Blackberry Way Records

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The Robert Wilkinson Band

Lost and Found

The Robert Wilkinson band was formed in the early 1990's with Ben Kaplan, Bob Burns & Gary Snow joining Robert in his new endeavor. The band performed locally in Twin Cities clubs as well as music festivals like St. Paul’s RiverFest. The band was picked to serve as Chuck Berry’s back-up band at the final incarnation of RiverFest in 1990.

In 1991 the band recorded “Lost and Found” at Blackberry Way and sadly the record was not released as the band broke up. Now Remastered by Michael Owens @ Blackberry Way and Andy Walter @ Abbey Road “Lost and Found” finally sees the light of day.

“I had a chance to listen to the Robert Wilkinson Band recordings and after just a couple of plays so far, I love every track. These recordings coulda been recorded years ago, coulda been yesterday. This is timeless stuff”. Peter Jesperson-Twin/Tone Records co-founder/A&R“

Fingerprints

Where The Beat Goes On

24 Tracks from 1977-1979 Newly Restored and mixed by Michael Owens @ Blackberry Way and Mastered by Andy Walter @ Abbey Road 2022

"I really loved Fingerprints. They were such an under-appreciated band. They had a rockin’ feel. Their live shows were incredible with the lead singer doing backflips during the show". David Pirner/Soul Asylum

"The Fingerprints record sounds amazing--so tight, punchy, and spirited. I'll definitely play on my show tomorrow!"

Kevin Cole-KEPX Seattle Wa

"For a band that remained little known outside its hometown, Fingerprints made forceful, fast, diverse and forward-sounding music. With respectable songwriting and solid musicianship (including occasional sax and keyboards), augmented here by a dynamic 2022 remix, they offer high-energy rock and roll of the sort Eddie and the Hot Rods (“Kind Affection”) and the Damned (“Don’t Wanna Talk”) were making around the same time."

Ira Robbins-Trouser Press

The April Fools

Wonderland

Released in 2021

Wonderland, the fourth effort by The April Fools reflects the ongoing evolution of composition from the band in their established eclectic fashion - featuring lush harmonies and exquisite guitar interplay sure to captivate diehard fans as well as first time listeners. From the opening notes of Loretta Lane to the closing refrain of Another Go Around, The April Fools take you on a journey of imagination, heartbreak and loss, pandemic voodoo, and even a robbery gone wrong in a blend of Classic Rock meets Americana in a style unique unto themselves.

"Listened to The April Fools new album and I think it's outstanding. I love how it kicked into gear right from the top"- Peter Jesperson

Minnesota quintet, The April Fools, dive deep into the musical rabbit hole on their fourth album, Wonderland. Combining 90’s indie Rock, 60’s psychedelic rock, outlaw country and a sprinkling of jazz, The April Fools create a mind-bending soundscape that defies easy classification.

Brian Rock-Turnstyled, Junkpiled-Roots Music Magazine

Released in 2019. Now boasting over 100,000 streams on Spotify. The bonus track 14 South 5th Street Blues closes out the Jay's Longhorn Documentary as credits roll. The track features a reunion with members of Fingerprints. Special Guests include Chris Osgood-Suicide Commandos & the Dean of Scream Curtiss A

Released in 2019. Members of this all-star lineup have rich histories that include work with Lowell George of Little Feat, Link Wray, Jessie Mae Hemphill, Chuck Berry, Roy Buchanan, The Hard Left, The Flamin’ Oh’s, Tetes Noires, and Robert Palmer, AND have appearances on Austin City Limits and The Tonight Show on their credits.

Swing Set’s 1993 release DIG found the opening track THE HERO in regular rotation @ Cities 97 in Minneapolis. Several songs from the bands catalog have been placed in TV shows including “Stranger Things & The OA” on NetFlix, “Red Oaks”on Amazon & “Young Sheldon” on CBS

Released in 1988 & remastered in 2014. The tracks range from 1984-1988. Six of the bands featured on this compilation have placements in TV shows including "Kidding" on Showtime, "Red Oaks" on Amazon, "Wicked City" on ABC TV, "Stranger Things" & "The OA" on Net Flix and "Young Sheldon" on CBS plus placements with Play Network & Mood Media two of the biggest providers of music for the retail environments internationally.

Released in 1985 to rave reviews & radio airplay. Remastered 2021. Inventive and infectious….CMJ Music Report Futures "Another intelligentsia beckons from the Twin Cities pop arpeggio. The Semantics “Bwana Junction” (Blackberry Way) bristles with ideas, energy and calculated smarts".Bill Asp/ Duckberg Times New West Indies