With over 550 shows, 4 releases, and 12 tours across two continents since their formation in 2009, Mad Dog and the Smokin' Js have established themselves as one of the busiest road bands in Colorado. High-energy delivery and powerful songwriting propel the power trio's reputation as a premier Denver based roots rock'n'roll/ honky-tonk band. Be sure to check out MDSJ's forth release "Wired and Tired" (15¢/HighFive! Records) available now!
MDSJ have appeared at festivals, such as Sturgis Rally, V.L.V, Hog Rock River Rally, Vail Octoberfest, Farm Fest, and Snowdaze. MDJS have played with O.A.R., Reverend Horton Heat, Black Oak Arkansas, Gallagher, Randy McAlister, Hazel Miller, Confederate Railroad, The Chop Tops, The Dusty 45's, Three Bad Jacks, Mad Max & the Wild Ones, Fang, Commander Cody, Hillbilly Hellcats, The Railbenders, and many more.
Mad Dog and the Smokin' Js was founded in Denver, Colorado by drummer Mike 'Mad Dog' Minnick in late 2008. Minnick, intending to shape a high energy roots rock'n'roll sound, found the help of guitarist and singer Joe Clark and bass player Jay Shewman. Although short lived, the original trio dropped MDSJ's first release on ¢15/Hi-Five! Records, "Live @ 7680'", which combined powerful modern rock riffs with rockabilly and honky-tonk to create a unique taste to the Colorado roots scene. Upon the departure of Shewman in mid 2009, Mad Dog called on the assistance of current MDSJ bassist and vocalist Johnny Kongo and continued to set out on MDSJ's first tour in late 2009. Early 2010 saw MDSJ's second release "Fuel for the Fire" (¢15/Hi-Five! Records), and was followed by the bands first West Coast tour. Guitarist Clark left the band in late 2010 and MDSJ set out on their second west coast tour with Denver Guitarist Norm 'Jeffro' Frazier. After 151 shows in 2010, the band introduced their third release, "Live" (¢15/Hi-Five! Records), in early 2011 on the cusp of a vigorous 3 month tour that included the west/mid-west U.S. and Europe. The band found good success with the release which drifted away from the power rock to a more surf roots and rockabilly sound. This sound was further enhanced with the appointment of but seemed cut short with the leave of Frazier, but lead to the acquisition of current guitarist and singer Jay Nasty. The sound again evolved to a wider spectrum of country roots and punk rock influence with their forth release, "Wired and Tired" (2011 15¢/HighFive Records). After 212 shows in 2011, the band keeps driving ahead with 3 US tours thus far in 2012. MDSJ worked with Brian James Parton for a couple of these tours and has since brought the shredding guitar skills of Rex Moser aka Colfax Slim on for their third Western US tour of 2012. The band is currently booked for 12 shows in Sturgis in August.
MDSJ is currently touring with their forth release and working on their fifth; due out for release in late 2012.
