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Wille and the Bandits

Samsara

About Me


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Wille and the Bandits are a three piece ensemble pushing the barriers of the roots rock scene. Forming just over a year ago, they have already achieved great things. As one of the hardest working bands in the South west they never shy away from a challenge and spread their wings all round the UK clocking up numerous miles, sleeping in the back of vans and sofa surfing to get their sound heard. Headlining shows in London, Bournemouth, and Bristol and regularly playing sell-out shows to their ocean loving South west fan base.
The band pride itself on their original compositions and energetic stage act, engrossing audiences from all ages and walks of life with their fresh sound, seamlessly juggling between Funk, Reggae, Americana, Hip Hop, Latin and Rock styles.
Front man Wille is widely acclaimed for his unique pioneering lap slide guitar playing and whiskey soaked vocals inspired by the roots men of old. As for the Bandits, the tight grooves provided by Ex Cantaloop bassist Kieran Doherty and multi percussionist Andy Naumann create a driving energy which encapsulates audiences to dance all night long.
This year they will be playing across the country at many of the most prestigious festivals including Larmer Tree, Greenbelt, Gold Coast Ocean Fest, Beach Breaks Live, Jersey Longboard Fest, Maker Sunshine Festival to name but a few. Before embarking on a European Tour to promote their debut EP ‘Samsara’.
If the past year has been anything to go by these guys are heading for big things!
The First EP - Samsara is available to buy on iTunes now
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click image to go to itunes

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 5/21/2006
Band Website: ukrootsmovement.co.uk
Band Members: Wille Edwards - Lead vocals, Lap slide and Acoustic Guitars

Andrew Naumann - Drums, Percussion, Jews Harp and vocals

Kieran Doherty - Bass and vocals

Marcus Tebbs - Didge

Influences: Eric Clapton, JJ Cale, John Butler Trio, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Ben Harper, Robert Randoff, Eagles, Xavier Rudd, Dire Straits, Pink floyd, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, Jimi Hendrix, Primus, Pearl Jam, Mr Bungle, Jeff Buckley, Martin Harley, John Martyn and Blues Traveller.........
Sounds Like: “Wille and the Bandits are the new faces taking the blues roots scene forward in the South West, and with great style”
(Martin Harley)

"Cheaper than prozac and better for you"
(Dr Phil Hammond BBC Radio Bristol)

"Front man Will Edwards whiskey soaked drawl and inspired slide guitar licks hark back to the 1930's Mississippi, while drummer Andy Naumann and ex Cantaloop bassist Keiran Doherty drag the Bandits brilliantly unique sound into the 21st century"
(GO2 Magazine)

“Wille himself is a great performer and had the crowd screaming for more, his slide guitar was just damn right sexy. They sound a lot like john butler trio but with a little more funk. Andy the drummer swapped back and forth from drum to bongo and made an awesome sound leaving nothing but a swarm of dreadlocks to be seen behind a drumkit. The band played on well after shut time and a few lucky spectators were able to stay back as they free styled. Overall an awesome band, who will defiantly be coming back again. If you have a chance to see these guys anywhere else remember your dancin shoes.”
(Belushis Bar)
Newquay

"“Awesome slide guitar playing”
(The Beautiful Girls)

Wille's versatile guitar technique is largely self taught and his slide guitar is particularly impressive but his vocal is more Brit-orientated, reminiscent of that distinctive John Martin drawl. And very well it works too, combined with the inventive bass playing of classically-trained guitarist Ed Oliver and the percussion skills of jazz-tutored drummer Andy Naumann they are the archetypal festival band..”
(Plymouth Evening Herald)

"Absolutely fantastic"
(Gary Stringer ex-Reef Vocalist)
Record Label: UK Roots Movement
Type of Label: Indie