The Nighthawks

This article is about the blues and roots music band. For the rap duo, see The Nighthawks (rap band). For other uses, see Nighthawks (disambiguation).
The Nighthawks
Origin Washington, D.C, United States
Genres Blues
Years active 1972–present
Website thenighthawks.com
Members Mark Wenner
Johnny Castle
Paul Bell
Mark Stutso
Past members Jimmy Thackery
Jan Zukowski
Pete Ragusa
Warren Haynes
Jimmy Nalls
Jimmy Hall
Danny Morris
Pete Kanaras Phil Petroff

The Nighthawks are an American blues and roots music band, based in Washington, D.C. The Nighthawks currently are Mark Wenner (vocals and harmonica), Paul Bell (lead guitar), Johnny Castle (bass guitar), and Mark Stutso (drums). Beginning with dates in February 2010, Stutso replaced longtime drummer Pete Ragusa who announced his departure earlier in the year.

History

Formed in 1972, the Nighthawks underwent several personnel changes before stabilizing as the lineup of Mark Wenner (vocals and harmonica), Jimmy Thackery (lead guitar), Jan Zukowski (bass guitar), and Pete Ragusa (drums).[1] Their 1979 album, Full House, issued on Adelphi Records, includes guest appearances from Pinetop Perkins and Bob Margolin.[1]

Keyboard player Greg Wetzel joined the band in 1983, was a full-time member until 1986, and has continued to play at special performances. The membership of the band remained stable until 1986. At that time, tired of the band's extensive touring schedule, Thackery departed to front the Drivers and other groups and to record for Blind Pig Records and Telarc Records.[1] Following his departure, several players filled the lead guitar spot. These included Jimmy Nalls, Warren Haynes, James Solberg, Danny Morris, Pete Kanaras, with Kanaras becoming the longest lasting member.

In 2003, the band featured in the first episode of the second season of The Wire.

Kanaras and Zukowski departed the band in 2004. They were replaced by Paul Bell (lead guitar) and Johnny Castle (bass guitar). The Nighthawks won the Traditional Blues/R&B Duo/Group Award at the 2009 Washington Area Music Awards. In 2011, their album, "Last Train to Bluesville" won the Acoustic Album of the Year at the 32nd Blues Music Awards, sponsored by the Blues Foundation.

In 2011, they signed with Severn Records.[2]

Discography

Year Title Album details
1974 Rock 'n' Roll Released 1974, 1983, and 1990. Labels: ALADDIN ALPS-101, Format: LP
1976 Open All Nite Released 1976 and 1995, Label: Adelphi AD-4105 Format: LP
1976 Live at the PsycheDelly Released 1976 and 1995, Label: Adelphi AD-4110 Format: LP
1977 Side Pocket Shot Released 1977 and 1997, Label: Adelphi AD-4115 Format: LP
1978 Jacks & Kings Released 1978 Label: Adelphi AD-4125 Format: LP
1982 Full House – Jacks & Kings Vol I & II Released 1990 Label: Genes 4120/25 Format: CD
1980 The Nighthawks Released 1980 Label: Mercury SRM 1-3833 Format: LP
1982 Ten Years Live Released 1982 Label: Chesapeake CR LP 101 Format: LP
1984 Hot Spot Released 1984 Label: Varrick VR009 Format: LP
1986 Hard Living Released 1986 Label: Varrick VR-022 & CD-022 Format: LP
1988 Backtrack – Live Released 1988 Label:Varrick VR-036 Format: LP
1987 Live in Europe Released 1987 and 1992 Label: Crosscut CCR 1014, CCD 11014 Format: LP/CD
1988 Best of the Blues Released 1988 Label: Adelphi AD 4140 Format: LP
1988 Best of the Rock Released 1988 Label: Adelphi AD 4145 Format: LP
1988 Best of the Nighthawks Released 1988 Label: Genes 4140/45 Format: CD
1991 Trouble Released 1991 Label: Powerhouse POW 4107 Format: LP/CD
1993 Rock This House Released 1993 Label: Big Mo 1023-2 Format: CD
1996 Pain & Paradise Released 1996 and 2002 Label: Big Mo 10302, Ruf 1080 Format: CD
1997 Times Four Released 1997 Label: Adelphi AD-4130/35 Format: CD
1999 Still Wild Released 1999 Label: Ruf 1037 Format: CD
2002 Live Tonite! Released 2002 Label: Ruf 1079 Format: CD
2004 Live at the State Theater with Special Guest Hubert Sumlin Released 2004 Label: Rolling Storm Communications RSC 0505 Format: DVD
2006 Blue Moon in Your Eye (Live at the Barns at Wolf Trap) Released 2006 Label: Rolling Storm Communications RSC 0601 Format: CD
2009 American Landscape Released 2006 Label: Powerhouse 126 Format: CD
2010 Last Train to Bluesville Released 2010 Label: Rib Band RBR003 Format: CD
2012 Damn Good Time Released 2010 Label: Severn SEVCD 56 Format: CD
2014 444 Released 2014 Label: Eller Soul 1405 Format: CD
2015 Back Porch Party Released 2015 Label: Eller Soul 1505 Format: CD

The Nighthawks

Other releases featuring the Nighthawks

Mark Wenner solo albums

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Russell, Tony (1997). The Blues – From Robert Johnson to Robert Cray. Dubai: Carlton Books Limited. pp. 150–151. ISBN 1-85868-255-X.
  2. ↑ Gordon, Kieth A. (Nov 11, 2011). "Severn Records Goes to the Birds". About.com; Blues. Retrieved 2011-11-14.

External links

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