Acclaimed blues harmonica virtuoso Will Wilde Releases Blues Is Still Alive, released today February 28, 2025, via Vizz Tone Records.
28th February 2025Will shares his personal connection to the album: “With Blues Is Still Alive I wanted to prove that the blues is as relevant today as it’s ever been. When it comes to the blues, I don’t like to mess around with the formula too much; I don’t think there’s anything wrong with playing a straight-up 12 bar, but you have to MEAN IT! There are a lot of blues artists who just imitate what has gone before and don’t have anything new to say, so with this album it was important to me to put my own stamp on the blues and bring something new to the genre, whilst still remaining authentic to its long-standing traditions.”
The album features a stellar backing band, including the seasoned talents of Steve Rushton (Imelda May, Jeff Beck) on drums, Greg Coulson (Greg Coulson Band, Spiritualized, Morcheeba) on keys, Bobby Harrison (Cliff Richard, Brit Floyd) on guitar, and Russell Carr (Skin, The Blockheads) on bass. Together, they create a rhythm section that grooves hard, setting the stage for Will’s electrifying harmonica to soar.
Speaking about the track, Will says “Learn How To Love is a high energy blues shuffle with a dirty, sleazy feel. It’s about being mistreated by a no-good woman. It features Lindsey Bonnick and Chloe Josephine of Brave Rival and my sister Dani Wilde on backing vocals. This is one of my favourite songs to play live and has one of the most hi-octane harp solo’s on the album.”
The album’s first single is a breathtaking collaboration with blues legend Walter Trout. The title track ‘Blues Is Still Alive’ earned runner-up in Classic Rock’s Tracks of the Week. Walter played guitar on the track and said” It was my great honour to be part of this music with the incredible Will Wilde. He’s the best!”
What makes Wilde truly extraordinary is the sheer emotion and intensity he brings to his music. He transforms the harmonica into a lead guitar, pushing its boundaries with passion and technical brilliance. Often hailed as the “Hendrix of Harmonica,” Wilde’s artistry is both innovative and deeply rooted in the spirit of the blues. “I’m always looking to make new sounds with the harmonica” says Will “pushing its boundaries, trying to change people’s perception of it.”
Wilde’s fiery, heartfelt playing and unique style ensure his rise as one of the most exciting and authentic voices in modern blues.
Wilde’s talent has not gone unnoticed — he’s been nominated for two prestigious awards at this year’s UK Blues Awards: Contemporary Blues Artist Of The Year and Instrumentalist Of The Year.
Music-News raves: “It is one of the freshest sounding and most classic Blues albums I’ve heard in the last couple of years. “Classic Rock Magazine declares: “Delivers plenty of gold.”
Fans won’t want to miss the chance to experience Wilde’s unforgettable live performance at his official album launch show on March 4 at the legendary 100 Club in London
Album OUT NOW on all platforms https://lnk.to/WillWBISAalbum
UK Tour Dates
1st March 2025 – Blues At Barleylands, Billericay
4th March 2025 – 100 Club London, OFFICIAL ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW
5th March 2025 – Guildhall Studio, Portsmouth
6th March 2025 – Eel Pie Club, Twickenham
7th March 2025 – Library Theatre, Leighton Buzzard
13th March 2025 – Login Lounge, Camberley
15th March 2025 – Coolham Live Music Club, West Sussex SOLD OUT
16th March 2025 – Liverpool Blues Festival
21st March 2025 – The Carlisle, Hastings
22nd March 2025 – Tuesday Night Music Club, Coulsdon
23rd March 2025 – Temperance, Leamington Spa SOLD OUT
24th March 2025 – The Tree House, Frome
25th March 2025 – The Bear Club, Luton
9th May 2025 – Emsworth Live Music Club, Emsworth
16th May 2025 – Crookham Memorial Hall, Crookham
5th July 2025 – Bird In Hand, Fareham
10th July 2025 – Hot Box, Chelmsford
17th August 2025 – Old Bush Blues Festival, Callow End
30th October 2025 – Teignmouth Jazz and Blues
20th November 2025 – Hanger Farm Arts, Southampton
22nd November 2025 – Boogaloo Blues Weekend, Bournemouth
