Scene, PJ Star, The Isthmus, and The South Bend Tribune. As a group, Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo have supported Walter Trout, Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam; Zoso, the Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience; Jonny Lang; Los Lonely Boys; and Jonathan Tyler and Northern Lights.
Career
Aaron began his musical career at 17 years old as the lead guitarist for the Cadillac Joe Band. As part of this group, Aaron enjoyed the pleasure of opening for such renowned artists as Coco MontoyaCoco Montoya
Coco Montoya is an American blues guitarist and former member of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers.-Musical career:...
, Taj Mahal, Leon Russell, Canned Heat, Carey Bell, and Jimmy Thackery, who promptly dubbed Aaron “The Brat with the Strat” because of his prowess with guitar and his affinity for Fender guitars. Eric Shackelford has played drums since the age of 11. Majoring in music and religion in college, Eric held the position of drum chair with the Iowa All-Star Jazz Band and had the pleasure of sharing the stage with jazz great Ignacio Berroa. Eric has pushed himself to play all styles of music, including adding New Orleans funk to his style, making him a great addition to a blues rock power trio like Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo. Z has been playing bass for 12 years. Immediately prior to joining the Hoodoo, Z studied and performed classical guitar. Z’s various disciplines allow him to add yet another element to the blues/rock sound of Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo.
The band’s first full-length CD “It Ain’t Easy” was named Blues/Rock Album of the Year by Real Blues magazine. For the first time in the band’s short history, they were nominated for six Madison Area Music Awards and took home five, including the highly coveted Artist of the Year. 2010 marked the first year that a panel of music experts cast the deciding vote and the first time Artist of the Year was awarded to a blues-based band. The band won Blues Artist of the Year in 2011. They were also twice-nominated for Blues Artist of the Year by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry
Wisconsin Area Music Industry
Wisconsin Area Music Industry is an American volunteer organization founded in 1980, and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its stated purpose is "to educate and recognize the achievements and accomplishments of individuals in the Wisconsin music industry." The organization is best known for its...
. Aaron was honored in 2011 by an appearance in Madison magazine and the cover of Americana Gazette.
The Band's 2011 release of "10:49" brought radio promoter Frank Roszak to the team, which helped the band break into radio on a much larger scale. The CD currently spins on several radio stations across the country and internationally and has earned the band several impressive reviews. The band has appeared on various radio shows and television across the county and was recently honored by inclusion on the first-round ballot for the 2012 Grammys in the Best New Artist and Blues Album of the Year categories. In addition to Madison magazine, Americana Gazette, and Elmore magazine, the band has been featured in The Daily Times, The Scene, PJ Star, The Isthmus, and The South Bend Tribune. As a group, Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo have supported Walter Trout, Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam; Zoso, the Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience; Jonny Lang; Los Lonely Boys; and Jonathan Tyler and Northern Lights.