Black Water Remedy

History

In 2000, Kerry Jackson, Rich Charlton, Jim Van Streader and former drummer Tim Schmitt launched the KrakSmokin Grannies.  The band, who later featured drummers Gary Bruzzese (of the Glen Campbell band), and in 2007 Pete Cummings (KSLX FM Rock DJ); have been together ever since. In Spring of 2009, KSG was re-named ‘Black Water Remedy’. They all consider themselves very fortunate to be in a truly rare band experience, in which all members are friends who actually love playing music together. This spirit of cooperation, combined with great musicianship and vocals, results in kick-ass live shows; and makes ‘Black Water Remedy’ the “must-see” band in Arizona.

Kerry Jackson - Vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar

Kerry Jackson

Kerry K. Jackson has been a local music legend in the Phoenix Valley area since he was a teenager. Also, he began drawing and painting at age three; and has drawn all the bands artwork & posters. Ever since Kerry picked up his first guitar at age 11, he has not stopped playing. Kerry has made a career from performing live music (in bands, duets, and as a solo artist). He is also a professional studio and recording musician, vocalist, arranger, composer and producer with decades of experience. He plays (and loves) all types of music on many instruments, such as guitar, bass, piano/keyboards, drums, harmonica, and most stringed instruments. He is a consummate performer and entertainer, and has fronted literally dozens of live bands since the 7th grade.

In fact, Kerry’s ‘day job’ is working in his home studio or at other local recording studios. On nights and weekends, he performs live. He collaborates with local musicians, producing, arranging, singing and playing on their recording projects. Over the years he’s contributed to dozens of CD’s by artists such as: Gin Blossoms, Meat Puppets, Chuck Hall and Brick Wall, Ronnie Montrose; and too many more to mention here. (See our ‘Friends of the band’ page.) Also, since 2002, Kerry has been the Musical Director and one-man band, for “Mrs. B’s Story Time…with a Twist!”. Kerry’s first solo CD “Beat the Meatles” (on which he plays and sings all tracks) has recently been re-released on Rexomatic Records. In this last decade he has collaborated in works from country music, rock, rap, blues, soul and reggae to children’s music. (See KerryKJackson.com for full bio)

Rich Charlton - Lead vocals, guitar

Rich Charlton

Rich has been playing music for about as long as he can remember. He first started playing guitar at 6 years old by banging away on an old acoustic guitar that his grandfather brought over from Italy. In high school, all of Rich’s musician friends and band mates wanted to be the next Eddie Van Halen, Angus Young or Randy Rhoads, so Rich was forced to step up the mic. Hence, a leader singer was born.

Rich’s earliest influences were all the records he would play over and over on his grandmother’s old record player. Motown records, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Elvis, you name it. He loved it all. He would strum along on his grandfather’s guitar while his brother banged away on a chair with two wooden spoons. In his teens, Rich really got into the rock music of the 70s. For Rich, that was the best era in music, and probably the most influential.

Today Rich gets to play with so many great musicians. His cohorts in Black Water Remedy of course, his pals from the Suits, as well as his original project, Crane Street. It has been an amazing musical journey. Rich is glad to have met so many incredible people, and is thankful for every moment he gets to do what he loves. He feels very fortunate indeed.

Jim Van Streader - Bass

Jim Van Streader

Moving to the Phoenix area in 1999, Jim quickly teamed up with band members Kerry Jackson and Richard Charlton to form the original nucleus of what was to become the legendary Kraksmokin Grannies (known today as Black Water Remedy). Jim has been immersed in music in one form or another all his life. Piano lessons at 4, trumpet through grade school and college, he then switched to electric bass. Jim plays for several local area bands, and does freelance studio and corporate calls. By day Jim builds pro audio loudspeakers for local clubs and music venues. When not playing you might find him behind the mixing board for a local act.

Pete Cummings - Drums

Pete Cummings

Pete started his maligned musical aspirations at the tender age of 5, beginning piano lessons to compete with his sister. After ten years of straining through keys, scales & fugues he realized drumming was far easier & played in the Brattleboro Union High School hoodlum rock/blues outfit, “Gunpowder Tea” for three years. Far outclassed by his other bandmates, Pete decided to continue tainting the collective musical subconscious from the West Coast. After two substantially sub-par years at The University of Vermont, Pete clawed his way into Arizona State University where he sought a Broadcasting Degree & Tempe music-scene floozies. Stints with forgettable local bands “Echo House” and “The Housewreckers” ensued. At least he got the degree in December of 1993 and began part-time on-air duties at Sonoran Desert 100,000-watt blowtorch AOR, 98KUPD-FM. Between KUPD, sister station KDKB and currently at 100.7 KSLX, Pete has done it all: nights, afternoons and mornings for a 17-year radio career that has made his name synonymous with rock music in Phoenix, Arizona. Pete joined Black Water Remedy in the spring of 2007 & is enjoyin’ rockin’ with one of Arizona’s most notorious & popular rock bands.

Special Thanks & Credits

The band would like to acknowledge and thank our two former drummers, Tim Schmitt and Gary Bruzzese, for all their years of hard work and talent. They are both great musicians who’s contribution to the band has been immeasurable towards our long and ongoing success.

When we first formed the band in 1999, it was with Tim Schmitt as our drummer; who went on to record and play with an original band, and has since earned his certification as a helicopter pilot. Gary Bruzzese has been the drummer for Glen Campbell and his band for over 20 years. He has also enjoyed a busy schedule during his long career, working with many local and national touring bands (as well as television and recording studios). We appreciate both Tim and Gary’s talent and continuing friendship throughout the years. We happily welcome them whenever they visit our gigs or sit in as our guest drummer; when needed.

Also, we would like to thank our good friend and fellow musician Marconias, who has been our guest harmonica player frequently throughout these many years.

A special thanks goes out to Penny and Rick Wall, from Zonal Music Group, for all their promotion and contributions to our success. Rick, as our devoted supporter from the beginning, with the KSG band (now known as BWR), who is still one of our biggest fans; and Penny for all her hard work and graphic talent that goes into our website. Thank you!

Finally, we’d like to thank all our friends, families and devoted fans who helped us get here, (too many to list). We would like them to know how much we appreciate all of them. Without their love and support, through many years and hundreds of gigs; there would be no band.