Brad “Guitar” Wilson
The Californian
Cali Bee Music
Publicity: Blind Raccoon
Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro © May 2025
On The Californian, which I believe is his eighth release, Brad – on guitars and lead vocals – is joined by a mix of some old and new band mates. They are: Toto Poznantek and Tony Braunagel on drums; Chris Rhyne, Luca Catalfamo and Frankie Virens on keyboards; Hal Cragin, Brian Beal and Fabrizio Erba on bass; Marieke de Vaan – aka Marie K – on harmonica; with Leanna Baxter, Francis Buckley and Galen Keith on additional vocals. The disc’s fourteen tracks, of which eight are originals, features very close to an hour of excellent music.
The disc opens with one of those classic blues songs that is thought to be one of the most interpreted songs of the genre. That, in itself, is most likely why “It Hurts Me Too” (Hudson Whitaker, aka Tampa Red) often gets credited to many different people. Although it was first recorded in 1940 by Tampa Red, it was Elmore James who’s responsible for its popularity. With all that said, Brad “Guitar” Wilson’s rendition with its gutsy vocals; killer lead and slide guitar runs; powerful organ and piano leads; and enthusiastic rhythm certainly give the song the justice it’s due.
“Say You Wanna Dance”, one of Brad’s originals, is indeed a dance floor filler. Although the title doesn’t insinuate it, as Brad offers many dance choices after saying “Say you wanna dance, say you wanna boogie, say you wanna swing, say you wanna rock”, it kind of makes it sound like a question. In any case, whichever of his dance suggestions you answered to, this is indeed the vehicle for it.
Another original titled “Heartbreaker” sounds like it should be the disclaimer associated with falling in love. “You can’t eat, you can’t sleep; the fever is so strong; you take a chance on love; it’s a heartbreaker” – sounds pretty damn cautionary to me. Musically, the somewhat eerie vibe being created is the perfect accompaniment for the story being told. The guitar work is brutally awakening and led by relentless organ leads, the rhythm here is some of the disc’s best.
“Love And Peace” (Arthur Adams) is unlike anything else on this, or any of Brad’s two other releases I’ve worked with. It is a wonderfully done, softly jazzy instrumental that’s reminiscent of what I’d spin while relaxing with the Sunday morning newspaper. Coming from someone who generally rocks out, Brad’s finessed guitar work is both masterful and extremely impressive.
“Teaser” is an original of Brad’s that was the first of many of his songs used in movie and TV soundtracks. This one appeared in the 1998 release of Vampires. Needless to say, the track does have somewhat of an unnerving effect. It’s another rhythm fueled smoker led by thunderous drum work and ferocious guitar leads.
Simply because it’s low down and dirty slow blues, the disc’s closing track – “Groaning The Blues” (Willie Dixon) – is one of my personal favorites. Soulfully and emotionally belting out the song’s mournful lyrics, it’s this listener’s opinion that Brad is at disc’s best vocally. Of course, the song has all of the other qualifications to be a perfectly done bluesy ballad: laid back somber rhythm, check; scintillating organ leads, check; tickling of those high-end piano keys, check; sometimes lazy and sometimes stinging harmonica runs, check; and of course, downright scorching slow blues guitar licks, check.
Other songs on another magnificent release from Brad “Guitar” Wilson include the following originals: “Lightning In A Bottle”, “Monterey”, “Back Roads”, “Goin Home”, and “I Work Alone”; plus covers of: “Dead Flowers” (Jagger & Richards), “Ready For Love” (Mick Ralphs), and “Summertime Blues” (Cochran & Capehart).
With rock blues pretty much becoming the dominant of the genres sub-genres of late, I’ve got to be thinking that it can’t be long before you start seeing the name Brad “Guitar” Wilson deservedly appearing on some of various blues awards ballots. Good luck, my friend.
Should like to find out more about Brad “Guitar” Wilson, just go to – www.bradwilsonlive.com. Remember, wherever you go and whomever you speak with, please tell them their friend the Blewzzman sent you.
“The Blues Is My Passion And Therapy”
Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro
Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com
2011 “Keeping The Blues Alive” Award Recipient
