Will Preston was first introduced to most of us more than two years ago with the release of his debut CD entitled It’s My Will on the West King Entertainment imprint, but long before then, this multitalented singer/songwriter was laying the foundation for his foray onto the music scene. Growing up near Roanoke, Virginia, Will always knew that music was what he wanted to do. A quick read of the liner notes of his first release tells of how he imagined as a young boy that he would one day see himself on the cover of an album. Recognizing that he needed to reposition himself geographically to fulfill his musical dreams, Will decided to attend college near Washington DC where he received a degree in finance from the esteemed George Mason University. It was during his time there that he made his first official recording entitled There’s Still Time. The excitement of that experience further intensified his passion for writing and creating melody. He continued to write and amassed an impressive arsenal of love songs, many of which found their way onto his 2005 debut, It’s My Will.
Fueled by stellar ballads such as We Should’ve Stayed, Second Chance and Afterplay along with the upbeat gems It’s Real, My Love, Queen and others, It’s My Will arrived at a time when R&B music was making a comeback after being largely overshadowed by the preeminence of Hip Hop for nearly a decade. It’s no surprise that indie soul artists were at the helm of that movement, and Will’s sultry vocals paired with his timely lyrics instantly placed him in great company at the forefront of that soul renaissance. Contrary to much of the raunchiness and negativity that is prevalent in today’s musical climate, Will’s music has been described as a sophisticated yet hip blend of R&B and Pop. It’s My Will garnered rave reviews worldwide and was featured on many of the most well known and respected websites and radio stations. Will appeared in countless magazine articles and even made television appearances promoting the project. It’s My Will would eventually gain distribution and licensing deals in the UK, Japan, Germany, Spain, Canada, The Netherlands and other territories, solidifying its reputation as one of the most significant debut efforts by an independent artist. Its success not only proved that R&B was still a viable genre but also that a new voice had emerged and would forever be added to an elite list of R&B masters.
Now Will returns with Caught In The Act…The LIVE Experience. An impressive double disc CD/DVD that gives us a more intimate look at the R&B crooner and his music. On this project, Will and his A-list band provide an unforgettable musical experience. Most of the live set is filled with familiar Preston tunes and fans will appreciate their new live arrangements. Highlights include the very personal and emotional Afterplay , a seductive Second Chance, which has been given a more sensual edge with the addition of the fiery lead guitar, the crowd pleaser It’s Real, and the haunting new arrangement of the debut’s title track It’s My Will. Special inclusions, that will one day undoubtedly be rare gems, include Here And Now and Let’s Chill.
Although he’s been influenced by some of the greatest male singers of our time including, Luther Vandross, Gerald Levert, Brian McKnight, Will Downing and others, Will has created a unique style that is all his own. During an interview he once said “I don’t think any single person has had a predominant influence on my style. Rather, it’s a combination of many singers that I’ve enjoyed over the years.†Will continues to excite music fans and critics are eager to see which direction he’ll pursue for his next studio release. Whatever he decides, we know that he’ll deliver a healthy combination of brilliant lyrics, infectious melodies and unmistakable soul.
