Will Wilde

Will Wilde is a British blues rock harmonica player and singer renowned for his intense, virtuosic harmonica style that pushes the boundaries of the instrument. His innovative approach has garnered him a dedicated following among blues and rock enthusiasts around the world.

Background and Early Years

Born in Macclesfield, England, and raised in Wiltshire, Wilde immersed himself in music from a young age. At 16, he picked up his first harmonica and quickly devoted himself to mastering the instrument, practicing alongside Muddy Waters records for 10 to 12 hours daily. His formative years were influenced by traditional Chicago blues legends like Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Buddy Guy.

Musical Style and Influences

Wilde's music fuses traditional Chicago blues with rock, soul, and funk, drawing influences from iconic rock bands such as Led Zeppelin, Free, and Deep Purple. His aggressive playing style challenges the limits of the harmonica, earning him acclaim as "The Hendrix of the Harmonica" by Thomas Ruf of Ruf Records. He even invented "Wilde Tuning," a harmonica tuning specifically crafted for blues-rock and hard-rock genres.

Career Highlights

• Released debut album "Nothing but Trouble" at age 19
• Signed with Rock the Earth Records for a two-album deal in 2011
• Albums include:
  • Unleashed (2010)
  • Raw Blues (2013)
  • Bring It On Home (2018)
  • Bad Luck Friday (2022)
  • Blues Is Still Alive (upcoming, 2025)
• Gained international attention with viral YouTube harmonica covers of classic rock guitar solos
• Collaborated with blues rock guitarist Walter Trout on his #1 Billboard Blues album "Broken"
• Nominated six times for Best Harmonica Player in the British Blues Awards

Notable Performances and Collaborations

Wilde has toured extensively, participating in prestigious events like the Legendary Blues Cruise. He has shared the stage with renowned artists including Sherman Robertson, Michael Burks, Earl Thomas, and Taj Mahal. His dexterity and emotive playing have made him a sought-after guest artist on albums by Walter Trout, Toby Lee, Brave Rival, and others.

Critical Reception

Critics have praised Wilde's live performances as a masterclass in blues harp playing. Walter Trout lauded him as "one of the best blues harp players anywhere." His unique style and dedication to his craft have cemented his place in the contemporary blues rock scene.

Discography

Studio Albums:

• Nothing but Trouble (2008)
• Unleashed (2010)
• Raw Blues (2013)
• Bring It On Home (2018)
• Bad Luck Friday (2022)
• Blues Is Still Alive (upcoming, 2025)

Live Albums:

• Live in Hamburg (2015)

Will Wilde's innovative harmonica playing continues to captivate audiences, blending traditional blues with modern rock to create a distinctive sound that resonates with fans globally.

Sources

• https://www.harmonica.com/will-wilde/
• https://music.apple.com/us/artist/will-wilde/465974319
• https://www.last.fm/music/Will+Wilde/+wiki
• https://www.seydel1847.de/epages/Seydel1847.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=%2FShops%2FSeydel%2FCategories%2FArtists%2FAlle_Kuenstler%2FWill_Wilde1&IC_TaxModel=1&Currency=EUR
• https://www.last.fm/music/Will+Wilde/+albums
• https://3songsbonn.com/2011/09/24/will-wilde-blows-into-cologne/
• https://www.willharmonicawilde.com/epk
• https://www.bear-family.com/wilde-will/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW0aGXfkFig
• https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/q-a-with-british-phenomenal-harmonica-player-will-wilde