Biography
Originally formed in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, under the name Sacramen as a Christian heavy metal outfit, the project that became Black Happy underwent a sharp pivot when a novelty funk track featuring a horn section eclipsed their usual material in popularity. That shift led to a reorganization as the funk/metal band Black Happy, whose lineup included guitarists Greg Hjort and Paul Hemenway—the latter also serving as lead singer—bassist Mark Hemenway, drummers Scott Jessick and Jim Bruce, trombonists Jay Carkhuff and Mike Hasseries, and saxophonist Daryl Elmore.
After issuing a 7-inch single, the group signed with Pacific Inland, the label that released their debut album Friendly Dog Salad in 1991. Two years later Black Happy moved to Macola, where they cut the full-length Peghead and the EP Shoveljerk. Despite consistent sell-outs throughout the Northwest and interest from most major labels, the ensemble broke apart in late 1994, after which Paul Hemenway, Mark Hemenway, and Greg Hjort regrouped as Shoveljerk. Capricorn Records issued The Last Polka in late 1995, a compilation of live tracks and outtakes.
After issuing a 7-inch single, the group signed with Pacific Inland, the label that released their debut album Friendly Dog Salad in 1991. Two years later Black Happy moved to Macola, where they cut the full-length Peghead and the EP Shoveljerk. Despite consistent sell-outs throughout the Northwest and interest from most major labels, the ensemble broke apart in late 1994, after which Paul Hemenway, Mark Hemenway, and Greg Hjort regrouped as Shoveljerk. Capricorn Records issued The Last Polka in late 1995, a compilation of live tracks and outtakes.
Albums
