Cool Waters run deep, thirsty supporters hit bar

Ben Rodgers

Fourth Estate

Commentary

Amid the lingering cigarette smoke, the pitchers of beer and the plethora of twinkling holiday lights, the pounding sound check of the Cool Waters Band echoed throughout the aged walls of Lazy Geckos in downtown De Pere.

A steady and consistent fan base has been pouring in for the past two hours and ordering a drink proves to be an increasingly daunting task.

All of this for a group of normal looking guys. Greg Waters, the lead singer, rhythm guitar player and collaborator looks normal enough with a T-shirt for “The Joint” on his back and some neo-modern Weezer-style glasses. His brother Dan also plays lead guitar in the band and seemed more low-key, but adamant as ever about pleasing the group of supporters. 

“We joke around a lot. We play the good kind of music. You might not like every song, but we’re not stuck in what’s happening today,” Waters said. “We’re not trying to be the hippest band around.”

Sometimes things happen that you never strive for, for example putting off studying for a test, and still getting that high mark, or how one drink turns into 12. But judging from the posse of loyal fans holding up their glasses and screaming loudly after songs, the Cool Waters Band has become the hippest band around, at least to the ever-growing crowd that follows them from bar to bar.

In 2005, the Cool Waters Band won a Wisconsin Area Music Industry “Peoples Choice” award. Last year they were nominated again, as well as their new album, “A Rose Petal to the Metal.”

All of the ingredients fit into place that night on Dec. 9. A bass player, Levi Douma with movement and energy, and a tenor saxophone to add that touch of class that almost always seems to be lacking from the bar scene. All were underlined by the tight rhythm of Matt Gieseke on drums.

Thoughtful covers of the O.A.R. and Bob Marley impose the enjoyment of the group’s original material and seem to whip the increasingly tipsy throng of people into a frenzy of support, admiration and praise.

“Their own music is so versatile as well,” said Eric Foote, bartender at Lazy Geckos. “You can tell it’s a Cool Waters Band song, but it’s got a little twist to it.”

Shane Hardwick, whose side project Hot Tractor played our campus last year, exploded on some songs, with the tight prominent solos that make music enjoyable to listen to. Playing with talented keyboard skills and flashing some Billy Preston genius, Hardwick added another dimension to the tunes as a group of thirsty supporters engulfed me at my bar stool.

By this time, seeing the music I was hearing became a rather difficult task. I could still hear the spacey Sublime-ish groove, the creeping keyboard riffs, and the blues infused Latin tinges of music. Exchanging solos brought the complete solidarity of the group together. It was cloud nine, and it wasn’t even midnight.

“We totally feed off the vibe, the crowd energy, the club atmosphere, believe it or not — even down to bartenders, bouncers and managers,” Waters said. “I think that ultimately if everything is there for that night, that’s our favorite place to play.”

With that attitude, it’s no wonder the band is so enjoyable to experience. Cool Waters Band played at the 10,000 Lakes Festival, a regional showcase of some of the best bands in this area. They also played the holiday party for The Onion down in Milwaukee. During the warmer months, the group frequents Jimmy Seas on Broadway and helped the restaurant win a Golden Fork Award for best live entertainment. 

“They are doing their own thing and having a good time,” Foote said. “They still play to people that enjoy their music. (They’re) not the Top-40 type of band.”

So next time you feel parched, float on down and experience some of that cool, cool water. In the meantime, the river is always flowing online. You can check out some songs and listen for yourself at coolwatersband.com. Nothing, however, is quite like a live concert.