WELCOME TO THE STIFFWATER WEB SITE

In 1973 at the age of 14, Mike Kloepfer formed a jazz band, which would evolve into a formidable progressive rock entity that would dominate the local music scene through the rest of the decade, as well as thrive in a variety of music projects throughout the 80s. That band was Stiffwater, and this web site has been created to celebrate their impressive history and musical contributions.
Like any band, there have been personnel changes, but unlike most bands, the nucleus has been steady and has stayed connected throughout the fifty years that have passed. Members have supported each other's endeavors through the years, and numerous bands have sprung from the fertile ground Stiffwater established. This web site celebrates these accomplishments and history.
PHOTO: Founding members of Stiffwater's embarking on a progressive rock journey-David McKinnis (lead vocals & guitar), Mike Kloepfer (guitar, keyboards), Kevin Goates (bass), Aaron Johnson (guitars, vocals, keyboards), Ken Herfert (drums, percussion).

GETTING STARTED-THE 1970s

After recruiting Aaron Johnson (18 at the time and oldest in the group), recently of the local band Stone Free, to play lead guitar, Stiffwater's popularity grew quickly. They were a busy band, playing high school dances and other events. Amplifiers back then were big and bulky, like moving furniture, so the band quickly became known for their "mountain of equipment." Three vehicles were needed to transport the gear. Essentially a bunch of kids, their covers of popular tunes and their own crafted songs became well-known, resulting in numerous return engagements. Stiffwater was an impressive operation considering it was run by a group if high schoolers. PHOTO: Newspaper publication, Dunstan Junior High School, Lakewood, Colorado, 1973.

LIVE PERFORMANCES AND RECORDING

Stiffwater soon excelled at live performances. A Stiffwater show was a spectacle to behold and that reputation only propelled the band's success. The band also composed their own songs, emulating their mentors such as Yes, Genesis, Emerson Lake and Palmer and other well-known musical acts of the period. Studio time was expensive to bring their musical pieces to reality. This inspired the band to start recording on their own, decades before home recording options for musicians would even be a notion. This has resulted in an impressive catalog of recordings totaling in many hours.
During this time the musical prowess of each member improved, which was reflected in the attention to detail and complexity of their own compositions. Three years after becoming a rock band, Stiffwater had produced their extensive first recording "Armageddon Gold" and had played the nearly 2-hour epic live (photo on the left as the overture is played).
Other life obligations would affect the band, beginning with a change of drummers as Ken Herfert departed for college. His replacement was Stone Free drummer Ron Ardia (also in left photo), who would play in the band off and on until 1990. The band would see a revolving door of drummers, including stellar drummers Scott Blumenreich for 1 year (he played on Aaron Johnson's San Juan Stories) and Jim Bennett (played in many bands and with Aaron Johnson and Mike Kloepfer in Voyager in 1984 and 2022).
Bass players would alternate between brothers Kevin and Keith Goates, as well as Scott Burns, who would go on to form folk band Ironwood Rain with Mike Kloepfer and JJ Maestas in the 2010s. David McKinnis would do some keyboard work as well as Mike Kloepfer. Richard Hasse was Stiffwater's first short-lived keyboardist, but most keyboard duties were handled by Aaron Johnson out of neccesity as the band's desire to broaden its musical scope increased through the years. This development would be a major influence in Aaron's own music career beyond Stiffwater, enabling his ability as an arranger and developing a broad musical pallet.
Stiffwater members continue their relationships to this day, staying connected as lifelong friends, a rare situation among rock bands.
PHOTO: Performing Armageddon Gold live in 1975.

LATE 70s

By the late 70s the band had evolved into an impressively tight musical sensation, and recording output was in the volumes. Some of the band's best compositions resulted in this time period. Circumstances would call for a hiatus and an uncertainty concerning direction in 1978. Aaron would embark on his own musical journey with his band mates in tow at given times. Under David McKinnis leadership, Stiffwater would reconvene in the 80s with another highly productive and successful period. PHOTO: Keith Goates, Aaron Johnson, Ron Ardia, David McKinnis on the road in Colorado, circa 1976.

1980s

Still established as one of the region's best local bands, Stiffwater continued to play live, although their emphasis was on recording and supporting those efforts with concerts as the events presented themselves. The 80s was a major time period in terms of productivity and the band's evolution. David McKinnis became the band's leader and focal point as main singer and composer, turning over lead guitar duties to Kevin Goates, whose brother Keith was now on rhythm guitar, Mike Koepfer would provide guitar and keyboard work, and Scott Burns held the bass role. Blessed with talented drummers through the years, Stiffwater enjoyed the rapidly developing technical prowess of Jim Bennett.
Stiffwater founder Mike Kloepfer would also form other successful live acts in this time period, including Mister E and, Riff Rats, in which members would participate in and support in various ways. Members would also engage in other projects outside the band, including Aaron Johnson's solo endeavors. PHOTO: Scott Burns and David McKinnis perform "The Ruins" live.

1990s

By the end of the 80s the band had completed a number of albums and shows with shifting iterations of members depending on a given project. Aaron Johnson was pursuing his successful solo career with increasing intensity, but made sure to reunite with the band in the mid 80s and again in 1991 to complete an ambitious project 14 years in the making entitled "Firehouse 400," another sci-fi concept epic that had been on the band's desired creative itinerary for a long time. The piece was performed live in 1986 and the album was finally recorded in 1991 (with a CD release in 2009).
The band celebrated its 20th anniversary in 1993. PHOTO: Kevin Goates, Jim Bennett, Aaron Johnson, Keith Goates, Scott Burns, David McKinnis. Sitting: Mike Kloepfer, Ron Ardia.

2000s TO THE PRESENT

The band would take more time off in the following years. During that time an on-and-off project would evolve into a Y2K CD release entitled "Spazz," with David McKinnis on vocals, guitar and keys, Kevin Goates on bass, Keith Goates on guitar and Jim Bennett on drums and percussion. The band would continue to gather and dabble, but a long hiatus would follow until the 2025 completion of their latest recording, at this time unnamed and its release is pending.
PHOTO: Mike Kloepfer's fabulous promo art for the band's "Ruins" tour in the 1980s.

MEMBER GALLERY

DAVID McKINNIS

GUITARS, KEYBOARDS, LEAD VOCALS

AARON JOHNSON

GUITARS, KEYBOARDS, VOCALS

KEVIN GOATES

BASS, GUITARS, VOCALS

MIKE KLOEPFER

GUITARS, KEYBOARDS, VOCALS, FOUNDER

RON ARDIA

DRUMS, PERCUSSION

KEN HERFERT

DRUMS, PERCUSSION

KEITH GOATESBASS, GUITARS, VOCALS

SCOTT BURNSBASS GUITAR, VOCALS

JIM BENNETTDRUMS, PERCUSSION

SCOTT BLUMENREICHDRUMS, PERCUSSION

NEWS ARTICLES

APPEARANCES AND MEMENTOS

TOUR SWAG AND VENUES

RON ARDIA IS RECRUITED 1975

AMARGEDDON GOLD SESSION

SYNTHESIZERS BECOME STANDARD

BIG DRUM SETS ARE THE NORM

ARMAGEDDON GOLD 1975

DAVID McKINNIS & MIKE KLOEPFER

EVERGREEN 1975

DAVID McKINNIS & AARON JOHNSON

EVERGREEN 1975

AARON JOHNSON PLAYS HIS NATIONAL GUITAR

STIFFWATER 1980

SCOTT BLUMENREICH (left) ON DRUMS

ENJOYING THE FANS

KEN HERFERT GETS A PRESENT FROM ADMIRERS

ENERGY EXPLOSION ON STAGE

AMARGEDDON GOLD CONCERT, 1975

DISCOGRAPHY

COMBINATION SALAD

Recorded at the Herfert residence with keyboardist Richard Hasse, this was the band's first attempt at producing their own recording. It "quoted" well-known passages from albums by the favorite bands of the time in a hodge-podge of an extended medley following a rough framework developed by Aaron Johnson. It wasn't very good, but was the necessary initial step toward fostering the band's prolific creativity to come. Richard Hasse's tenure was short lived, as he would be killed in a drug deal gone wrong, which in turn influenced the band to steer clear of the drug scene during the band's formative years.
Recorded on reel tape and 8-track, the master recording was subsequently lost.
AARON JOHNSON: GuitarsDAVID McKINNIS: VocalsKEVIN GOATES: BassMIKE KLEOPFER: GuitarsKEN HERFERT: DrumsRICHARD HASSE: Synthesizer

WHEN THE RAINS COME

It would always rain when Stiffwater was playing a gig. Perhaps it had something to do with their name. A concept album about the life and times of Stiffwater was proposed and started with a number of songs, but it was never finished. The songs would be included on subsequent live recordings. Aaron Johnson will release an album of songs composed during the period but never recorded entitled "When The Rains Came" to finally complete the concept in 2026.
AARON JOHNSON: GuitarsDAVID McKINNIS: VocalsKEVIN GOATES: BassMIKE KLEOPFER: GuitarsKEN HERFERT: Drums

ARMAGEDDON GOLD50th ANNIVERSARY

Stiffwater's first magnum opus was started in 1974 and completed in 1975, with a subsequent series of performances. Aaron Johnson took up the keyboards and the art of synthesis to complete the concept album's vision. Recorded at the Kloepfer estate and resulting in an amazing sound quality given the archaic technology of the time, the album is a marvel to listen to, equivalent to a two record-plus LP. Made available on CD in 2017 as part of the AJP Stiffwater preservation project.
In 2025 the album was put through an updating mastering process with great success, marking it's impressive 50th anniversary. Lyrics to the entire album are below in a collapsible section. Click on the arrow to access the lyrics.
AARON JOHNSON: Guitars & SynthesizerDAVID McKINNIS: Vocals & GuitarsKEVIN GOATES: BassMIKE KLEOPFER: GuitarsKEN HERFERT: Drums

ARMAGEDDON GOLD LYRICS

STIFFWATER

ARMAGEDDON GOLD

DISC 1

270 OVERTURE 1997

THE SYNDROME OF ATROPOS

BIRD OF ILL OMEN

AZRAEL

SKULD

LATE SUMMER

IT WAS THERE A MINUTE AGO

NANCY’S SONG

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

ECLIPSE

MYSTIC JOURNEY

WHERE THE FUTURE LIES

DISC 2

NEW ZEALAND

INDIA

FLIGHT OVER JORDAN

ARMAGEDDON GOLD

STIFFWATER

DAVID McKINNIS: Lead and backing vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, special effects, synthesizer

AARON JOHNSON: Lead and backing vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, synthesizer, special effects

MIKE KLEOPFER: Acoustic and electric guitars, special effects

KEVIN GOATES: Bass, lead and backing vocals, special effects

KEN HERFERT: Drums and percussion, vibraphone, steel drum

Fall, Winter, Spring, New Zealand, India, Armageddon Gold by Aaron Johnson & David McKinnis

Mystic Journey conceived by Aaron Johnson

Flight Over Jordan and Nancy’s Song by Aaron Johnson

The Syndrome of Atropos, Azrael, Bird of Ill Omen and Skuld by Stiffwater.

Where the Future Lies by Kevin Goates, Mike Kleopfer, Ken Herfert and Aaron Johnson

Late Summer and It Was There a Minute Ago by David McKinnis

Armageddon Gold is a 1975 Stiffwater Enterprises production in association with AJP,

270 OVERTURE 1997

THE SYNDROME OF ATROPOS

Our sails unfurled, lay course for homeward shores

With all our travels, we can aide no more

From halls of laughter come forgotten tales of war

As the pendulum of life comes crashing to the floor

Our shining medals, they cannot replace the lives

Of bold and fearless followers who died from strong-wrought knives

Of lookers-on who saw the battle with closed eyes

They’ll never know the valley where our future’s past must lie

Cities lay before us like windblown dunes of sand

Bleak red sky over scorched and war-torn land

Lands we knew have vanished like dust before our eyes

And the warlords demand flags of death beyond where the future lies

BIRD OF ILL OMEN

The bitter stench of evil falls over foreign coasts

Impending dooms-day winds, of roses tortured hosts

Blow through sun-licked towrs of halls of death’s close friend

Screaming to the people of their dark and deadly end

AZRAEL

SKULD

We see our freedom through prisms of the past

New world ay before us-paradise!

Overwhelmed in beauty, we stand in unknown grace

We see our homeland, a strange and different place

LATE SUMMER

IT WAS THERE A MINUTE AGO

We’re on a journey, we found some left

But few of them really trust us

We’ve had a quest that must be fulfilled

So what we need is your trust

We lost it, we lost it, we lost our shining wings and glittering sails

We walked through the trees, we saw their home

A remnant of ascendency

Some of them fled, some of them stayed

To show us all their liking

We lost it, we lost it, we lost our shining wings and glittering sails

After they were through, it was quite a gag

We were tied up for the moment

We talked about a ship of green and blue

With sails to match her likeness

We lost it, we lost it, we lost our shining wings and glittering sails

A ship of blue and green! The said

As we walked through the trees to the valley

We looked to the valley where it once stood proud

But I swear it was there a minute ago!

We lost it, we lost it, we lost our shining wings and glittering sails

NANCY’S SONG

Yesterday I thought you were a product of my mind

Now I know that love and joy we shall find

Turn from plastic people and live the lives that are real

Open our hearts, have nothing to conceal

You lifted me from the darkness of a time

When I was alone, no light to shine

You’re a gift from the stars,

You’ve got the glitter of gold

Reminding me of space aged stories that are told

This is your song, this is my song, we know who we are

We know where we’ve been, we know what we’ve done, but have we ever gone so far?

Are we really what we are?

Is there truth in what we see?

I’m fruitful with questions that abound

Come quickly as our love does astound

Being alone is best to learn the rest of what’s to see

Before long you are here, within you, within me

FALL

Yellow, brown, red-orange leaves are falling to the ground

Cold winds from the north

Loneliness haunts their eyes

Mountain men raid the home, in fear they quickly hide

From strangers never known

Living out their leader’s lies

Barbaric life

Recall our strife

When the world was still our home

We loved the lands where children used to roam

We lived to watch the deadly die

Waiting to see the fall

Bitterness that won’t hold still the heart of jealousy

Is inflamed by the cold

As he tries to hide in the cave

Maybe someday he will learn of life that really is

Aside from fairy tales

And the seasons move with the sun

The moon is gone

Our light shines on

The rivers are chilled like stone

The wind blows in the freezing snow

The trees have died, cold water flows

Waiting to see the fall

WINTER

The snow is falling, icy winds blow

Clouds drifting low through trees on mountain slopes

Warm caves in which we dwell provide sanctuary for us all

Living

Living for today and being thankful that

We’re fed, clothed and blessed with companionship

As if we’re living to see the sun shine

Rise-

Face the loneliness, the darkness

The painful cries of children born white

Hoping for a new day, escaping the darkness of hell

Growing colder with each passing day

We lose count of sunsets and full moons

People grow impatient and hateful

Hunting and fighting over the kill

I confronted a mountain lion

That hungered even more

And it’s man against nature

And man against man

And the snow keeps falling

And the wind keeps blowing

The sun does not shine and there’s no sign

Of spring in the air

Blizzard

Driven nearly to madness we barely manage to survive our own hands

We pray to the sky that winter will end

But no sign

No signs anywhere

No sign

But then

A break in the clouds!

Rays of warmth bathe our pale faces

And we rejoice as the ice is thawed

And everything is fresh and new

Times of trials were to end

And we emerged a new people

With new goals and dreams

Living!

Ah living!

It is so good!

And yes, we’re living for a better world

SPRING

New life has begun

And now everyone

Renews their life again

Springtime is here

Rejoice without fear

The gentle flower has bloomed

The bright sunshine warms, melting the snow

Released from our darkness, attempt at our goals

Raid the homes of thieves who stole what was ours

On our wings we fly through the stars

The time has begun

When we must share

Take in each other’s need

Survive at our best

Withstanding the test

Of hateful lust and greed

Others strive on without a care

Sprong time has come with love in the air

New hopes for man and the future ahead

This day will be forever more

And here now my love

I hold you so close

As if I thought you would go

Like the new spring

And all that it is

You know I love you so

Trials may come, temptation so cruel

More storms ahead on horizons they spew

But like the springtime we all shall endure

And live on forever more

ECLIPSE

MYSTIC JOURNEY

WHERE THE FUTURE LIES

Visions of reality

No longer make any sense

Bound within our dreams

Trying to find a way out

I wonder if the stars will rise

Or the crystal ball will shine

Crystals of our youth are growing

Within our minds

The future lives

The future strives

Hanging on in time

Seeking to strain

The red moon wanes

My blade shines no more

Bearing the scars of war

I wonder if the stars will rise

Or the crystal ball will shine

Crystals of our youth are growing

Within our minds

The future lives

The future strives

Hanging on in time

Medals of glitter and gold

Are pleasures of warm, I’m told

The bells of life toll no more

Dead with the laughter of war

I wonder if the stars will rise

Or the crystal ball will shine

Crystals of our youth are growing

Within our minds

The future lives

The future strives

Hanging on in time

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand, your beaches shine, warm waters embrace the coast

New Zealand, enchanted lands exist! We love them the most!

We’re sent by haunting voices, telling of the knowledge to be acquired

From those through hate and lust they could not entrust the gold they desired

We touch soft bars of sand, begin our search for keys to the gold

Through jungles and restless drums, discover friends we knew from long ago

Castle walls they stand in paradise and good Darkov owns it all

We rest for day it ends, in comfort we’ll seep behind Medieval walls

So good to see you again my friends, it’s been a long and lonely time

So much to tell, to learn and see, shall we engage in the wine?

You brought your women you met before, through seasons, you tell me so

You roam alone, so good to see you, remain as friends as you go

You say you’ve journeyed through the past, but I wonder what your reasons are

But still you’re welcome in this land of mine, even though your home is the stars

You came alone, so good to see you, rest and love while you may

Paradise; it’s once a life, so live and love throughout the day

Captain Rauchstein, I do presume, break out the wine, prepare the rooms

We’ll celebrate our peace at last, we’ll feast and dance, reminisce our past

I am Rauchstein, you don’t realize, you can’t see through your foolish eyes

I’m trusted so soon, I have a plan, you never know where your enemy stands

We all have sailed across the lonely years, we were losers then but we overcame our fears

We were victorious in our own right, but we must continue on with all our might

We all have sailed across the lonely years, we were losers then but we overcame our fears

We were heroes in the darkest night, braving on the setting suns and new horizons

Paradise leads to freedom’s door, better to forget harsh tomes before

Eat and drink and be merry, dance all night with the lovely ladies

Called toward our fearsome goal, silver clouds will light the way

We travel deep into the night, lost in jungle, fog, astray

We stand alone in this world, before a mind that is not seen

The mind, it claims to have the key, to knowledge to set us free

We don’t have the answers, but in faith we do believe

That before this night is over, man will know how to be free

Remembering so well, I hold you so close in my arms

We dance round the floor, never before in our charm

Hold minutes so close, never the same

As if we were never to love again

Your sweet lips meet mine, split-second divine the world ‘round!

We join in our peace, and our ugly world wears the crown

Of suffering and pain, always the same

As if we were never to love again

Touch those soft hands, journey through lands, your gentle hands in mine

The others they fight, ignoring the light that your eyes and mine have seen-

Love

Why can’t the world embrace itself as we have done?

Again before time passes the time we are one

Starting again, maybe we’ll win

As if we were never to love again.

Touch those soft hands, journey through lands, your gentle hands in mine

The others they fight, ignoring the light that your eyes and mine have seen-

The time will soon end approaching our bed, forecasting dangers ahead

In sadness we part, the floor becomes dark, in hopes that we soon grasp again-

Love.

Your day is done evil one! I challenge thee to death!

In this world evil still abides, my sword of life has severed your side

Fighting wars that ended long ago, sorrows are forgotten, victory is our own

Victory!

Many friends have died, mourn for them now

We must continue on, we’ve come this far for now

We have heard the words, the wise philosophy

We now must journey on, set the people free

Here we stand in this rich land, New Zealand’s fertile soil

A paradise of the future at our feet, a challenge to learn, a challenge to compete!

Far above the lofty clouds we soar through the heights

Spread the message ‘round the world that man will delight

Indeed delight!

A challenge toward the future, uncertain end in sight

We have won thus far, let’s not forfeit the fight

A task that cannot fail, a task for every man

Farewell homage New Zealand, of rich and sacred land

INDIA

Children hide from their fears

As the kingdom of love draws near

The world is now in the palms of their hands

As the world revolves around India

Looking into their innocent eyes

We now know where the future lies

Touched by loneliness, blooming with love

The world reborn around India

Death looms near to cast their fate

Mark rebels, his life the take

In children’s arms Mark’s body lay

As we fly over Jordan

FLIGHT OVER JORDAN

Once there was paradise

Warmed by rays of the sun

Peace and love abiding well

Deny the trigger of the gun

Teeming fires, horizons swell

Every man thinks he’s won

Oh no

Not so

As we fly over Jordan

As we recollect our mornings past

Over valleys of death

We wish we could warn all those before

The truth of the ancient prophet

His words are true, his warning wise

Do not let the scorching sun set

Too late

As we fly over Jordan

All of you before take heed

Abide by the warning now

We’ve seen everything this world will be

We eat by the sweat of our brow

The weather’s rough, you fight for your life

Your paradise world is no more

It’s gone

As we fly over Jordan

ARMAGEDDON GOLD

In the plain of Megiddo

Where death was triumphant

I stand alone before the gates of hell

Star of day sinking low

Gentle winds dance upon my face

Mournful silence, mossy ground, cries of ghosts

Waves of blood once rolled where I stand

Bitter cries and memories lost in now-forgotten lands

They fought a war which no one won, they all, died just the same

But now the desert rose has won and no one’s left to blame

Alone, alone

As cold sweat drips from my forehead to my cheeks

And before me is the bane that brought man down

The key to death awaits my sight

A wooden chest now contains the lustful gold

A Rose by any other name. Is this the end?

My hands grasp the chest to see another time

I wonder if I should look or should I save my mind.

But no-I will look to see what I will find-

My God! It’s gold! Is this why man has died?

SONG OF THE STARS

Harmony vocals and lush guitars were the rage in 1977, and Stiffwater liked the direction popular music was going, resulting in this offering of multitracked guitars and vocals. Their own compositions and covers of ornate pieces are included here, including Alice Cooper's "Halo of Flies" and "The City," the start of Stiffwater's next concept piece entitled "Firehouse 400," which would be completed 13 years later with a proper recording. This recording features Ron Ardia on the drums. Also included is the lovely song by David McKinnis based after the Arthur C. Clarke novel "To Sail a Cylindrical Sea," which would become a landmark song in Stiffwater's catalog. This version of Stiffwater is usually regarded as the best iteration and some of the best compositions and arrangements resulted from this 4-piece line-up.
Available on CD in 2017.
AARON JOHNSON: Guitars & SynthesizersDAVID McKINNIS: Vocals & GuitarsKEITH GOATES: BassRON ARDIA: Drums

LIVE 78

The raw energy of a live Stiffwater event could not be ignored or denied, as attested to in this thunderous recording displaying the band's explosive presence on a stage. Includes covers of ELP and Alice Cooper songs, as well as original Stiffwater songs and the only live recording known to exist of a portion of Aaron Johnson's Midnight Mountain Hour symphony.
Available on CD in 2017.
AARON JOHNSON: Guitars & SynthesizerDAVID McKINNIS: Vocals & GuitarsKEITH GOATES: BassRON ARDIA: Drums

EVERGREEN LIVE 1975

Rescued from Ken Herfert's tape vault, this raucus live recording was transfered from reel-to-reel to CD during the Stiffwater Preservation project in 2017. Covers of Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Chuck Berry and more included, along with a premier performance of the overture from Armageddon Gold, one of the rowdiest live recordings ever. David McKinnis' first composition "Fool" would become a Stiffwater staple years later and earn the group a position on a compilation album of local bands in the mid 80s. Also included is material from the abandoned When The Rains Come project.
Available on CD in 2017.
AARON JOHNSON: GuitarsDAVID McKINNIS: Vocals, guitarsKEVIN GOATES: BassMIKE KLEOPFER: GuitarsKEN HERFERT: Drums

ECHOES FROM THE BASEMENT

A treasure trove of rehearsal recordings of covers from the mid 1970s, the sound quality is amazingly good given the technology of the time. Surprising quality renditions of ZZ Top, Neil Diamond, Joe Walsh, Jethro Tull, Styx and Moody Blues songs. This collection was assembled to present to prospective clients looking for live acts.
Available on CD in 2017.
AARON JOHNSON: Guitars, Vocals & SynthesizerDAVID McKINNIS: Vocals & GuitarsKEITH GOATES: BassRON ARDIA: Drums

MORE ECHOES FROM THE BASEMENT

Rehearsals of original songs composed by the band in the 1980s, and a rare and impressive performance of Pink Floyd's "Echoes" with its stunning atmosphere can be relished here. Also included is "The Battle," from Armageddon Gold, as played with Ron Ardia on the drums, the only piece attesting to his performance of that incredible material, aside from "Eclipse," a Stiffwater standard.
Available on CD in 2017.
AARON JOHNSON: Guitars & SynthesizerDAVID McKINNIS: Vocals & GuitarsKEVIN GOATES: BassKEITH GOATES: BassRON ARDIA: DrumsJIM BENNET: DrumsSCOTT BLUMENREICH: DrumsPETE MALDONADO: Drums

THE RUINS

The 1982 album that announced Stiffwater's return with an aggressive tour and promotion, with Jim Bennett arriving on the drums and Scott Burns taking over on bass. A loose concept in a series of songs by David McKinnis in the first half and a set of songs that were composed by other band members in the second half, the band saw a resurgence in shows and press write-ups supporting the effort. This would be Stiffwater's largest cast of musicians, freeing David up to be a frontman and playing acoustic guitar.
Available on CD in 2017.
DAVID McKINNIS: Vocals & GuitarsKEITH GOATES: GuitarsKEVIN GOATES: GuitarsSCOTT BURNS: BassMIKE KLOEPFER: Guitars and keyboardsJIM BENNET: Drums

CYCLE

1984 was a big year for Stiffwater members. David McKinnis was the producer of Cycle, taking the band to Colorado Springs' Startsong Studios (where he had worked with Aaron Johnson on San Juan Stories) to realize this very special vision. Most of the music is based on a loose concept and composed by David, with band members contributing their own compositions among the overall arch of the concept of cycles. This is a must-hear, as it is 80s Stiffwater at its technical hard rocking best.
At the same time, Aaron Johnson was producing his 4th album "Finally" at the same studio, with Stiffwater alumni Mike Kloepfer and Jim Bennett. A friendly rivalry prevailed throughout the year.
Available on CD in 2017.
DAVID McKINNIS: Vocals & GuitarsKEITH GOATES: GuitarsKEVIN GOATES: Guitars & BassSCOTT BURNS: BassRON ARDIA: Drums

FIREHOUSE 400 REHEARSALS

Stiffwater wisely and thankfully had the presence of mind to record just about anything they deemed worthy. This rehearsal recording in preparation of the now legdendary Firehouse 400 concert event is a treasured item, and the sound quality is quite good along with the performances. Later songs are captured in development and differ from the final recording that would happen five years later. The story of a city becoming a possibly evil entity is a troubling foretelling of the times we live in today, as technology and AI invade every aspect of our lives. Originally started in 1977, this recording mid-point in the creative process that would span 14 years, and culminate in an album representing the band's compositional work and creativity. Music composed by Aaron Johnson and David McKinnis.
The live performance is now the stuff of legend. Recorded on video, a pyrotechnic explosion startled the cameraman and shook the camera tripod. The image remained tilted for the remainder of the show. The resulting video was not that good, but aptly proved Firehouse 400 translated well to a live setting.
Available on CD in 2017.
DAVID McKINNIS: Vocals & GuitarsAARON JOHNSON: Keyboards, vocalsKEITH GOATES: Bass guitarRON ARDIA: DrumsMIKE KLOEPFER: Artwork and promotionKEVIN GOATES: Photographic concepts for the live performance

SALVAGED GEMS AND RUSTED NUTS

A compilation of rehearsals and performances spanning Stiffwater's career. Partials, outtakes and goofing around, nevertheless displaying the amazing talent of the Siffwater band. Includes a copy of Aaron Johnson's Midnight Mountain Hour symphony prior to the 2025 recording and remastering effort.
Available on CD in 2017.
DAVID McKINNIS: Vocals & GuitarsAARON JOHNSON: Keyboards, guitars, vocalsKEITH GOATES: Bass guitarRON ARDIA: DrumsKEN HERFERT: DrumsMIKE KLOEPFER: Artwork and promotionKEVIN GOATES: Bass, vocals

SP@ZZ

Songs composed by the band employ a more aggressive approach, citing a grunge influence, more guitar and less keyboards in this Y2K outing. State of the art home recording technology was employed, resulting in the band's first official CD release (CD releases of all other material would occur with the restoration project in 2017). Never afraid to try a new direction or tackle new territory, this would be Stiffwater's last creative effort until 2025.
DAVID McKINNIS: Vocals, guitars, keyboardsKEITH GOATES: Guitars and vocalsKEVIN GOATES: Bass, guitars and vocalsJIM BENNETT: Drums and percussion

FIREHOUSE 400

The usual approach back in the day was to record the album, then tour to promote it. Stiffwater's second opus was done in reverse, playing the album live first and then completing the recording which started in 1977 and going to 1990. A city is discovered to be a living entity, and the humans involved must face a choice: Continue to live as servants dependent on the city for their livelihood, or "disconnect themselves" from the matrix in order to gain their independence. Created long before the term "terminators" or "matrix" were common pop culture themes, and long before cell phones and internet, Firehouse 400 is a marvel of prophetic forecasting through the lens of thundering progressive rock played at its most intense and intricate. Produced by David McKinnis in 1990 and released by AJP on CD in 2009, Firehouse 400 is often regarded as a highlight in the Stiffwater story, if not their best collective composition overall. Includes a bonus track of Legacy's performance of "To Sail A Cylindrical Sea" by David McKinnis.
DAVID McKINNIS: Guitars, vocalsAARON JOHNSON: KeyboardsKEITH GOATES: Bass guitarRON ARDIA: Drums

DAVID McKINNIS: SOLO

Produced by David McKinnis during the 1979 San Juan Stories sessions, this compilation of material was completed by Aaron Johnson in 2009 with the addition of material recorded by the band "Legacy." "20th Century Mountain Man" was co-written by longtime collaborator and Stiffwater alumi Aaron Johnson. The song also appeared on Johnson's "San Juan Stories." A refreshing tour of McKinnis' many influences, this album is not what the listener would expect and certainly a departure from the Stiffwater realm. A great rendition of the Olympics theme by John Williams appears here, along with David's stellar piece "To Sail A Cylindrical Sea," in a soaring performance by Legacy, the band which played on most of Johnson's San Juan Stories.
DAVID McKINNIS: Vocals, bass, guitars, keyboardsTOM GREGOR: Percussion and drumsAARON JOHNSON: Banjo, keyboards, 12 string guitarJEFF WAYNIK: BassSCOTT BLUMENREICH: Drums

STIFFWATER FAMILY TREE TIMELINE

AARON JOHNSON & DAVID McKINNIS 2004

PROMO WITH PETE MALDONADO

ARMAGEDDON GOLD SESSION 1975

REHEARSAL LOCATIONS 1973 & 1975

The family tree timeline seen below is not complete, as the anticipated 2025 Stiffwater album is still in the mixing stage at the time this web site was established. This is a condensed history with extraneous events and personnel excised and streamlined. It will be updated on a regular basis as events develop. Do check back here and at the AJP PROJECT to stay updated on events!