OE T’s only $15, click on logo
OE Email List
Dave plays a smokin’ trap kit!
August 10, 2010Old Empire Loves Tacos…
August 4, 2010
By gabe in Etc., Press & News
and we want the world to know it! Hour Detroit did a piece called Rocker Recipes in their August issue. I submitted a recipe for skirt steak and cousa squash tacos. I made them when Mark, the writer, came by. Dan took a picture. Check it out. – Gabe
Them Changes
August 2, 2010
By Dan in Band
…as in Old Empire is going through them now. Ace bassist Tom James has moved on and we wish him the best. We are currently searching for someone who can fill the rather large empty shoes in the room. Have no fear, OE will be restocked and rejuvenated soon!
On the Trap Kit
June 3, 2010
By Tom in Band
Please welcome Mr. Dave Knepp as the newest member of Old Empire. Dave is a Detroit rock scene veteran having played drums for many bands including The Sights, Mitch Ryder and most recently 750cc Moto Music. We are happy to have Dave aboard and we are working hard to get back on stage soon.
Changes
May 22, 2010
By Tom in Band
Old Empire would like to officially announce that Daniel Kanka (drums) and Shaun Wisniewski (keys) have left the band. We played many great shows with these two, with a lot of great memories. We wish them both the very best. We hope you continue to support them, as we are sure they will both be on the Detroit scene again soon with other projects. The rest of Old Empire are looking forward to building our new line-up and being back on the stage again as soon as possible. We are continuing work on our new recordings with Dave Feeny over at The Tempermill. See you soon!
By Tom in Live
We’re playing this Saturday at The Majestic Cafe with Spitting Nickels. They’re celebrating the release of their latest record, Stop Don’t/Yes. The Crooks open the evening.
Related show
The Runaway Suns & Old Empire at Small’s
March 22, 2010
By gabe in Live
I know it’s a Sunday, but you should really check this show out. It’s an early-ish show, and The Runaway Suns are very rad. (Check them out here.) We’ll get you to bed by a reasonable hour. We promise. Cool vid also --
Related show
Gots to have that rhythm #1!
March 4, 2010
By Tom in Etc.
So here we are finally at the end! My pick for the Top Rhythm Section of Pop, Rock and Soul is Tom James and Danny Kanka of Old Empire, perhaps the greatest Post-Machiavellian SoulCore band ever.
JK!
1. 
James Jamerson/Benny Benjamin and others -- Motown
Toiling in obscurity at Motown studios in Detroit, the Funk Brothers laid down the groove for a sound that would literally change the musical landscape. Starting in 1959. it is estimated that James Jamerson played bass on more #1 hits than the Beatles. Sadly it was only after his premature death in 1983 that he received any real recognition, having never been officially credited on a Motown recording until 1971. Benny Benjamin was Jamerson’s usual side kick on the drums until his death in 1969. Bob Babbit was another Motown bassist that played on many tracks, most notably Marvin Gaye’s Mercy, Mercy Me Here is a live clip with Jamerson on bass:
