The stunning title track and debut single "Blues Is Still Alive" features blues guitar legend Walter Trout, adding another layer of authenticity to this already unforgettable track with its blend of soulful vocals, poignant lyrics, and a face-melting guitar and harmonica battle. This According to Will, "The song is a celebration of the blues and its enduring legacy. With everything that's going on in the world right now, the blues is just as relevant as it's ever been. Working with Walter has been a dream come true." Not surprisingly, this track landed in Classic Rock’s TRACKS OF THE WEEK and SiriusXM Bluesville’s countdown of top blues tunes.
he second single "Wild Man" is a swaggering Blues Anthem, a raucous, dirty twelve-bar shuffle that channels the spirit of Chicago blues. The track is a fun, tongue-in-cheek celebration of self-assurance, evoking the boldness of blues legends like Muddy Waters and Elmore James. "This one is for the hardcore blues fans," says Wilde. "It’s a bit of fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously." With lyrics like, "When it comes to playing harp, I'm the finest on the scene, when it comes to making love, I'm the best there's ever been," the song embraces the brash bravado of classic blues with a cheeky grin. The harmonica work on "Wild Man" is where Wilde truly shines, with the main riff giving a nod to Little Walter’s iconic "Juke", while adding his own unique modern twist which takes the intensity up to 11. It’s a celebration of the harmonica’s central role in blues, with a dynamite sound that sets Wilde apart from the rest, ensuring his place as one of the genre’s most exciting new talents. With a swagger and a grin, "Wild Man" delivers everything we love about the blues—confidence, attitude, and a healthy dose of fun.
The high-energy third single, "Trouble of That Girl" takes a bold, contemporary twist on the traditional spiritual song “Trouble of The World,” reimagining it with Wilde's signature harmonica playing, an electrifying guitar groove and infectious rhythm. Will says, “I wanted to take a traditional gospel song and give it a fresh perspective, like Willie Dixon did with ‘My Babe’ or Ray Charles did with ‘I’ve Got a Woman’, changing the lyrics to make it about a girl instead of God,” says Wilde. "It’s really simple but catchy. Lyrically it’s about making the decision to leave a toxic relationship and move on to better things.” From the first note, the harmonica delivers a punchy hook that feels both timeless and fresh, later building to a blistering harmonica solo that showcases Wilde’s unparalleled talent. “Trouble of That Girl” merges classic blues and gospel roots with a contemporary edge, drawing comparisons to the likes of Gary Clark Jr. and Samantha Fish.
The album features a stellar backing band, including the seasoned talents of Steve Rushton (Imelda May, Jeff Beck) on drums, Greg Coulson on keys, Bobby Harrison on guitar, and Russell Carr on bass. Together, they create a rhythm section that grooves hard, setting the stage for Will's electrifying harmonica to soar. Brave Rival’s Lindsey Bonnick and Chloe Josephine, and Will’s sister Dani Wilde, provide soulful backing vocals on several tracks, elevating the album’s emotional depth even more.The songs stay true to the heart of the genre, but Will’s unique approach infuses each track with a fiery energy and passion that makes this album impossible to ignore. BLUES IS STILL ALIVE is more than just a tribute to the genre—it’s a bold statement that proves the blues is as alive and vital as ever.
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