For People Who Make Music, and For People Who Love Music
Serving the Pennsylvania Music Industry since 1982
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JONNIE CHIMPO:
CHIMPIN’ AIN’T EASY
by Rachel Rocks
Jonnie Chimpo is a party rock band based out of Etters, PA. “Party Rock” is the best description I can come up with to describe their music. It’s a party at a Jonnie Chimpo show but they are playing more of the modern/harder rock songs than the top 40 pop. It’s songs you recognize but it’s just not your typical party band music. I’ve only seen Jonnie Chimpo twice, but both times the guys in the crowd were doing more jumping, shouting, and dancing than the women, although trust me, the women were liking it all because the guys were into the music and having a great time and the women got to sit back and watch the show. Top hits “So Cold” and “Helter Skelter” mixed in with hits “F**k You” by Cee-Lo Green, “Animal” and “Sober” by Tool. It’s music that we know and love, just not what you would typically expect by the area party bands. All of the guys can sing which is a big hit for me. I love hearing the harmonies and when they take over the lead they can also help relieve Bob of all the vocal responsibilities.
For the interview I got a chance to sit down with three out of the five members, lead singer, Bob Patterson, guitarist, Brady Fantasie, and guitarist, Tim Yinger. Their bassist, Greg Allen and brand new drummer, Jimmy Everly couldn’t make it. Jonnie Chimpo has been out hitting area stages for the past 2 years with a couple of band member changes along the way. Bob, Brady and Tim have all been together the entire time. Greg has been with the band for about a year, and Jimmy just joined the band full time. Some people might recognize Jimmy from the band Negative Space. Don’t worry, he’s still playing with Negative Space too, but because of their limited schedule he can juggle both bands.
How in the world did they come up with Jonnie Chimpo as a name? They were asked to play a friend’s benefit and needed a name for the roster so they were running out of time and needed something quickly. Like most men I know they were sitting around talking about one of their favorite movies Super Troopers laughing about the Afghanistan monkey who does a lot of naughty things and somehow Jonnie Chimpo came from that. They were honestly going to change their name after that first gig, but they got such a great response, they decided to stick with it and they’ve been Jonnie Chimpo ever since.
Bob Patterson, the lead singer, has been singing now for over 10 years. He decided to become a singer to help out the music community (insert laughing here). In all honesty he is thrilled to be playing with such great musicians because obviously singing with great musicians makes you a better singer. They have really been able to construct their set list around Bob’s vocal abilities and that is a huge plus. They don’t expect him to sing anything his voice can’t handle. Bob has been in bands long enough to see the upswings and downslides of the music industry throughout the area. No matter what happens, he will always be a lifelong musician.
Brady Fantasie has been playing the guitars for the past 15 years. His Dad played guitar and one day he was bored so he thought he’d try it out. He pretty much taught himself how to play besides for the additional help from his Dad and band mates. He’s played in a few different bands throughout the years but none of them have gotten as far as Jonnie Chimpo.
Tim Yinger has been playing music for about 15 years too, but he’s skipped around with his instruments. He started out playing his brothers jazz band drums and eventually picked up the guitar. He then thought the bass only had 4 strings so that must be easier to play (insert another laugh here). He played bass with the band Random Allies for a while and that’s who helped Jonnie Chimpo get into a lot of the local clubs especially in the York and Lancaster areas. Jonnie Chimpo actually opened for Random Allies. When Jonnie Chimpo was looking for another guitar player, Tim decided to hop back up to the six string and play guitar where he’s been rockin’ ever since.
Greg Allen has been playing guitar for about 18 years and bass for five yrs. He was an MTV junkie when he was a kid in the early years when they actually had music videos. He got to see a real electric guitar close up (next door neighbor had one), he thought it was the RADDEST (it was '84, after all) thing ever. He
switched to bass in '06. When he auditioned he was against the girl who would become his wife...but of course they chose him, probably because she never tried out.
A direct quote from their newest member, Jimmy Everly on drums: “I R Jimmy. I playz drumh.z. all Jimmy no R drumH.z...end store-e.” Ironically enough, when he was a youngin' he wanted to play the saxophone. It all started with a special segment on Sesame Street about how saxophones are made. He thought it was the coolest thing! The day finally came that he got to pick what instrument he wanted to play, and logically he picked the drums. Wait, what?! Why? He has no idea, instant change of heart? All drummers have a little A.D.D. in them, his struck at the perfect moment. That was back when he was 10, so he has been playing for 15 - 16 years now. He also plays the guitar (10 - 11 years) and the bass (12 - 13 years). His drumming is by far his talent and his passion, and therefore is (what he believes to be) his calling. Drumming is who he is and what he does. His biggest claim to fame and proudest achievement so far is being part of recording Negative Space’s album “Storylines” and contributing two songs as a songwriter. The other guys in the band are thrilled to have Jimmy playing with them. He provides the discipline to playing and practices that they desperately needed. They can’t wait to see how Jonnie Chimpo evolves with his guidance.
All of the guys wanted to make sure and thank their dedicated fans and fellow bands for being so supportive and helping them get into clubs throughout the area and beyond. They also wanted to thank Jen Patterson, Bob’s wife, for being the most dedicated fan, coming to every show possible and for being there for any support or help they may need along the way. They also wanted to thank their sponsors the Brewer’s Outlet of York and Denmother Music for all of their support.
Check out Jonnie Chimpo’s schedule in this issue to find out where you can become a part of their Rock Party! They are playing throughout York, Lancaster, and beyond! They are also playing on the houseboat on Raystown Lake on July 2nd. You can also check them out online they are on all of your favorite Social Network sites under “Jonnie Chimpo” or you can simply check them out and see their full schedule at www.jonniechimpo.com.
