Hailing from Calgary Alberta, this well established country rock act has been making an impact in the music scene across Canada. The 3rd release from their ‘Ride’ album, ‘Sweet City Woman’ climbed the charts hitting the #21 spot on Mediabase charts across Canada. With 2 CCMA nomination’s and a WCMA nomination under their belt, Jo Hikk has earned the right to be called one of Canada’s top drawing “live” acts in the club and concert scene.
The band is comprised of brothers Kelly (lead vocals/bass), and Kenny Sitter (guitar/vocals), Al Doell (guitar/drums/vocals), Don Jorgensen (keyboards/mandolin/vocals), and Al Rheaume (drums). Performing shows from Canada to Kandahar, Jo Hikk has shared the stage with some of the music’s biggest names. Known for their great vocal sound, energy and playful antics, Jo Hikk has a proven track record as a real crowd pleaser.
As songwriters, the band has been developing their own material over the years and as a result, released a five song EP produced by Bob Foster (Jan Arden). The buzz generated by their original tracks attracted not only many new fans worldwide, but also the interest of several music industry professionals.
Early in 2006, Jo Hikk began working on their new full length CD with multiple award winner, George Canyon and Rick Mizzoni from MCC signing on as producers. The album was recorded in Nashville’s famed Masterphonics Tracking Room, and at MCC Recording Studio in Calgary.
The album titled “Ride” features songs penned by Jo Hikk, along with fellow Canadians A.J. Goodvin, Randy J. Marten, Gordie Sampson, Sean Hogan, Cyril Rawlson, Ron McNeil, Wayne Sheard, Ron Kerr, Nicole Higgins and George Canyon. The album also includes songs written by some of Nashville’s top writers Pete Sallis, Neil Thrasher, Ritchie MacDonald and Bo Allen.
In 2007 Jo Hikk was honored to be nominated for the “Chevy Rising Star Award” at the Canadian Country Music Awards held in Regina. They were chosen to participate in the popular Tom Jackson seminar where they received a great response from fans and from the industry alike.
2008 was an exciting year for Jo Hikk being nominated for ‘New Group or Duo of the Year’ at the Canadian Country Music awards in Winnipeg. Accompanied by an honorable WCMA nomination for ‘Outstanding Country Recording’ for their ‘Ride’ album at this year’s WCMA awards held in Edmonton, Jo Hikk performed a WCMA showcase at the Oil City Roadhouse on October 18. The band has a great fanbase in Edmonton who have helped Jo Hikk chart 2 ‘top 10’s’ and a #1 for their first single, ‘Closer’.
Recently ‘My Kind of Radio’ was released to radio and a video shot in Los Angeles with Warren Sonoda is to be released in April.
“Highlights”
-
‘Sweet City Woman’ hits the #21 spot on the R&R charts
-
Nominated for ‘Top New Talent of the Year’ at the 2008 Canadian Country Music Awards
-
Jo Hikk ‘Ride’ Album nominated for ‘Outstanding Country Recording’ this year at the Western Canada Music Awards being held in Edmonton, October 16 to 19, 2008.
-
Nominated for the ‘Chevy Truck Rising Star Award’ at the 2007 Canadian Country Music Awards
-
Debut Album ‘Ride’ produced by multi-award winner George Canyon
-
Performed at Rexall Place in Edmonton,Alberta, December, 2007 for the Armed Forces
-
Jo Hikk’s Myspace site hits 185,000,000 ‘real’ views in 20 months
-
First single ‘Closer’ hit the top 50 in mediabase and scores #1 In Edmonton January 1st 2008
-
Second single ‘Pimp My Tractor’ released to radio in April, 2008
-
Jo Hikk performs Concert May 31, 2008 and raises $42,000.00 to help raise money for the Rescue100 Horses
-
Jo Hikk opens for Tanya Tucker in Edmonton, June 27, 2008
-
Jo Hikk to open for Sara Evans at Merritt Mountain Fest July 13, 2008
Kelly Sitter Lead Vocals / Bass / Guitar
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, to musician parents, Kelly started his first band in Elementary school. His appreciation for a diverse array of music styling combined with a boundless vocal range and smooth sound has helped him develop a country style that is expressively unique, but firmly planted in tradition.
Kelly’s professional performances are numerous and some highlights of his career include sharing the stage with accredited Canadian artists such as Lisa Brokop , Julian Austin, Aaron Pritchett and Paul Brandt.
He counts legends Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Nat King Cole, James Taylor, Ozzy, Garth Brooks, Brooks & Dunn to be his major inspirations.
Kenny Sitter Lead Guitar / Ganjo / Mandolin / Vocals
A native Calgarian and brother to Kelly, Kenny has been wailing on the guitar since early childhood. Bringing energy and antics to the stage, he adds the “rockier edge” to Jo Hikk and enjoys entertaining audiences with his ripping guitar solos.
Kenny toured with Canadian recording artist Julian Austin, entertaining the troops in Afghanistan and Dubai. He has shared the stage with some of Canada’s finest such as Matt Minglewood , Charlie Major and Lisa Brokop as well as America’s legendary Toby Keith.
His influences include; Van Halen, Sting, Ozzie , Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash & Jesse Cook to name a few.
Al Doell Guitar / Drums / Vocals
Born in Ashcroft, B.C. but spending most of his life in Calgary, Alberta, Al’s passion for music began at an early age when he first picked up his mother’s guitar. A natural born performer, by age 13 he had saved up enough money to buy his first drum kit.
Al’s talents have been relied on by many artists over the years but it was in 1997 that he first joined forces with the Sitter brothers. Their tight vocal harmonies and undeniable chemistry was evident to all that witnessed them. It was only natural that these talents would one day reunite, sharing with the masses, their compelling stage presence in Jo Hikk.
Al has shared the stage with artists such as Paul Brandt, Blue Oyster Cult, Trooper, April Wine, and Loverboy.
Influences: Brooks & Dunn, Eagles, The Beatles, Ozzy, AC/DC, Van Halen
Don Jorgensen Keyboards/Mandolin/Vocals
Don grew up on a mixed farm near Olds, Alberta, and inherited a keen interest in horses from both his parents. He also had an affinity for the piano and was signed up for lessons. As a teenager, he spent hours in the tractor and in the process, became hooked on country radio.
He joined his first band in Edmonton, while completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. Since then, he has had a successful career in music, while maintaining his involvement with the family farm.
Nominated for CCMA all-star band (keyboards) nine times Don has worked with numerous Canadian Country music acts including: Duane Steele, Steve Fox, Brad Johner, Doc Walker, Julian Austin and Charlie Major. He was also a member of the Poverty Plainsmen for ten years.
His influences include; Little Feat, Bruce Hornsby and Ian Tyson.
Al Rheaume Drums
Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, Al started playing professionally in 1992 and his music has taken him all over the world. With his great sense of humor and quick wit, Al has a chemistry that “just fits” making him a true Hikk.
He has toured with Canadian recording artist Julian Austin entertaining the troops in Afghanistan and Dubai and has shared the stage with other great Canadian artists such as Matt Minglewood and Diane Chase.
His major influences in the world of drumming include Kenny Aronoff and Steve Gadd.
