WILLIE B

Willie B (a.k.a. Brian Wilson) has performed and recorded with many great artists such as Jamie Lidell, Johnny Dowd, Sally Timms (The Mekons), Warren Zanes (Del Fuegos), NYC punk legend Jayne County, and Neko Case. From punk to jazz to country, Willies versatility is his strength. He is best known for incorporating organ bass pedals into his drum setup, allowing him to play bass and drums simultaneously. This original sound has become his signature. Willie is currently on a world tour with Jamie Lidell supporting his latest release JIM (Warp Records)...... HISTORY.....Willie B was born Brian Wilson on February 13, 1975, and grew up on the outskirts of Boston, Massachusetts. The first records he owned, Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five, John Coltrane "Love Supreme", and Led Zeppelin "Presence", left a huge impression on his childhood.After high school, he went off to college in Ithaca, NY where he played drums for various bands and recording projects that included working with producer Alex Perialas of Anthrax and Bad Religion fame. It was during this time that Willie hooked up with Johnny Dowd. In 1997, he played on Dowd's critically acclaimed "Wrong Side of Memphis" (Munich Records). In 2000 Dowd's "Temporary Shelter" (Munich Records) featured Willie's signature bass pedal/drum approach. This sound can also be heard on Dowd's "Pawnbrokers' Wife", "Cruel Words" (Munich Records), and "Drunkard's Materpiece", as well as on Sally Timms' "World of Him" (Touch & Go). Willie is currently holding down the drum and bass pedal chair for Jamie Lidell's 2008 World Tour. Also available: WILLIE B'S "Fresh A-frame sessions vol. 2" @ http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/willieb