William Bunkowsky

Band Manager, Drums, Vocals

Music has always been a part of my life. Some of my earliest memories, are of melodies from Don Williams and Alabama heard on the way home from a Family Spectrum gig through the speakers of the touring van...the vibrations of the transmission creating a rhythm in my head as my mind roamed from consciousness to sleep…an intricate dance between the real music from the van, and the imagined music in my head.

My real passion has always been percussion... watching both my mother and father on the drum kit inspired me to take up the sticks and emulate the rhythms that I was hearing. I was taught to sing at a very young age, performing such inspiring ballads as “A Parrot with Feathers" and "Just being a Boy", However, I did not really enjoy singing until much later in life.

Early performances for me had a vocal solo and a drum solo requirement…the drum solo being the highlight for me. Adolescent years required the obligatory two years of Piano lessons, which at the time greatly disagreed with me. Although in retrospect I wish I would have learned the idiosyncrasies of a tonal instrument. I continued to listen and learn throughout my adolescent and early teen years. My contributions to "The Family Spectrum" performances continued to grow, both in the vocal and rhythm sections.

At the age of 15, with my musical interests expanding exponentially, I began to play music with some friends from school. "JeanPool", as the band was to become known, began simply by covering any Metallica song that was simple enough for our beginner skills. Eventually it evolved to include ska and folk music and had within its repertoire a number of original tunes. The time I spent playing and creating music with Tom and Mal was influential in the way I think about music, and the way that I play music with others.

I experimented with a number of other bands between the ages of 16 and 21 including "Mangled Reality", "The Good Times Bridge Band", "Earthquake Blues", and "Highway 23". The many musicians, with whom I have played, have had an effect on the music that I play, and the way that I play that music. I wish to thank them all.... some more than others, for the lessons that they have taught me.

Through it all "The Family Spectrum" remained a mainstay for me. As the band evolved, my role became more involved. Beginning to sing harmony and take on more responsibly on drums as my tempo became more reliable. During an era know as the "The Old spice girls, and the Hot Tamale" I began to learn to sing in earnest with my sisters. Creating harmony blends not often heard, and testing my limits as a lead vocalist were highlights of this era.

With the amalgamation of "The Southern Comfort" and "The Family Spectrum" I found myself becoming part of a lead vocalist team, full time drummer, and acting front man during performances--all three tasks which I enjoy immensely. That coupled with the fact that I am now able to play music with my nephews, cousins and Uncles, has given me a whole new license on music. The band's versatility is a springboard for my own creativity.

Performances have always been, and will always remain the best part of what I do. I can think of few things more enjoyable, than playing a song where the atmosphere is relaxed....the music comes together...and the vocals flow easily...I close my eyes and revel in the experience of the music....The heat of the lights on my face...the vibrations of the sticks in my hands...the scent of a warm summer night flowing in through doors that have been opened for ventilation. The music takes me away, and as I open my eyes, I see a floor full of people dancing to the music that we create. This is where I belong.

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