My influences are New Orleans musicians including Professor Longhair, Snooks Eaglin, The Meters, The Neville Brothers, Lonnie Johnson, Louis Armstrong, and many others. I also feel that the playing of Tuck Andress, Richard Thompson, Robert Johnson, Blind Blake, Blind Willie McTell, Ry Cooder, Blind Willie Johnson, Brownie McGee, Freddie Green, David Lindley, Josh White and Ali Farka Toure have all had a big impact on me. Songwriters including Robbie Robertson, Richard Thompson, Van Morrison and Bob Dylan are all people who I think about as I write, if only to be aware of not stealing their stuff inadvertently.
Of musicians that I have worked with over the years, Sean Harkness stands out as a major influence. I took lessons from Paul Asbell, and he was responsible for reorienting my thoughts about chord theory and harmony. Jerry Lavine also gave me some influential lessons. Brian Camelio, who now runs Artistshare, and I worked together for several years, and his playing certainly helped me. New Orleans bassists Tim Paco, now in Texas, and Angelo Nocentelli, both gave me a sense of time and tone at the bass end of the guitar, which is where it all starts, for me.
Finally, the greatest underrated guitarist of all time, Django’s brother, Joseph Reinardt, will always be an inspiration.
Sounds Like
Ha! We hate this question. Tommy Malone, guitarist and singer with the Subdudes, told me I sound like Sting. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get Sting to tell me I sound like Tommy Malone, which I would be very satisfied with. My guitar teacher from over two decades ago, Paul Asbell, asked me "Who are you listening to? Because, I hear a little Tuck Andress, I hear a little Snooks (Eaglin, New Orleans Guitar legend), but you’re not really trying to do either of those guys. I haven’t really heard anyone that sounds like you." Which all leads me to believe that, on guitar, I sound sort of like myself, although if you read the section on my influences, I cite three of the above guitarists. I should have added Tommy Malone, though. I wish I sounded like him on guitar, too. Fantastic singer and guitarist.
Essential Facts: Born near New York City. Lived most of my adult life in Vermont. Lived in New Orleans for over sixteen years. I don't really miss New York or Vermont, although I go there sometimes. I sang in a church choir for money (only way they could get me to come to rehearsal) at age 7. I got a guitar for my 10th or 11th birthday. I burned that guitar up in the fireplace after seeing Jimi Hendrix perform, even though Hendrix had moved past the guitar burning part of his career. I played my first nightclub gig at age sixteen, I think, with Dan Harrison, who now has a recording studio in Connecticut. I have played in bluegrass bands, folk bands, gypsy jazz bands, rock bands, funk bands, jazz bands, and big bands, and ended up concentrating on working as a soloist, starting in 2000. I built guitars for over two decades, working first with Roger Borys. I was taught luthiery by Jimmy D'Aquisto, who was a consultant for Borys Guitars. I retired from that trade after moving to New Orleans, although I do occasional guitar repairs and write for Vintage Guitar magazine. After the Federal Flood in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, I lived for a time on my sister's farm in Massachusetts, and am very grateful to my family for helping me through the time away from New Orleans. I traveled between New Orleans and New England until I was able to resettle in New Orleans in August 2006, one year after the Flood. I continue to play solo for most of my gigs, although I am happy to be playing in the Jesse Moore Band, and as a duo with Jesse (see www.myspace.com/jessemoore). I have a cat named Jack.
Thanks a million Chip for joining our ministry of Blues. It's all about peace, love, understanding, and GROOVE. Hope to perform for you sometime, and hear you play too. Wishing you the very best in Blues and life! -Big Daddy
I was about to write you as well! Have a happy year! I missed your songs too. As soon as i can get to my pc i'm gonna send you a couple of pictures featuring the Amazing Chip Wilson on stage with the GoodFellas! A friend of mine just gave those to me! We're all out of focus, but it's good to have memories! Ciao Chip!!
Hi Chip Wilson We wanna thank you for your very important support in those sad days.
This thanx are in our name, in the name of Enrico's wife Paola and in the name of his sons.
Enrico Micheletti's ashes are flyin' throughout the universe and we hope his soul is finally arrived at a beautiful destination.
What about his music and the music we had recorded toghether?
We finally decide to get it out. We wanna remeber Enrico in this way. In the first quarter of 2009 we will publish all our and Enrico Micheletti' s materials on Itunes and many other stores on the web.
We'll send you a message when it's all ready.
God bless you!!!
Marry Christmas and Have a wonderful 2009!!!
KEEP THE BLUES ALIVEEEE!!!!!!!
Ciao Chip Wilson ti volevamo ringraziare per le tue parole e per il tuo sostegno in periodo così difficile per noi.
Questi ringraziamenti non sono formali, sono veramente sinceri a nome nostro, della moglie di Enrico Paola e a nome dei suoi figli.
Le ceneri di Enrico Micheletti sono disperse nel mar Tirreno e stanno viaggiando nell' universo. Noi speriamo che anche la sua anima abbia raggiunto finalmente il miglior approdo possibile.
Cosa fare del suo materiale in nostro possesso e del materiale che abbiamo registrato insieme?
Dopo aver pensato a lungo sul da farsi abbiamo deciso di pubblicarlo. Lo pubblicheremo su Itunes ed altri siti così tutti potranno trovarlo se lo cercano. Glielo dobbiamo. Glielo deve chi lo ha conosciuto.
Cercheremo di pubblicare tutto ciò che è in nostro possesso nei primi mesi del 2009.
Appena sarà tutto pronto ti faremo sapere.
Per adesso ti auguriamo Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo.
So glad to see your smiling face after all these years. I've relocated to Asheville, NC, which is a great town (full of great pickers). I've spent the past few years on hiatus but now preparing to return to a solo/acoustic project. I spent a lot of time with Vassar Clements before he passed a couple of years ago. So sad that he is gone. It was a beautiful project. I had Mike Gordon on occasion, Buddy Cage and Tony Trischka too. It was really fun and something special but very hard to get that lineup together for more than 2-3 runs per year. Any way, I'm living a life of sobriety, being a Dad and thankful in general. Drop me a note. I'd love to hear what you are doing and thinking these days.
I hope you're well and happy. I'm missing NOLA and hope to see you again soon. BTW, having the 'dudes over for dinner next Sunday. Wish you could be here too!
Hey Chip! Awful glad to have you on my friends list, and even gladder for 31 years of real-world friendship, no matter how many miles and years between, you'll always be one of my fa-vo-rite human beings, and one of the best pickers anywhere! Remember The Sheik!
Chip, You are one of my favorite people in this world and a very down to earth, good hearted old soul. We met under extraordinary circumstances with some wonderful people and incredible talent. I can only hope that one day we can all have the opportunity to recreate that magic. Have a wonderful time in Umbria. I hope we have a chance to reconnect soon. LZ xo
