…though his name may not be known to some, his sound is well known throughout the world. His signature guitar work on Chris Isaak's single “Wicked Game” helped propel the record to 6 on the Billboard Top 100 chart and the album to multi-platinum status.
After an extended retirement from live performance and recording alike, he is finally releasing his first solo album, “El Dorado” via Lakeshore Records, January 2008.
Originally from Missouri, James moved to California and began playing professionally at age 19 with seminal west coast punk group, The Avengers.
Soon after, he met Isaak and legendary record producer Erik Jacobsen. Together they crafted a new sound based on Isaak's crooning vocal style, and Wilseys' haunting guitar. Collaborating for the next 12 years, they produced four highly regarded albums, culminating with the hit single “Wicked Game”.
The simple two-note riff that opens the song crystallizes Wilsey's approach in the span of a couple seconds, and is instantly identifiable to people around the world and can be heard in countless movie and television soundtracks.
“El Dorado” marks Wilsey's first effort as a solo artist. A purely instrumental album, it pays homage to some of his musical influences; Duane Eddy, The Shadows, Billy Strange, James Burton and Link Wray.
El Dorado is more than a mere homage however; it is one of the most original instrumental albums in many years. Wilsey's retro-futuristic guitar vision comes to the forefront as it never has before. The ten songs cover many styles, yet form a cohesive whole; cinematic in scope, with a distinct western flavor. A true solo effort, Wilsey composed, performed, engineered and produced the entire album himself.
Hi Jimmy dropin' by to say hello! I put together a J.W. strat. It is a 93 standard USA Strat. I put 62 R.I. pups in it. I name her "Brenda Lee" after this last girl that is driving me crazy. Have a great summer out there Jimmy! Joe R DeMar
Yo Ho Ho...
How's stuff? We're cooking along into June now & got some out of town
shows lined up for summer, but as far as this crazy town's concerned-
looks like Old Towne Pub is the place. We just can't seem to stay away
from that sweet lil hole. We're playing there this Thursday with some
friend bands and plan to pack the place for some freaky-cool times &
beer. Come out already! It will RAWK & then you can go back to life as
usual with some spring in your thing.
Yarrrr!!!!!!
-Obedient Waves
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