Windfall Jac phase two. Circa 1977-78 Kevin Samek, Rex Mulvaney , David Albert and Kent Moore Photo taken at Marvin’s Studios in Cedar Rapids.
Member of the Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association Hall of Fame – Class of 2015
Original version of Windfall Jac from 1975: L-R: Tom Stahr, Kent Moore, Mark Stahr & Dave Albert
Windfall Jac was a popular northeast Iowa rock band formed in 1975 by Dave Albert (Albany Bridge Band), Kent Moore (who was still in high school and in later years a member of Iowa R&R Hall of Fame Band Crystal Axe) and brothers Mark Stahr & Tom Stahr (The Rubber Band). Other future members included Marc Albert, Kevin Samek, Rex Mulvaney & Jesse Bryan.
Marc Albert, Mark Stahr, Kent Moore & Dave Albert
While playing the Top 40 hits of the day, the band also focused on the music of Mott The Hoople, AC/DC, Montrose & similar acts. They also performed updated versions of classic rock ‘n’ roll songs like Elvis Presley’s “Good Rocking Tonight”, Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That A Shame”, Eddie Cochran’s “C’mon Everybody” & Chuck Berry’s “Little Queenie”.
After much practice & several local gigs, the band first signed on with West Union booking agent Allan Enyart (The Agency). Itching to play & travel more, they eventually signed on with Fred T. Fenchell Agency in Mason City, (Tom Tatman’s) Performer’s Agency in Waterloo, Gary Van Zeeland Talent in Little Chute, Wisconsin & Omaha-based Maurey Drea & Associates. They then began performing at ballrooms, schools & clubs in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota & Wisconsin. They drew particularly well at Dreamland Ballroom, Chip’s Ballroom & Wildwood Ballroom.
L-R: Dave Albert, Kent Moore, Rex Mulvaney & Marc Albert.
After Tom & Mark Stahr left the band in 1977, the band continued as a 3-piece with new drummer Rex Mulvaney while searching for a lead singer. The band soon added lead vocalist Kevin Samek from Cedar Rapids. After Kevin left, the band found a Bon Scott sound-alike singer in Dave’s younger brother Marc Albert. The band’s popularity continued to flourish. Rex Mulavaney left in 1979 & was replaced by Jesse Bryan.
The band then went to Catamount Studios in Cedar Falls & recorded their first 6-song release “Windfall Jac”. This included two original songs, “Looking For You” & “Found A Girl”. They also started performing Kent’s new song “Backstage Blues” at live appearances. Mark Stahr returned to the band in 1981. This final line-up continued until the band called it quits in 1984.
YouTube video below: Looking for You, Written by Kent Moore. Recorded in 1979 at Catamount Studio in Cedar Falls, Iowa – Kent Moore – Guitars, Marc Albert – Vocals, David Albert – Bass, Ed “Jesse” Bryan – Drums
During their career, Windfall Jac performed with many top Iowa bands, including Headstone, FRB & The Litterer Band. They also shared stages with national acts such as Head East, Black Oak Arkansas & Dr. Hook.
Windfall Jac reunited in 1995 & started performing annual reunion shows, often donating proceeds to charity. Some of the recipients of these benefits were Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette, the Hawkeye Fire Department, Maynard Little League & the Tommy Stahr Memorial fund. They drew huge crowds to their reunion shows at the Valhalla in Clermont, Hawkeye Community Hall & Maynard Community Hall. At their first reunion show, they drew the biggest crowd ever at Centerfield Lounge in Maynard.
1995 Reunion at Centerfield in Maynard, L-R Mark Stahr, Dave Albert, Tom Stahr, Rex Mulvaney, Marc Albert, Kevin Gage (sound/lights) & Kent Moore.
The band still performs together to this day & 2015 will mark their 40-year anniversary
Video of Windfall Jac at KAMMERSTOCK 2015
Windfall Jac: left to right – Kent Moore, Marc Albert, Mark Stahr & Clay Hallberg
Windfall Jac rocked the house with a 6 song set. Unfortunately, due to a technical problem, the only footage that was recorded were portions of three songs. Many thanks to the band Windfall Jac, a member of the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, for their great set.
- Direct link to video (approximately 10 minutes)
- Link to webpage version of video
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