Willie B (a.k.a. Brian Wilson)
has performed and recorded with many great artists such as Sally
Timms (The Mekons), Warren Zanes (Del Fuegos), NYC punk legend
Jayne County, and Neko Case. He has toured Europe and the U.S.
extensively with Johnny Dowd, and surf rockers the Mofos. From
punk to jazz to country, Willie's versatility is his strength.
He is best known for incorporating organ bass pedals into his
drum setup, allowing him to play bass and drums simultaneously.
This original sound has become his signature. He has also recorded
his own solo album, 'A-frame session vol. 2' on which he plays
all instruments. While not on the road touring, Willie B has
made his home in Ithaca, NY.
HISTORY
Willie B was born Brian Wilson on February 13, 1975, and grew
up on the outskirts of Boston, Massachusetts. The first records
he owned, Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five, John Coltrane
"Love Supreme", and Led Zeppelin "Presence",
left a huge impression on his childhood. At age 12, he tried
to convince his parents, after years of pestering, to let him
get a set of drums. After a few summers painting houses, he
finally earned enough money and walked down to the local music
shop, and bought the first set he saw.Drumming for many bands
through his high school he went off to college in Ithaca, NY.
After a year of school, Willie headed back to his hometown area
to teach drumming at DiCenso's Drum Shop in Quincy, MA. Although
teaching proved to be an invaluable experience, Willie returned
to Ithaca, NY to pursue some promising musical projects. He
played drums for various bands and recording projects working
with producer Alex Perialas of Anthrax and Bad Religion fame.
It was during this time that Willie hooked up with Johnny Dowd.
In 1997, he played on Johnny's critically acclaimed "Wrong
Side of Memphis" (Munich Records). In 2000 Dowd's "Temporary
Shelter" (Munich Records) featured Willie's signature bass
pedal/drum approach. This sound can also be heard on Dowd's
"Pawnbrokers' Wife", Sally Timms' "World of Him"
(Touch & Go), and Johnny Dowd's newest release "Cruel
Words" (Munich Records). Willie continues producing recordings
under his own name. His latest group is called Tzar, which features
himself on bass pedals and drums and Michael Stark on Hammond
organ.
