Member Since: 1/28/2006
Band Website: wilblades.com
Band Members: The rotating cast:
Drummers - Idris Muhammad, Brandon Etzler, Tim Bulkley, Jeff Marrs,
Gary Claude, Darrell Green, Ted Sirota
Guitarists - Melvin Sparks, Carl Lockett, Steve Burke, Khalil Doak-Anthony, Will Bernard, Peff Jarker(Slummin' Chi-town guitarist)
Horns - Don Braden, Joe Cohen, Dayna Stephens, Oscar Myers, Adam Theis
Influences: Organists: Jimmy Smith, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Shirley Scott, Wild Bill Davis, Larry Young, "Groove" Holmes, Billy Preston Others: Grant Green, Herbie Hancock, Idris Muhammad, Melvin Sparks, George Benson, Monk, Trane, Miles, Mingus, Bird, Gil Evans, Ahmad Jamal, Hendrix, Bjork, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, New Orleans Brass Bands, Sly, Stevie, Early Michael Jackson(Off The Wall, beeyatch!), G N' R, Metallica, Aphex Twin, the list gets longer and more eclectic...I'll stop there. Teachers: My middle school band director(Mr. Jones), My first guitar teacher(Bob), my college teacher(Herbie Lewis), the Dr.(Lonnie Smith), and every musician I've had the opportunity to play with(good or bad!).
Sounds Like: Old School Soul-Jazz, with reflections of modern life and single-malt scotch.
"Yeah, he does it...he's on it. He is the future to carry on the legend, the legacy of the
organ, [of] the B-3."
--Dr. Lonnie Smith
"Wil is a hell of an organ player...I found myself admiring his strong sound, strong sense of swing, his idiomatic lines, his rock solid pedal work, his enjoyable tunes, his excellent horn charts and the way he touches the totem of the '60s jazz organ and groove groups."
--Ernie Rideout
Keyboard Magazine
"Here's a young Jazz Organist that every one should know about...Wil has so much goin' on with the Hammond B-3, it's hard to believe he's not fifty years old...His organ playing has leaped him into the ranks of greatness."
--Pete Fallico
Doodlin' Productions
KSUP 88.9FM , Santa Cruz, CA
www.doodlinlounge.com
"...and Wil Blades fingering a - yes! - Hammond B-3 organ. Blades keeps everything funky and jet-set cool, turning in consistently great lines and more than a few solid solos on the Hammond."
--Jim Nelson
All About Jazz.com
www.allaboutjazz.com
"This Young Lion has committed his talent to the Hammond B-3 organ...He knows what's what and delivers...He's happening and is very serious about his music."
-Afrikhan Jamal Day'vis
Jazzline Radio and TV
KKUP 91.5FM , Santa Clara, CA
"That boy's cookin'! That boy's cookin'!"
--John Lee Hooker
Original Bluesman
"The blues via Wil Blades and the Hammond B3 live on strong in the bay area. Wil's experience extends beyond his years as he takes you on a rare jazz organ journey that leaves you with that good clean feeling inside. Well at least that is the way I feel. I can't get enough. I've seen a few great organists and Wil stands with them. I appreciate him keeping this art form alive."
--Redhouse Jazz
"Wil Blades is the Old Soul of the band and as is often the case with old souls, the youngest member of the (Fil Lorenz) Soul-tet. His Organ playing on Stinky Stinky is uncannily authentic and fresh."
--Shad Harris
American Chronicle
Record Label: Doodlin' Records
Type of Label: Indie