INTERVIEW: Click here to go to Blues Quest to listen to a great interview by Mike Sanders with the Rev, discussing his early influences and musical philosophy.
Video:
PARENTAL ADVISORY: Not recommended viewing for minors.
The video is from the "Sermon From Bethlehem" DVD available for purchase at Blind Pig Records. (There is also a CD with the same title with different songs! )
From the moment he sits down at the piano and lights into his Southern old-time gospel and blues with a twist, the six-foot-five-inch, goateed, tattooed tongue-in-cheek "Rev" commands the stage and spreads the "gospel" like nobody's business. With puns flying as fast as his fingers, the Rev plays masterly boogie-woogie and barrelhouse riffs while holding forth on subjects as diverse as W.W.E.D.? (What Would Elvis Do?), Mennonite Surf Parties, and dubious relationships between people you are terrified that you may actually know.
While widely recognized as a humorist, music is his forte. In the early 80s, he shared a walk-up with the late blues legend Sunnyland Slim, learning to appreciate the Blues and to perform it with fervor. A recognized musicologist, Billy has written about music, legendary performers and life on the road for Musician, Keyboard and BluesWax. He is a regular contributor to the Charlotte Observer. Workshops on Blues and/or Gospel Music at festivals and universities have left students clamoring for more.
In 2006, The Rev took on a new medium, with a weekly radio show, "The Reverend Billy's Rhythm Revival" on WFIT-FM (Melbourne, Florida). The program airs Friday from 10 pm to midnight (EST), and can be heard live worldwide via streaming audio on the station's website (www.wfit.org). The musical gospel quickly spread to the West Coast and the Rev. can now also be heard on KPIG in Freedom, CA on Sunday nights from 10:00 PM to Midnight PST. (www.kpig.com) With The Rev no further away than your computer, there are those that feel that world domination is within his grasp.
THE ROLL MODELS 7/10/08
Reverend Billy C. Wirtz and Victor Wainwright have been busy spreading the good word across the states! After just finishing their central FL tour, Billy and Victor will be performing their solo acts until August 9th, where they will meet in Baltimore for a great festival. The pair will also be performing throughout the Carolina's towards the end of the month. Make sure to keep checking the tour dates above. Also, click the link below to view the brand new ROLL MODELS electronic press kit!
View THE ROLL MODELS's EPK
Saw you down at Skippers about two days ago. You were awsome once again. You couldn't find a better person to acompany you in "Pianest Envy." Keep rockin and rollin.
