The first of many band changes came in 1993 with the departure of Wilkins. Big Sugar then recorded the album "Five Hundred Pounds" with the help of guest musicians, including harmonica and tenor saxophonist Kelly Hoppe, also known as Mr. Chill. Hoppe brought a blues and old-school R'n'B influence into the band's sound. Hoppe would become a regular member of the band in September 1994. Longtime friends from the same home town, he had given Johnson his first gig as a guitarist after Johnson was a professional bass player for many years. Hoppe would later add keyboards and melodica to his Big Sugar sideman responsibilities. In July 1994, bassist Garry Lowe joined the band.