The Legendary Velvet Whip

Book excerpt: The Velvet Whip was the Midwest's unique late 1960s answer to west coast psychedelic and experimental rock. The iconoclastic group, proud of its Milwaukee roots, eschewed national tours and albums, mesmerizing its loyal regional audience till its explosive energy inevitably fizzled and the group disbanded. The Legendary Velvet Whip is told best, and entertainingly, by the band's co-founder Dan Ball, with fellow Whipster Henry Steinfort. Included are chapters and memorable recollections from Wisconsin underground cartoonist Denis Kitchen, bass guitarist Tom Ruppenthal, lead guitarist Ken Blochowiak, drummer Chas "Chuck" Reitzner, Whipster The Richard aka Richard Bussian and Richard Ramsay and Discovery World CEO Paul Krajniak. Profusely illustrated with period b&w photos, cartoons, and distinctive Velvet Whip memorabilia. As primary author Ball summarizes, "The Velvet Whip grew out of a desire to fuse classical music instrumentation and contemporary music. It quickly became one of the hottest acts on the counterculture scene, playing at the Avant Garde Coffee House and other sixties sub-culture venues throughout the Midwest in the second half of the 1960s. Henry and I initially had the bright idea to start a rock band. I played violin, so I could obviously play guitar, and Henry could transfer from a cello to electric bass. Little did we know how inadequate those ideas were. We were clueless about the rock band scene and without experience, but driven by burning desire. It seemed like fun and a great way to meet girls. Having no connection to regional rock musicians, we looked for other long haired guys in town to join us. Long hair was a real novelty in Milwaukee in the mid-60s, so there were all of three candidates. Two could play guitar and the other (Richard Bussian aka The Richard) was an experience unto himself. This unlikely band-building strategy proved miraculous: an amazing, hilarious and totally original adventure into rock and roll ensued. Despite the forces that tried to stop us, we left an unmistakable mark, one that seems even more unlikely and miraculous in hindsight. "