E is for Epic             ... a distinctly original band

Eric Wennerstrand

– Vocals, Guitars

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Jim Korn

-- Bass, Backing Vocals

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Christopher Ulbrich

-- Drums & Percussion

 

BIOS:

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SINGER / SONGWRITER / GUITARS:

Eric Wennerstrand  (AKA Mr. E)

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Eric studied flamenco guitar at age 8 and this accounts for the percussive and pummeling portions of his guitar style. Eric was exposed to broad variety of Classical Music and Modern Music by his father and brother and this led him to study classical music composition in college. Eric says that this early exposure gave him a broad musical pallet.

 

After college, Eric played in various bands in Northern California including The Grunge Band, N.U.G. and Surreal Humans in Tune. After moving to Brookfield Wisconsin, he helped form the Rock Bands Benzona, and Von Din. His Bass playing with Benzona gained him recognition by the music blog The Rhythm Authority; among great artists such as Barry Sparks of the Band Dokken. In recent years Eric sharpened his metal guitar skills with band Beer Fish. He gained experience performing on large concert stages at the Milwaukee Summerfest, opening for Foghat, with The Freddie Band and with Von Din at the Milwaukee Germanfest.

 

In 2011 Eric began work on his acoustic Alt. Rock project E is For Epic, when he drew upon musical influences from Psychedelic, Punk, Metal, Hard Rock and Grunge genres. Influences sighted include Radio Head, Bob Dylan, and early Pink Floyd. Eric says he also borrows musical ideas from classical, folk and pop music. He says, "I try to keep the music I write sounding fresh and current. I do so by listening to new and modern music and integrating those sounds into my own music palette."

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ON BASS: JIM KORN

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Jim Korn started on oboe for 3 years because his parents wanted him to learn to play an instrument in the school band, and learning to play some rock songs on it, Jim’s father finally had enough and took him to trade his oboe for a guitar.  Jim’s father played bass and sang for The Outspoken Blues in the 60’s in Illinois, and was part of their release on Orlyn Records. He sang the song ‘Not Right Now’ which was re-released as part of the Back From The Grave series of records. His eclectic record collection is what started Jim’s love of music and gave him his foundation in rock and soul music.

 

Through high school Jim studied guitar through private lessons starting with Rex Carroll, who is best known for his work with the band Whitecross.  It was in high school that Jim began learning music theory, and was part of his first recording band, The Sinks, who were awarded 4 hours of studio time for winning the high school battle of the bands.

From there, he went to Millikin University where he studied guitar performance and was taught by Manley Mallard and Russel Brazel.  While there, Jim was nominated and accepted entrance into Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the world's oldest and largest fraternal society in music.

 

After college and back in Milwaukee, Jim contributed to a vibrant blues jam scene; and drawing on his bass influences, such as Greg Ridley of Humble Pie and Gary Thain of Uriah Heep, he was able to bring some rock to the blues that he was playing. Also in Milwaukee, Jim worked on original music; recording and performing with Stacks Edward Band, Daniel Nathan Band and Kenny Todd's Memphis Knights. He was also called in to record with Mojo Perry, where he worked with Chris Duarte and Victor DeLorenzo. He has performed at Summerfest, Jakefest, Bay View Bash, Summer Soulstice and many local venues, including hosting the blues jam at Mamie’s with local blues legend Stokes for over 8 years.  

 

Jim currently performs with Stacks Edward Band, Kenny Todd's Memphis Knights, Kenny Sunshine & The Shadows, and kindie-rock band Ms. Jen & The Jellyfish.  Jim joined E is for Epic in February of 2018 and is excited to perform the original music and eclectic covers that this endeavor brings.

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ON DRUMS & PERCUSSION :

CHRISTOPHER ULBRICH

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Chris is a drummer with professional experience in a variety of contemporary musical styles. Growing up in northeast Wisconsin, he learned from some of the most talented and successful drummers in the Midwest.

 

He immersed himself in the intricacies of rock, funk and Latin with musician Peter Buxman; whose claims to fame include placing 4th in the world in the DCI individuals snare drum competition and helping set the Guinness world record for longest drum roll by a group. Chris further studied drum set and hand percussion under musician Mark Powers, who has played with artists as diverse as Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen and Rolling Stones saxophonist Tim Ries.

 

Chris specializes in a style of groove-based playing which draws influences from everywhere, including dance and Latin rhythms and bombastic classic rock beats. A diverse musician, he plays drum set and various forms of hand percussion including djembe, bongos and congas. He enjoys practicing and playing difficult compositions in a variety of settings and genres.

 

While Chris currently performs full time with the SE Wisconsin country band BMR; he continues as an honorary member of E is for Epic. Since Chris's joining the band in 2014, his Trap Drums and Djembe skills bring a compelling dance vibe and aural fullness that gives this band of 3 the sound of 4.

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