He was a bass player of note. His musical accomplishments attest to that. But the measure and mass of his musical friendships were even greater.
This album, a posthumous release, is more than just a record.
It’s a love letter from those friends.
A Bass Player’s Bass Player
Willie’s resume was impressive.
Of course there was studio work, production, and writing. And he was nominated multiple times for Blues Music Awards. But his work with different groups stands out the most. These are the biggies:
- The James Harman Band
- The Fabulous Thunderbirds
- The Mannish Boys
- The Proven Ones
The catalogues from these bands alone would form a pretty wicked Blues library.
All the gigs, all the recordings, and all the miles he shared with his bandmates cemented friendships. And it was those friendships that came together to help Willie when he was diagnosed with ALS.
This album was their way of helping.
“I got another record in me” (What Willie said to Kid Ramos and Brian Templeton just after he told them that he had been diagnosed with ALS.)
And The Album?
The album itself is like a smorgasbord of Blues.
So many artists taking turns on the tracks. Each track has its own flavor and feel. In the end what we get is some great music. A 15-course meal of the Blues.
With Willie locking every track together with his bass.
“Although The Proven Ones will be the core band, this will not be a Proven Ones record. It will be recorded and released as “Willie J. & Friends”. Signed on as “friends” are, Kim Wilson, Sugar Ray Rayford, David Hidalgo, Janiva Magness, Anson Funderburgh, Mike Morgan, Shawn Pittman, Jimmie Wood, and Mondo Cortez.” ~ Brian Templeton
The Outro
“Be Cool” was Willie’s catch phrase. He was known to finish off his letters with it. So his family felt it was an apt title for this record.
They felt Willie would have liked that.
Seems right.
Preview ‘Be Cool’
…You can get ‘Be Cool’ directly H E R E!
Thanks for reading!
Jon Beres
I’m one part Blues Fan and one part Digital Native (with a dash of Curmudgeon.) I’m also the publisher of AlltheWayBlue.com. If you love the Blues, I have a feeling we’ll get along just fine - cheers!
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