High Street Jack formed from the remnants of a previous band in 2019. Jack, Bob, Ray, and Andrew (former rhythm guitarist) found themselves without a bass player after their former bassist spontaneously combusted. Scientists believe that the rare event may have been caused by an overly sensitive hearing aid. Not wanting to cancel the shows that were already booked, the founding members of High Street Jack embarked upon a frantic search for a new bass player. Initially, the search was quite bleak, given that most of the world's bass players have either already spontaneously combusted (i.e., retired) or are already playing in more bands than they have time for. The obvious solution was to seek a bass player who was out of this world. So, they placed an advertisement in the inter-planetary classifieds (i.e., Jack sent a text message) . . . and Jason Voyles showed up. To hear how it turned out, just listen to the EP, Live On High Street.

Shortly after resolving the bass player crisis, the band took on its new name, High Street Jack. Immediately after that, their rhythm guitarist left the band, leaving a very tall void . . . as he was well over 6 feet tall. It was clear that something was missing. After a long search for the right fit, John Gentle "slid" right into place. Even though his height was just about average, John's tasteful slide guitar work was the extraordinary ingredient that the band really needed.

About the Founding Members:

Jack and Ray were brought together by their mutual friend and former bassist (may he golf in peace) when the three of them first came together for a recreational jam session. Ray, a recently retired hardass-supervisor, was energized by the group's potential and immediately began to push for excellence. As a result, 3-part vocal harmonies quickly became a signature element of the group. Ray was encouraged by their progress, but still wanted to achieve a fuller sound. Jack suggested his friend Bob, who had never played in a band before, despite developing his excellent musical abilities at an early age. 

Jack had an early start in music, recording and releasing his first CD with the hard rock band Diesel when he was only 19. After working at A&M Recording studios in his early twenties, he abandoned his musical career, fearing that it would lead to a life of poverty. His musical passions were reawakened nearly two decades later as he began to play in local jam sessions around the Bloomington area. Thankfully, his career as a corporate manager has provided the funds necessary to sustain his musical habit. 

UPDATE 2024: Ray Martindale retires and High Street Jack stumbles onto the multitalented Brandon Rutherford who is capable of holding down a steady groove while belting out high harmony vocals.