Wendy Miller - Vocals
Jason Bilderback - Rhythm Guitar
Mike Becker - Lead Guitar
Chris Johnson - Bass
Ted Eakins - Bass
Greg Bilderback - Drums
Adrian Heydel - Drums
As Minus One Willie was attempting to gain a following based of the Musical vision of its founder Deborah Huff, Michael and his brother Ted Eakins (bass/vocals) became dissatisfied with the direction of the band and lack of creative input they had into the songwriting process. With the combined writing talents of Mike and Ted, they went out in search of the perfect musical pairings to create a band that had versatility, and would be able to take their creative visions to fruition.
Starting as a Power Trio with drummer Adrian Heydel, the trio found an instant ability to create dramatic, powerful music of a kind much sought after in the pacific NW. But they felt incomplete.
One night, at Michael J's restaurant and bar in Port Orchard, WA, Ted found a singer doing Karoake (hosted by Robert Becker of Sound Productions, Las Vegas NV) who had the voice and stage presence that was needed to front this new musical entity. Upon approaching Wendy, she had but one request, that her boyfriend Jason be allowed to play guitar for them. It was at once agreed that an audition be in order, and the group got together for the first time as a five piece. The connection was instant as all members instantly began to play off of each other. Jason's unusual guitar chord structure and solid rhythm playing were a perfect complement to Mike's soulful lead work. Wendy's voice had a smooth gracefulness that could instantly become agressive as the song required. And Adrians solid drumming and technical skill proved the perfect backbone with Ted's smooth bass lines. It seemed the perfect band had been created. The new 5 five piece had 5 songs created and down pat within the first two practices, and immediately began to setup live gigs in the local area.
In December of 1996, they entered the
studio to record their first demo. In less than a week, 6 tracks were recorded,
but Adrians personal life was beginning to interfere with the band, and it was
decided that he would need to be replaced. But finding a replacement was found
to easier than it was though, as Jason's brother Greg was an accomplished
drummer, and he was brought in during the final stages of recording, and played
drums on the track "Unlikely". He was in like flint. He had a stage flair that
showed in his energy, and was phenomenally skilled. The Group continued to play
every week at clubs from Tacoma to Bremerton and gained quite a following, and
even had airplay on 107.7 The End's local music show.
Unfortunately, family troubles and hectic schedules began to take it's toll on Ted, who began to suffer from alcoholism. It was decided that in order for the band to maintain the family vibe and for the band to continue, that Ted would have to part ways with the band. A local bass player who was well known in the area from his band "Doink" was recruited to fill the vacant bass slot. Chris Johnson fit right in, and his incredibly diverse bass talents lent well to the bands versatile approach.
After aproximately 1.5 months with the band, they once again entered the studio to record a full lenth album this time, entitled "Just add Water", a reference to the ease with which the band came together. Unfortunately, this wonderful recording was never to make it to market, as soon after, due to creative differences, Mike felt the need to leave the band to pursue other musical ventures. Shortly following, Chris left the band for personal reasons, but as i've recently found the band has carried on in the form of Test Proof Positive. I'm attempting to get some info regarding them.
