November 6, 2006: Who Is Windrush?

Windrush is a band project that was started about 2 years ago by old friends from the 60's with the goal of just playing the music we've always loved, as simple as that. At the time, we did not have visions of making money or playing in clubs. We knew that we just wanted to experience the joy of playing and the satisfaction of creating music once again, without the limitations, demands and compromises that the business side of music imposes.

We quickly assembled 4 friends with a similar musical mindset. The 4 members of Windrush all have a connection to Walnut Ridge High School in Columbus, Ohio. Mike Casey (guitar/vocals), Doug Tracy (guitar) and Bob McCarthy (drums) are WR class of 1967 graduates. John Green (bass), originally from Iowa and now living in Columbus, is an adopted WR grad, having married one of our WR '67 classmates, Sandy Noble.

In the mid-60's, Mike played in the Penetrations, a true classic garage band of the day. He plays guitar and is a gifted songwriter and he is currently a high school teacher on the east side of Columbus. The Penetrations' version of "Midnight Hour", recorded in 1966, can still be found today on garage band compilations.

Bob, our drummer, is also a veteran of the Columbus 60's garage band scene, beginning his musical odyssey as a member of the Deadlys. Over the years, Bob played continuously in bands around Central Ohio including the Myrchents, Crosswinds, Jamburger and Annie Oakley. Recordings by both the Deadlys and the Myrchents are still highly sought after by collectors.

John, 'Mr. Bassman', played in the 60's with the Trojans, a Des Moines, Iowa garage band. The Trojans recorded a handful of songs, none of which were ever released. However, two Trojan songs now appeared on the BeyondTheBeatGeneration internet playlist.

Doug picked up the guitar in the 60's and found himself jamming with friends and occasionally playing at parties and gatherings. Always fascinated with the Columbus area music scene, he became somewhat of a local music historian and now shares stories and artifacts about Columbus music on his ColumbusMusicHistory website.

As the Windrush journey began in 2004, the 4 founding members quickly melded in terms of musical tastes and preferences, but recognized early on that a true vocalist was needed for the band. We worked with a few vocalists without finding the right fit. Over time, we realized that Mike had hidden vocal talents and that Bob and Doug could still fill in vocally here and there, so we remain a unit of 4 without a dedicated vocalist (but we are still searching).

We eventually discovered that, as fun as it is to play the songs of our favorite artists, it is even more satisfying to write, develop and play originals. We began developing what has become a rapidly growing body of original songs, most of which we have recorded in our basement studio. We are eclectic in what styles we play, to say the least, and share a collective open mind as to what songs we decide to play. No era or style is off limits to us. If it rocks, swings and has something to say, we'll probably like it. In addition to our repertoire of original songs, we have worked up songs by everyone from Dion to Johnny Cash to Question Mark and The Mysterians to the Byrds. Good music has no boundaries.

Currently we are focusing on original songs, with a few covers that usually end up being twisted into something far from what we started with. By not focusing on playing in clubs or other venues, we have found a creative freedom to do what we like the way we like to do it. Maybe others will like what we do - we certainly hope so. And maybe we'll be invited to play a party or special event once in a while (as we have done a couple of times already). Whatever the case, it is a 'rush' to play and create music our way on our terms.

We are now in the process of professionally recording our favorites, beginning with originals, and have visions of a CD full of songs in the near future. Where all of this will lead is anyone's guess. We just know that it's a great ride and the possibilities are endless.