Jerry Jeff Walker's Bandito Band Reunion Sunday September 29, 2024

The Austin Museum of Popular Culture will hold its annual fundraiser on Sunday September 29, using the proceeds to produce programming and making acquisitions to the permanent collection. This year the event will be on Sunday, September 29 at Sagebrush Austin. Making it even more special is a featured reunion performance by the Bandito Band. The Bandito Band was formed in early 1977 and served as Jerry Jeff Walker's backing band from 1977-1982.

When Jerry Jeff's first Austin, TX-based backing group, The Lost Gonzo Band, went out on their own to seek fame and fortune, a new band was needed. Jerry Jeff was finishing up an album titled A Man Must Carry On. There were still a couple of songs to be recorded before the record was complete so Jerry Jeff and his management company contacted musicians Jerry Jeff had seen playing with other artists he'd shared billings with on shows around the country. Those contacted and invited to the recording sessions were guitarist Dave Perkins from Nashville, TN (Vassar Clements, Papa John Creach), guitarist Bobby Rambo from Dallas, TX (Five Americans, BW Stevenson), pedal steel guitar player Leo LeBlanc from Memphis,TN (John Prine), bass guitarist Ron Cobb from Boulder, CO (Michael Martin Murphy, Doug Kershaw) and drummer Freddie Steady Krc from Austin, TX (BW Stevenson).

After the sessions were completed, all mutually agreed there was something special about this combination of musicians. Jerry Jeff offered them a job with him and all musicians accepted. It was decided a keyboard player was necessary and Dave Perkins suggested his old friend Reese Wynans from Sarasota, FL. Reese had played with an early lineup of what became the Allman Brothers, Boz Scaggs and post-Jerry Jeff with Delbert McClinton, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble. He currently performs with Joe Bonamassa. Former Lost Gonzo Band saxophonist Tomas Ramirez came back on board and the Bandito Band was complete.

The Bandito Band played on the following records with Jerry jeff- "A Man Must Carry On" MCA Records, "Contrary To Ordinary" MCA Records, "Jerry Jeff" Electra Records, "Too Old To Change" Elektra Records, "Reunion" Elektra Records and "Cowjazz" Southcoast/MCA Records. By the late 70s/early 80s drummer Freddie Krc left the group but returned to play percussion on "Cowjazz". He was replaced on drums by Michael Clarke (Byrds, Flying Burrito Bros., Firefall). Steel guitarist Leo LeBlanc left and was replaced by Mike Hardwick.

This lineup of Bandito Band members will include Dave Perkins, Bobby Rambo, Mike Hardwick, Ron Cobb, Reese Wynans, Tomas Ramirez and Freddie Steady Krc. They will reform for this one special show taking place Sunday September 29, 2024 at the Sagebrush in Austin, TX from 1 to 6pm. All proceeds will benefit the museum. Tickets are $35.

Host or Publisher Leea C Mechling