Singer, songwriter, producer and blues-rock guitarist extraordinaire Brad Wilson does it all on his new studio effort, “Home”. Traditional Americana is his forte as he reveals on his CD about his travels across the country and especially California. Influenced by Gregg Allman, The Doobie Brothers, and the Marshall Tucker band, Wilson is one of the hardest working musicians across the land performing over 150 show in the past year.
Wilson has the most enjoyable whiskey, raspy vocal tracks on this flawlessly self-produced album, “Home”. Wilson was recognized and won “best songwriter” by All Access Magazine. He has performed as an opener for Paula Cole, Cheap Trick, .38 Special, Cinderella, Dokken and blues greats such as Coco Montoya and Lynwood Slim.
Wilson is inspired to craft his songs by simply seeing his guitar and then he begins to get his ideas flowing.
This new blues-rock CD is a collection of songs highlighting Wilson’s strong ability as a singer and songwriter of blues-rock music. He was just born to play this style of music.
The title track and first song on the disc “Home” has a comfortable feel to it with some fine guitar picking. No matter where he travels he feels at home here in Southern California. “Take the good with the bad, breathe deep/this is the land I know,” he contends.
Jazzy-blues “Cool Running” has the lyrics and music that takes you in and can conjure up the scene of the moonlight shining bright over the Los Angeles skyline. Wilson’s guitar playing is effortless.
Easy, breezy Jimmy Buffet-like track, “Show Me” explores the California coastline as a couple walks hand and hand together along the beach at ease with each other. This is another example of his Americana feel in his music.
“Something Goin On,” this tune has pop appeal with a Doobie Brothers vibe. This is another look at a relationship in transition. “I call you on the phone just to hear your voice,” describes Wilson on this excellent track with a nice guitar riff. Love is the most important thing to Wilson and it shows through on all of his music.
Straight ahead blues-rock “I’m Still Breathin,” deals the trials and tribulations of an ending relationship. Wilson’s guitar playing is highlighted on this track showcasing his truly amazing and stylized strumming.
“Across the Mojave,” is a beautiful instrumental tune. It is such a delight listening to this music. This song shows off Wilson’s guitar finesse.
The last track “The Ballad of John Lee,” is a tribute to John Lee Hooker. This song has the ZZ Top feel to it. Again, Wilson incorporates his own experiences on his travels to the South on this tune.
Brad Wilson is an amazing blues-rock guitarist with his very own distinctive style and tone. As noted in a previous review, Wilson has lovely whiskey, raspy vocals drawing his listeners into his personal accounts of his travels in all of his songs. His attack on the lead guitar is nothing but sheer excellence. Rockin’ the Blues/Ripping the Guitar is his motto. Check him out at www.bradwilsonlive.com
