Brad “Guitar” Wilson – Lovers Before Sunrise
Cali Blues Music
www.bradwilsonlive.com
14 tracks
Brad Wilson delivers his sixth album with all the bells and whistles he’s included on the prior five and then some. Mixing his exuberant west Coast blues rock sound with Grammy producer Francis Buckley, Wilson gives us eleven original tracks and three covers to listen to with this effort.
Wilson is on lead guitar and vocals throughout. Brian Beal plays bass while Adan Gust if on drums. Hal Cragin plays flugelhorn and Chris Rhyne is on keys. Deb Jacobs adds some sweet duets and backing vocals.
”More Than I Do” is a blues rocker love song that kicks off the album. Wilson lays out some nice licks and sings about his woman. Kiki Wow and Amber Guzman do a great job on backing vocals as guests on this track. Jeff Covall is on bass, Peter Wolf is on drums for this one. Next is “Blues Magic,” where Wilson offers some Latin influenced rock sounds on his guitar. The sing is a pop love song where Wilson displays his influences from Santana.
Next is “Big Fish” where Wilson takes us to the Bayou as he sings about his elusive opponent. Wilson picks and sings as the band lays out some good support behind him. Wilson gives us Leroy Carr to enjoy with “Blues Before Sunrise.” A nice shuffle where Wilson pays respect to this early bluesman as he wails of guitar and Rhyne tinkles the keys.
Cream’s standard “Sunshine of Your Love” follows where Wilson gets to have fun emulating his heroes. “When You Get To My House” is a jump blues written by his producer Francis Buckley. This is one of my favorite cuts from the album. The horns are out in support of Wilson as he gives us some more heavy licks. He swaps out the players here with Zach Andrews on bass, Dillion Diaz on drums, Timothy Jones on piano and Daniel Levin on horns.
He gives testament to staying alive with “I’m Still Breathing.” It’s a slow blues where Wilson shows restraint and plays with pensive thoughtfulness. There’s some tasty guitar here as he builds in impact through the cut. “Goin’ Fishin’ In The Rain” is next as the music takes us on the road with a driving beat and up tempo groove.
Muddy’s “I’m Ready” gets a rocking makeover as Wilson turns it into his style. Nice piano work helps sell this as his guitar stings. He slips into high rockabilly gear for “Black Coffee at Sunshine,” a frantic paced rocking cut.
“Rollin’ Thunder” is a big, anthem rocker that Wilson is at ease delivering. He follows that with “Down At The Twist And Shout” where Deb Jacobs joins in on the vocals on this Cajun inspired piece as Wilson picks out some impressive notes.
“Words I Want To Say To You” also features Jacobs joins in again. This is a big love song with a timeless sound. Jacobs is a truly fine vocalist. Wilson concludes the album with a live performance of his “Slide On Over.” Mixing big guitar sounds that evoke Robin Trower as Brad shreds the lead apart. Guitar freaks will be in heaven.
Wilson does not hold back on his guitar. He goes full throttle and lays it all on the table for us. He’s opened for a plethora of legends and has and is touring the globe on his own. He’s a busy man and delivers high energy performance of originals and cuts that he loves. Blues rock fans need to take notice of Wilson’s latest effort!
