Jennie Kalpin - Vocals & Guitar
Melissa Kalpin Prescott - Lead Guitar
Josh Richardson - Bass Guitarist
Nick Hook - Drummer
Previous members:
Amy Carson - Vocals & Bass Guitar
Jamie Bollman - Drums
What Luke says...
1992, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, sisters Melissa and Jennie and their good friend Amy found they had a common interest, picking up stringed instruments. In the high school orchestra it was viola, violin and cello. The trio made their first music together in that orchestra learning the tiny but important differences between eighth notes and quarter notes, half steps and whole steps. A musical foundation, but one built with friendship. When orchestra let out, it was that friendship that found the gals sharing their common interest in popular rock bands Throwing Muses, The Breeders, PJ Harvey & Sonic Youth. The violins were set aside for electric guitars. Battle of Band cover contests were entered. And short lived yet creatively titled projects were put together under the names of Only in 3's and Boy Elroy. While enjoying the music, it seemed unrealistic to seek an audience outside of their small town. And, as friends, the girls parted and went on to see what else was out there for them to explore.
In the winter of 2001, the trio of friends found themselves all taking refuge in the city of Minneapolis. Persuaded by friends and changing circumstances the women now, after many years found themselves living close to one another, and had the urge to try playing again. As winter turned to spring, the start of pop perfection began to develop over inspiring root beer floats, a weakness to everybody in the band. By summer they were playing their first shows at parties around town. August 2001 produced a three song demo recorded by good friends
Nat Stensland &
Josh Richardson. And by the time the leaves had fallen off the trees Melissa, Jennie & Amy had found drummer Jamie and with wings ready for flight Luke's Angels was formally christened.
2002 produced better shows, and a small but dedicated following that started to show Luke’s Angels was a band to take notice of. The combination of Amy and Jennie’s duo vocals mixed with Melissa's knack for dissonant lead guitar lines and Jamie's Wire-like drum progressions, presented Luke's Angels as a band with musical intent. An ultra mellow stage presence accented the fact the music was the reason this band was together. This wasn’t just another "girl fronted band," this was a group to listen to.
By coincidence the Angels started working on their self-titled debut CD with producer
Jacques Wait. Jennie recalls showing up to hip recording studio, Seedy Underbelly Studio, Minneapolis, MN, to begin recording only to find no engineer there. When Jacques checked in at the studio that day and found the Angels waiting in tow, he helpfully offered his assistance quickly to realize it was a match made in heaven. The recordings were underway.
While working on the CD, a more defined and expressive presentation of the band finally took shape. "One Small Glimpse" opens up the CD lyrically with the announcement, "I see hidden worlds arise/With one small glimpse through your eyes," as if they were sirens beckoning a ship. "Mixing Words" has a quiet introduction that quickly propels into full-fledged fuzz. And with "Come on Over," shimmy-shimmy drumming and synched up "Doo-Do's" bookend the psychedelic power chords and head bobbing bass that makes hanging in the clouds with these Angels the best trip around.
Luke's Angels are a Minneapolis band, but they are the sweethearts of St Paul. "[r32964657]" seeks to heal the long time divide between these rival cities with charm and chugging rock.
After several childbirths, recording a couple of X-mas albums and some lineup shifts, the Angels settled on their current roster, which features founders Jennie Kalpin DDS, Melissa Kalpin MLS, Jennie's husband Josh Richardson (also of
Flavor Crystals and Prairie Restorations Inc.) and legendary drummer
Nick Hook (
The Kelley Deal 6000,
Deformo,
Jan,
Vinnie & The Stardüsters, Hind Quarterly editor-in-chief.)
