1990-93?
Demo cassette (low generation) > CD-R (0)
Band members at the time of these demos -
James Mastro - Acoustic and electric guitar, harmonica, spoons, vocals
Vinny DeNunzio - Drums, percussion, vocals
Tony Shanahan - Bass, piano, organ, accordion, vocals
Kerryn Tolhurst - Dobro, guitar, mandolin, lap steel guitar
Todd Reynolds - Violin, fiddle
and possibly other musicians included.
Tracks 1, 3, 7, 8 & 9 appeared commercially on 'Tonic' (1993)
Tracks 4 & 6 appeared commercially on 'Instant Living'(1995)
Tracks 2, 5 & 10 do not appear on any of their three albums
Their bio as told by James Mastro:
The Health & Happiness Show started with me and Vinny sitting around his kitchen singing Hank Williams' songs and drinking beer. We'd both been in bands that over the course of years had record deals, were close to getting record deals, or one showcase away from getting a record deal. Needless to say, our view of the music biz was a bit sour. These "kitchen-table hootenannies" kind of reintroduced me to what playing music was supposed to be about. Started getting together with other friends around their kitchen tables, and realized if I pushed all the tables together, had the makings of a band-a band that wanted to play just to play-not to get a record deal. We booked a show (2 years ago), had a good time, and booked another. Tony Shanahan joined the band when his best friend, Graham Maby, recommended he fill his spot while away touring. Tony in turn suggested to his friend Kerry Tolhurst, a multi-instrumentalist, to sit in with Health & Happiness at a show at Paddy Reilly's. Kerryn, never hearing the songs before, played them better than the rest of the band. I asked him if he'd like to play with us again. He did - and does. Todd Reynolds was friends with original H & H fiddler, Sean Grissom, and had joined the H & H show onstage a few times. When it became known Todd had a car, I asked him to join. There were no auditions, ads in papers...everyone just kind of gravitated toward each other- for the music, and the idea of playing for the fuck of it.
There's nothing like endless sucking up to the music biz corporate mothership to take the joy out of playing music. Endless showcasing, the dangled carrot of "liked the tape, when are you playing out?" "It's good I'd like to hear more" or just simply "interesting". Jim Mastro found himself in this situation in the late 80's. He was close, so close... he had a developement deal... a publishing contract... a Best Unsigned band award from Musician and East Coast Rocker Battle of the Bands but he didn't have that deal. What he did have was hundreds of showcases at CBGB's ...in disgust he broke up the band (Strange Cave) and focused on production. When he would reenter the arena in the 90's it was strictly for fun. The Health & Happiness Show got its name from the old Hank Williams' radio show, that was sponsored by Hadacol, a magic elixir that was 1/2 alcohol, and quite popular in the dry counties down South. Our early get togethers, beer and music, was our elixir, our 'Tonic' (the name of their first album). That's what these songs are to me - tonic. On tour, we've played with everyone from Kirsty MacColl to Marty Balin to Barenaked Ladies, and somehow fit in with all those audiences.
Band members brief history -
James Mastro - 17-19 years old, member of The Bongos - 2 records for RCA; Strange Cave - RCA demo deal; produced lots of local bands
Tony Shanahan - played with Johu Cale; Hearts & Minds, Slaves Of New Brunswick, and others; now longtime member of Patti Smith's band
Vinny DeNunzio - original Feelies drummer; then Richard Hell band
Kerryn Tolhurst - member of Australian band The Dingoes; wrote hits for Pat Benatar & Little River Band
Todd Reynolds - played violin with Steve Reich and others
James Mastro and Vinny DeNunzio were the only constants for all three
Health And Happiness Show albums.