News

Press

Calendar
"journal"
Music
Photos
Booking
Links
 

 !  Otherwise "Lost Thoughts"

- Tuesday March 2 2010

Hello March.... where did February go?
All is well in the world of "Will"..... the Mexico trip was amazing.... more info & details soon....

cheers!
-ww


 

- Thursday Feb 11 2010

Feeling good on a gray Thursday.... all is well.

Kink fm102 in Portland featured "Rose City" on their Local Spotlight last Thursday... Thanks KINK!!!
That also makes me eligible for the new CD Compilation. You can log into the KINK community to vote... it only takes a few minutes and a valid email address.

Here's the link:
http://www.kink.fm/Local-Music-Spotlight/130403

Really excited about my first trip to Mexico next week.... Taking off Feb 16-24 for some vacation & exploring... even hoping to play some tunes in Barra De Navidad....

More soon.... much love & thanks for the continued support!!

"Take this moment by the hand.... and never let it go..." -ww



- Thursday Feb 4 2010

A nice day.... Some great vibes at the "attic sessions" last night at the Buffalo Gap... Big thanks to Bali Ingraham, Jesse Young & Sean Hudson for playing some great tunes. That was also Sean Hudson's debut acoustic set with 4 original songs.... Way to go Sean!!!

Sean will also be playing at the Thirstly Lion with Eric John Kaiser on Tuesday Feb 9.

Should be a nice jam later today at the White Eagle.... Then I'll be recording over the next few days here at the house. A nice weekend to be off from performing & focused on recording....

Off to Mexico.... Feb 16-24.... flying into Puerto Vallarta.... then busing South towards Barra de Navidad.... some rest & relaxation.... even going to play some tunes at an old friend's bar... Rey Momo. My first international gig... :)

Thanks for stopping by....
-w


 

- Tuesday Jan 19 2010

Hey folks.... hope all is well. Catching up on some rest today... what a great weekend!

The Woods show last friday Sold Out!! Huge thanks again to Carmina Luna & National Flower for sharing the evening... and a special thanks to all the great folks who made it out to support the night.... What a Blast!!

In local news.... I'm hosting a new acoustic showcase on Wednesdays at the Buffalo Gap Saloon. Monthly wine features and lowkey acoustic music in a relaxed atmosphere....

Wednesdays....
"Attic Sessions" w/ Wine & Friends
Buffalo Gap Saloon
6835 Macadam Ave
Portland, OR
9pm-midnight 21+ & Free

Also... you can check out our family friendly shows each Thursday at the White Eagle Saloon...

Thursdays....
"Eagle Time" w/ the friendly strangers
The White Eagle Saloon
836 N Russell St
5:30-7:30pm *all ages & free too

I can't thank you enough for the continued support!!
Warm thoughts to you and your loved ones in this new year...
cheers!!
-will



- Wednesday Jan 6 2010

A wonderful happy new year friends.....
I hope 2010 is starting out just fine for you.

I'll be hiding in the studio for much of this month.... working on a new Friendly Strangers demo. More info soon....

Also, Mark your calendars for a big show this month!!!!

Friday Jan 15
The Woods
6637 Milwaukie Ave
Portland, Oregon

with 2 fantastic bands... Carmina Luna & National Flower.
9pm showtime.... $8 tickets

Thanks and more soon!
cheers.
-ww


- Saturday Dec 26 2009

Wishing everyone a warm holiday season....
Beautiful.... sunny and cool here in Portland.

I'm moving at a nice slow pace today.... Nice time with family and friends, new and old yesterday.

Intending to get into studio mode today.... but I have a feeling the day with be light.... which is just fine....

Warm thoughts to you !!! Thanks for reading....
cheers.
-ww


- Wednesday Dec 16 2009

Gray days again in Oregon... after a cold, cold week. The skies were beautiful and clear last week.... but it didn't get above 30 for a few days... Chilly for Portland.
Back in the studio this week.... working on arrangements for these new songs. About 10 tracks in the works right now.... It's exciting. Experimenting with melody ideas... harmonies and random instrumentation. Sean Hudson is coming in later this week to lay down some basslines... Bob Soper will adding some fiddle and percussion as well. Mostly just bouncing ideas around and seeing what happens...

Hoping to have a new demo out in the next couple months.... some exciting shows in the works as well...
We'll be heading to Forest Grove for New Year's Eve....

Thurs Dec 31 9pm -- McMenamin's Grand Lodge
at the Garage Door Bar -- w/ Drew Norman on banjo & Sean Hudson on bass. We'll jam till the countdown... free tunes... 21+

Mark your calendars for -- Friday Jan 15 2010.
The Woods w/ Carmina Luna and National Flower.... sure to be a fantastic show..

Also, remember to vote for the Portland Music Awards....
Click here to Vote - (Voting continues til Dec 31 2009)

Stay warm, be well and thanks for the wonderful support !!
Much Love..
-ww


- Monday Nov 30 2009

Hello Monday.... what a nice weekend. Relaxed nicely on Thanksgiving.... played a few nice shows.... Some great food throughout the weekend as well...

Back into the studio today.... Laying out guitar and vocal tracks for 2 more songs. I have 5 mapped out already.... Hoping to have another 5 in the works over the next few weeks....

It feels good to be recording again... Keep an eye out for random songs posted online... a new song called "Life" is up on the player right now... Check the Music page.

I hope all is living well in your world.... Huge thanks for stopping by the website... more soon.
-ww


- Wednesday Nov 19 2009

What a wonderful trip to North Carolina!! We had a blast..... just wish we had alittle more time to explore....

Great news !!! I've been nominated for a Portland Music Award for the Male Artist category... Voting is encouraged... and there are some amazing artists in these categories.... It's an honor to be a part of things....

Click here to Vote - (Voting continues til Dec 31 2009)

It's very easy.... and there's no need to till out any personal information.. Simply Vote & submit....

I can certainly use some help passing the word on this.... So if you can help at all.. please tell your friends & family.... Grass roots !!!

More soon !! Thanks again !!
-ww


- Wednesday Nov 4 2009

Hello November !!
It's nice to see you again.... Somehow I've lost a couple of journal entries.... Had a computer freakout and everything backed up abit.... Oh well..

All is well in Portland..... new shows & some NC traveling next week. Flying to Raleigh on Tuesday Nov 11.... relaxing for a few days... playing a few shows too.

Thursday Nov 12 -- The Cave in Chapel Hill 7:30pm-9:30pm
and a big hometown show..
Saturday Nov 14 -- Nash Arts Center in Nashville, NC
7pm doors & 8pm showtime w/ local songwriter Chris Chapell opening the night...

Check the Calendar for more info.....

We may sneak in another show or 2..... I keep saying I'd like to relax... but can't pass up music eh?

In Portland news.... We're kicking off some tunes tonight..
Wed Nov 4 -- 8pm
Brasserie Montmartre (SW Park & Alder)
This place just re-opened this week & it's beautiful...

Time to hit the studio.... more soon !!!
cheers.
-ww


 

- Tuesday Aug 25 2009

Just getting back to Portland..... what a wonderful tour !!
Montana Madness Tour 2009 -- 2500 Miles over 10 days...
w/ Noah Peterson (sax/percussion/washboard)
Sean Hudson (upright bass)
& Marina Peterson (tour manager)
Spokane, WA --- Twin Falls, Idaho & all over Montana...
Now for a quick recap:

Sunday Aug 16 2009 -- Portland to Spokane, WA (350 Miles)
-- w/ Sean, Noah & Marina in the RV... made Luke's house around 2pm.
Sweet House Party & BBQ for some nice friends/family. Thanks Luke & all the great folks we met.

Monday Aug 17 2009 -- Spokane, WA (a tough day)
-- slept in and headed to Badger Lake... bout 40 miles east of Spokane. Rope swings, cliff jumps and boat rides all day.... really stressed :)

Tuesday Aug 18 2009 --- Spokane to Missoula, MT (200 Miles)
-- made Missoula early afternoon... climbed the "M" trail... 650+ foot climb near the university. Go Grizz... Overlooking a beautiful city. Played first club show at the Top Hat in downtown Missoula... Great sound & nice late crowd. The staff even connected us with a gig in Babb, MT for Wednesday night. Way up on the other side of Glacier Park !!! A wonderful night of tunes.... Thanks Top Hat & Missoula !!! We'll be back in March...

Wednesday Aug 19 2009 -- Missoula to Whitefish to Babb, MT (230 Miles)
-- stopped by Whitefish to check out the Great Northern Bar for Thursdays gig... then we're off to Babb, MT. But first we have to drive through Glacier Park. Entered the West Gate..... unbelievable.... It's a wonder of the world... The Road to the Sun.... an amazing climb up and through Glacier Park. Big Horn Sheep & Weeping Walls. The most intense mountains I've ever seen.
.... exited the St Mary's Park Exit... made Babb, MT (about 9 miles from Canada). Found Charlie's Place.... a sweet warehouse bar... one of about 7 buildings in Babb. Only opens from May-Oct. Grizzly Bear country... Big Bar... Big Stage & great back yard for camping.
3 long sets.... for some rowdy locals... What a blast !!! Thanks Derrick & the Charlie's Crew.... plus the late night campfire jam was sweet...

Thursday Aug 20 2009 --- Back to Whitefish (100 Miles)
-- slow moving start today.... what a crazy night. Some good coffee & a slow drive around Glacier back to Whitefish. Settled in with some food and a nice jog around downtown.... Played 3 sets... some nice dancing & new friends in Whitefish. thanks again !!

Friday Aug 21 2009 -- Whitefish to Billings, MT (480 Miles)
-- Catfish Dinner with the Peterson's.... then off to McCleary's Tavern in downtown Billings.... Noisy fun crowd. Sold a nice stack of CD's & made some new friends. Nice party vibes all evening..... Back to rest at the Peterson house.

Saturday Aug 22 2009 -- Billings, MT
-- Nice sleep in..... off to Yellowstone Brewpub for soundcheck at 2:30pm. Local channel 8 news covered some of the warm-up and interviewed Noah Peterson. Played 3 great sets at Yellowstone for the early Garage Show. Thanks Chuck for running some great sound. Some of the best we had all tour.... Thanks to George & Yellowstone as well. We had a blast....
-- Off to McCleary's for a late jam. Played 2 grooving sets for some crazy folks.... We were exhausted but we still had a blast. Relaxed overlooking from the Heights to close down the night.... whew.... 5 sets today....

Sunday Aug 23 2009 -- Billings, MT
-- House concert at the Peterson's Home. A wonderful jazz concert & dinner. I played a short close out set with Sean & Noah. What a beautiful evening.... the weather & vibes were perfect. Thanks again to the Peterson's for the amazing hospitality.

Monday Aug 24 2009 -- Billings, MT to Twin Falls, ID (500 Miles)
-- Long drive... for a really intimate house concert in Twin Falls. What a sweet way to wind down after all the shows & traveling. Thanks to Shelly & Stacie for setting things up. We made some great connections.... some great conversations on photography & poetry as well. Thanks Twin Falls.

Tuesday Aug 25 2009 --- Twin Fall, ID to Portland, OR (553 Miles)
-- a beautiful... thought filled day through Idaho & Eastern Oregon on I84. A wonderful thing about the road... is it can give you great chances to ride & recollect everything that's happened. We had a beautful trip..... some wonderful moments. Somethings didn't work as we planned.... But we also had some wonderful surprises on the road. Made some great connections with some great people....

Plus we had a blast !!! Thanks everyone for all the support.... Back in Portland and feeling good !!

Cheers !
-ww


- Thursday August 13 2009

Hey friends....
We're hitting the road on Sunday....
Can you help pass the words to your friends/family in the Montana area?

Sunday Aug 16
Spokane Washington
4pm House Concert & BBQ
(email for info: willwestmusic@gmail.com)

Tues Aug 18 10pm
The Top Hat 134
W Front St Missoula, MT

Thursday Aug 20 9pm
Great Northern Bar
27 Central Ave Whitefish, MT

Friday Aug 21 9pm
McCleary's Tavern
2314 Montana Ave Billings, MT

Saturday Aug 22 5pm
Yellowstone Valley Brewery
2123 1st Ave N # B Billings, MT

Sunday Aug 23
House Concert
Billings MT 4pm

Monday Aug 24
House Concert
Twin Falls ID 7pm

I'll be cruising with some of The Friendly Strangers.... Noah Peterson on soprano sax/percussion Sean Hudson on upright bass
We are excited.... my first time through Montana...

More updates from the road. Please help pass the word !!
Thanks !!
-will


- Tuesday August 11 2009

Computer is back online..... During the 105+ degree days in Portland.. the video card decided to overheat.... Glad for the cool down over the past week... Even some light rain today...

Busy week ahead...
5 events over the next 5 nights... Then off to Spokane early on Sunday. House Party & BBQ at Luke's house w/ friends.... Touring to Missoula, Whitefish, Billings & Twin Lakes, Idaho... My first trip through Montana.... and I'm really excited !!

By the way -- Pickathon 2009 was fantastic...what a wonderful weekend. My first time & we'll definitely be back.... hopefully as a performer in 2010 !!

All is well & feeling good.... more very soon !
Cheers.
-ww


- Tuesday July 14 2009

Some rest today.... sunny & warm outside. Nice day to lay low and rest up.... This week...

Wed 7/15/09 @ Rock Bottom Brewery 9pm
Thur 7/16/09 @ White Eagle Saloon 5:30pm-7:30pm
Sat 7/18/09 @ 14th Annual Webber's BBQ (2133 NW Hoyt) -- for the Oregon Food Bank (4 canned good for entry... music & food all day)

We're revamping the website abit..... so let us know what you think.
Cheers !!!
-ww


- Saturday July 6 2009

what a great week.... temperatures & vibes ran hot all weekend in Portland... 95 + for 3 days in a row... that was hot. Tough on the garden.... but I think all is well.

Some nice cool weather today to soften the edge.... Catching up on some needed paperwork... nice to clear up some details... take care of the things that have been hanging over my head. Even cleaned my room.... Organized the work space for tomorrow... planning on a nice day of recording. Cool temps in the studio... Ready to start tracking some new songs.

Trying to stay focused on the studio work... while still playing quite a few live shows.... Ready to work hard for a few m0nths.... then get ready for some Fall travels... East Coast in October & Mexico in February.... off to catch some ZZZ's....
Much Love !!
-ww


- Saturday June 20 2009

Hello and Happy Saturday... cloudy, gray in Portland today... Nice rain for the garden... Tomatoes are taking off.... Beans are starting to run... even put alittle late season corn into the ground. And the Chickens are really happy in their new home, although they had abit of trouble finding shelter from the rain yesterday.... Yeah for urban farming....

All is well here.... getting ready for a cool show this week... Thursday June 25 -- Biddy McGraw's (NE Glisan & 60th). Full band show with drums !!! Should be a blast....

In other news.... i'll be playing every Wednesday this summer downtown at Rock Bottom Brewery... The scene is really coming together... the vibes are getting better & better... Keep an eye out for some special surprises down there in July !!!

Also, we're still playing at the White Eagle for "eagle time" every Thursday this Summer. 5:30-7:30pm. It's FREE & all ages for the little ones...

Hoping all is great in your world.... Thanks for the continued support !!!
Thanks so dearly for reading these journal entries.... and as always... drop me a line & let me know what's going on with you.. or just to say hello... (email address is on the contact page)
cheers !!
-ww


- Tuesday June 9 2009

What a wonderful weekend.... I needed most of yesterday to decompress....

Quick recap:
Had a CD release party for the new album "To Inspire" on Friday at the LaurelThirst Pub. Featuring great sets by Michael Jodell & The Slow Healers as well as Pancake Breakfast & The Breakfast Singers.... We had a rocking 1st set with a packed house... then a smooth late set to wind things down.
Huge thanks to Micheal Jodell & Mike Midlo (Pancake Breakfast) for the great vibes. Thanks to Drew Norman (banjo), Noah Peterson (sax/percussion), & Sean Hudson (upright bass) for laying down the sounds. Thanks to Tanner Cundy for helping with sound and Thanks to Briar for helping with merchandise & keeping me organized.
Big thanks to the Portland Mercury for the recommendation and write-up....

And a special hug & thanks to all the great people that made the show... screamed early and stayed late !!! What a blast....

The new album "To Inspire" is only available at live shows. If you're interested in a copy.... send me an email:
willwestmusic(at)yahoo.com

Cheers & be well.... off to go work in the garden.... another beautiful day !!!
-ww


- Monday May 11 2009

made some collard greens today... still too hot to eat...
A pleasant cloudy Monday.... windy... should be some rain moving in later tonight. But it was a beautiful weekend in Portland. Worked in the backyard all weekend. Getting ready to plant some veggies later this week... Also getting ready to move the chickens into the backyard.... (yes we have chickens !!) Looking to have our own eggs by September. Urban farming... gotta love it. We've got a perfect yard for it... hidden in a very urban area.... We'll be having many cookouts & jams this summer.... I'm excited.

Somehow I lost a journal entry... a tour recap. Here's a streamlined version of events....

Wed April 15 -- early flight PDX to RDU (raleigh/durham).... relaxed with the parents in Nash County.

Thurs April 16 -- Played a set during Jason Adamo's weekly gig at Oliver Twist in Raleigh, NC. Jason was fantastic and I had a blast playing some tunes for my parents....

Friday April 17 -- relaxed in Clayton with the Lloyd family... had a great bonfire jam & party that night...
Saturday April 18 -- Golf & some relaxing with old high schood friends.... Karel, Billy & Robbie.... good times.

Sunday April 19 -- off to Asheville for the gig... BoBo Gallery with Ian Thomas & Galin Kipar (2 amazing performer/songwriters)... a cool lowkey rainy evening of amazing music. Big thanks to John, David, Marshall & company for showing some support !!!

Monday April 20 -- up early towards Knoxville... played the "Blue Plate Special" with host Matt Morelock.... shared the hour with Cain & Annabelle a wonderful new Knoxville band. (Thanks to Matt & WDVX radio... that was great !!)
Off to Atlanta.... found a sweet pair of boots in Little 5 Points.... then to Eddie's Attic in Decatur for the open-mic competition..... made the top 3 !! Thanks to Ben & Lori for rallying some listeners... that was sweet.

Tuesday April 21 -- off to Charleston, SC ... relaxed with some family in Summerville... Thanks Grandma & Papa Joe !!!

Wednesday April 22 -- up early for a TV spot. "Low Country Live" ABC Channel 4 in Charleston. Thanks to Ryan Nelson & crew for having me back...

Thursday April 23 -- up highway 17 towards Wilmington, NC.... big wildfires around Myrtle Beach.... crazy!!
Played Hell's Kitchen in downtown Wilmington late that night... Thanks to Frank Cobb for sitting in on percussion. Big thanks to Wes & Allison Carroll for giving me a great place to crash....

Friday April 24 -- back to Raleigh to meet up with Jesse at the airport... then back to Nash County to relax with the family...

Saturday April 25 -- cool cookout with old friends & new additions. Karel & Jessica, Luke & Holly, Billy & Stacey, Drew & Amy, and Jimmy Turner... 7 little kids at the house.... that was fun!!

Relaxed the rest of the week ... grinding grits... fishing at night. It was a wonderful trip !!!


- Saturday May 2 2009

Back in Portland... somehow my last journal entry didn't make it up... Strange.... I'll try to recap the tour here soon...

Have a great weekend !!
cheers.
-ww


- Thursday March 26 2009

all is great today.... feels like a good day for some spring cleaning.... Open some windows & let the springtime breeze push through the house. Feels.... Good.
Finalizing the Tour Schedule... I'm happy with the the travel plans.... nothing too crazy.... hopefully a nice relaxed pace... I'll be confirming a couple more dates... but the April Calendar is up....

Back to cleaning....
More soon !!!
Cheers !
-ww


- March 2 2009

Hey folks..... a nice mellow Monday today. Had a cool weekend of shows.... Snuck out to White Salmon and played a couple sets at Everybody's Brewing. Cool place with some great people & vibes....
Then had Ben Dewey & J*Malem sit in for the MuuMuu's Sunday session last night.... that was sweet.
Catching up on some internet work today... maybe record abit later.

Already March & things are moving fast !!! The April tour is coming together... with stops in Chapel Hill, Atlanta, Charleston, Rocky Mount & a few more coming together...

more soon. Much love !!
cheers.
-ww


- Feb 19 2009

The sun shines today in Portland.... a beautiful winter day... It's chilly but bright outside.

Had a cool, mellow gig with Skip vonKuske last night... I dig the guitar/cello combo.... some cool experimentation...

We'll match up again at the Maiden tonight in Southeast Portland. Should be a good time...
Cheers !!
-ww


- Feb 2 2009

Just over a month into the new year... and it's moving fast. Completed my 32 year on this planet.... Winter storms in Oregon.... and a New President. Obama !!!

January was very busy.... plenty of shows.... working to get the open-mic running on Mondays downtown at Rock Bottom Brewery. It's turning into a fun vibe down there..... Let's see how another month develops. Each week I'll play a short set with a couple guest bandmates... then we'll flow into an acoustic songwriter's showcase/open-mic for the rest of the evening.... It's been great so far.

The Friendly Strangers have been deloping into a nice project.... Noah Peterson (soprano sax/percussion),
Drew Norman (banjo/slide guitar),
Sean Hudson (upright bass),
Bob Soper (fiddle & djembe'),
Ji Tanzer (drums)
& other special guest have been rotating in over the past few months. We'll be at the White Eagle most Thursdays for an "eagle time" early show -- 5:30-7:30pm -- It's FREE & all ages..... We'll step out to other scattered gigs around town as well... Keep an eye on the calendar !!!

I'll be playing with Skip vonKuske, an amazing cellist/musician quite abit this month too...He performs all over town with his solo project called Cellotronik --- as well Portland Cello Project & Vagabond Opera to name a few....
We play as a duo -- myself on guitar, vocals & loop station. Skip on cello, loop station & crazy effects. It's really fun.... we incorporate some of my originals.... but we'll extend out long jam sections with the live sampling & layered string sounds.... We'll be at East Burn most Wednesdays in Feb... as well as a cool Valentine's day gig at the Press Club....

I'm still slowly chipping away at the new EP... more mental work than anything else.... I'm hoping I don't burn myself out too fast... playing 15 events this month. Then trying to record during the daytime. Could be worse.. much worse... Just need to keep focused :)

I wish you all the best.... Huge thanks for all the continued support....
love -w

ps.... looks like a short east coast tour -- mid/late April. (more soon;)


- Dec 31, 2008

goodbye 2008..... i'm stoked about heading into 2009. Just a date & a time... but a new year can be used as a chance to start somethings fresh... To reflect but not dwell too long..... Everyone be safe 2nite...... cheers !!!


- Nov 22, 2008

a mellow gray Saturday morning in Portland. Chilly outside.... I'm going to head over to a local pub to catch the second half of the UNC/NC State football game.
I've been hiding out in the studio for the past few weeks. Feels good to laying down some songs --- working through some ideas. I put together a mix CD of 8 songs & one live recording. It's interesting to hear the ideas & mixes on different stereos & sound systems. I'm still hoping to have an EP --- 4-5 songs album put together by the end of the year..

It's nice to put a timeline on it.... if nothing else it'll help keep me focused.... I've been writing 3 new songs as well over the past couple weeks. That feels good....

Well.... i'm off to watch some Tar Heels. I'll be getting more active on this journal with updates on the album progress over the next few months. Also, i'll be putting up new song mixes on the Myspace page. I'll keep rotating in new ideas & experiments --- so check them out when you get a chance. The link is at the top left of this page.... :)

Cheers !!!
-ww


- Sept 29, 2008

all is well in the world of "will". feeling good & tired from 2 nights up in Seattle over the weekend. explored a nice part of a cool city on a wonderfully sunny fall day. thanks for some nice sunshine.....

played some nice tunes with Noah Peterson & Drew Norman. "The Friendly Strangers" --- starting to turn into something fun.... it's only getting better. I'm excited about the dynamic.... and the potential.

layed out 4 new recordings last week. hoping to outline a few more songs in the studio this week. feels good to be working on this new album..... it's still gonna take some time, but the pace feels right.

supposed to be some another nice day of sunshine tomorrow.... some friends are tempting me to head to the coast for some camping... but i think i'm going to lay low.... lay low.

all the best.... and more very soon.
-ww


- Sept 1, 2008

hey folks....

Huge thanks to a sweet Portland radio station -- KNRK 94.7FM.

They featured "Rose City" on Get Local. It kicked off their friday new music session at 8pm. It was sweet -- he gave alittle info about me & the album.

Now that the CD is in their hands --- I could use alittle help.
Call them & make a request !!!!

Say I wanta here "Rose City" by Will West
Request line
503.733.5470
800.777.0947

Also, you can send a message to the on-air DJ's at
www.knrk.fm
... click "Talk to Me"

Any & all help here is a good thing....
Huge thanks to all of you & thanks again to Mark Hamilton & KNRK
cheers.

-ww


- Aug 20, 2008

all is well in Portland. I've been laying low for the past few weeks. Sneaking out to the coast, camping & taking a few hikes... hope for more of that over the next 2 weeks. Reset & Relax... have a great day ---
more soon,
-ww


 

- July 29, 2008

sprinkles of rain today... on this fine Tuesday. I rode up to Seattle on Sunday --- Noah & I played a wedding by the water on Whidbey Island. Chilly & rainy leading up to the wedding time.... then the rain stopped & the clouds broke just enough to see about 10mins of sunshine to close out the day. It was beautiful... Big congrats to the newly weds -- Christine & Garrett. Nice folks....

We crashed in Seattle with some friends & headed south to Tacoma on Monday. Walked through a 5 building art/glass tour with works by artist Dale Chihuly. Some beautiful displays & a great chance to see Tacoma on a beautiful summer day...

Now back in Portland --- relaxing abit today. Heading into my last stretch of shows before the break....

Final show at East Burn this week... Whiskey Wednesday. I'll be getting ready to take August & maybe Sept off from shows to record & write abit... check the calendar for more info....

All is well & feeling good --- I'm excited about taking this break. I'll still be playing alot of music -- just at my house for awhile. Most of the early recording work will be in my home studio.... hoping to lay down another 6-10 songs over the next 4 weeks...

more soon ---- very soon. if you're reading this & have comments, insights or any random information you'd like to pass my way.... please email & say hello .... willwestmusic@yahoo.com


- July 21, 2008

Living well & feeling fine.... Taking today off to reset & relax abit.... following 4 fun days of music last week. Kicked things off on Wednesday at East Burn with Drew & Dave sitting in for the Trio.... Played "eagle time" Thursday at the White Eagle. Then headed over to the Grand Lodge in Forest Grove on Friday with the band. Played outside for a great dancin' crowd. Finished things off Saturday by closing out the 13th annual Webber BBQ in northwest Portland. A great benefit BBQ raising donations for the Oregon Food Bank -- around 300 people made it out. It was really sweet !!!!

Another bright and sunny day today --- but i'm not minding the idea of staying in & catching up on some paper work. A more mellow week coming up --- I'll be at East Burn again on wednesday with Bob Soper on fiddle. Then I'll be heading up to Whidbey Island (outside Seattle) on Sunday for a wedding on the beach. Playing a duo set w/ Noah Peterson on Sax.

Then a few more shows heading into August --- then I'm thinking about taking a much needed break. My fire is still burning strong --- and i'm playing alot of music. I just believe I'm overdue for abit of performance break...

I've been writing some new materiel & it's getting time to focus more on the next album. It all seems to be working itself out just as it should....

Really hope that all is well in your world. I don't yet know if I'll make it back east this Fall --- it's looking like Springtime '09 for the next tour --- hopefully promoting the new CD !!!! Just needing to put those thoughts out there.... :)

cheers.
-ww


- June 29, 2008

trying to eat my ego
oh to the days of rambling..... free thoughts moving.....

Sometimes it seems that the whole idea is to find that balance....
that crazy thin line of --- living the moment or reflection on the past.

Get caught up in either too much.... And we get lost along the way.
Easy to get caught in a fast.... fast vibe & life. No preparation or vision....

Also easy to caught up in too much reflection --- destroying your happiness by too much thought & worry. Getting all caught up in what didn't happen.... or how things didn't work out.....

It's a tough line --- keeping that edge without falling off too far on either end.
Perception --- Love --- & Positivity...

Creating these habits doesn't happen overnight ..... years even seem to becoming a different idea now..... this is lfe --- why draw lines & limitations.

Old visions die hard ---- and damn it, I know it hard to step into something new.... it's scary.

Let's push things abit --- live it, then smile & think back abit. But don't beat youself up.... you me & everyone in between.

summertime cheers
-ww


 

- June 25, 2008

A nice summertime day in Portland.....

the last month has been rather hectic, crazy & fun. 15 shows in the month of June. I knew it'd be a busy few weeks.... but wasn't quite sure how it could wear on me after the tour. I'm feeling good & really trying to take care of my mind & body. Also being sure to rest my vocals on my days off.... In other words... trying to limit my late nights in smokey bars sippin whiskey :)

My performance schedule should gradually mellow out over the next month.... I think I'm due for it... It's been a heckuva run over the past 2 years playing shows in the Northwest along with the east coast tours.

Now it's getting time for alittle downtime.... Continue working on this new album & revamping the live sounds abit....

more soon, much love
-ww

 


- May 30, 2008

Hey friends..... feeling good to be back in Portland. The sun is shining nice today....

a quick recap:

Sunday May 25 2008 -- big thanks to the Mr Mouse & the Cave in Chapel Hill for putting us up... Huge thanks to Tain Collins for hanging & making some nice music. We had a solid crowd out even with the big holiday weekend.... Thanks to the Independent Weekly for giving our show a recommendation...

"West's clean guitar and polished voice feel like warm sunshine through a car window."
Andrew Ritchey - Independent Weekly (Raleigh, NC)

Monday May 26 2008 -- Big thanks to Eric-Scott & the Evening Muse in Charlotte, NC. This was highly recommended & it makes sense....Great vibes, great sound & a really great collection of local art & music. Despite how tired I was.... this was a wonderful way to finish off my tour.... Thanks again !!!

Got stuck in Philadelphia Tuesday night.... followed by long flights and extended waits in airports. I finally made it back to Portland Wednesday night. And I even found my luggage right away....

I'm finally getting my energy back.... had to reset & watch movies all day yesterday. And today I'm feeling fine.... oh yeah... the sun is shining.... I'm gonna go catch a few rays before I head down to Salem for tonites show....

Huge, Huge thanks again to my family & friends on the east coast. I had an amazing 3 weeks of travel. I haven't even really had a chance to process it all.

Now for 7 shows over the next 9 days..... looks like I won't get much time either... more soon. Much love & thanks ( I can't say that enough)

-ww


- May 24, 2008

All is well.... abit tired & feeling great. I'm relaxing in Nash County.... home --- it's so nice to decompress.... A wonderful hometown show at Via Cappuccino last evening.... but first a quick recap of the week.

Made Atlanta last weekend.... Scored a couple of amazing seats at the Braves/A's game Saturday night. Chilled out 3rd row between home & 3rd base on a beautiful Saturday night. I'm not a huge baseball fan, but that was really fun...
Monday May 19 -- I stopped by Eddie's Attic for the open-mic competition. That room & the musicians are amazing. That's is one of the top acoustic venues I've seen in my years of performance. I met some wonderful musicians from all over the US & heard some inspiring music. This is a great networking space.... well worth any musician to check out.

Tuesday May 20 -- Made Athens around 4pm.... found Flicker Theatre to check out the layout. I liked the vibe of Athens from the beginning.... This is a cool city. Grabbed my guitar & headed to the center of downtown to warm up.... it turned into a make shift street performance.... Met some locals, handed out flyers & even made alittle $$.
Met up with Elli Perry & Kate Morrissey. The Flicker show was pretty amazing. Elli & Torin sounded great again & Kate Morrissey was wonderful to see live. Her vibes & songwriting are lovely. She was accompanied by great drum & bass players as well. Huge thanks to Kate Morrissey for being our local host & being such a cool person... I (heart) Athens as well...

Wednesday May 21 --- slowly back to Atlanta after a late night... Off to Smith's Olde Bar for the songsmith's showcase hosted by Sean. The crowd was great.... big thanks again for the friendly faces that made it out. I tried quite a few new songs & I'm really excited to see how the video turned out...

Thursday May 22 ---- tooook almost 9 hrs for the Atlanta to Rocky Mount, NC drive ..... a loooonnnng day after a longer weekend. ;) Huge thanks to the Lloyd's (Karl & Jess) a couple of amazing people... for hosting my stay in the ATL.

Friday May 23 --- had a few issues getting the sound system ready for the Via Cappuccino gig. But we got things clicking just in time. Thanks to John & Gayle for letting this happen. This venue space is really cool... Big thanks to Bill & Jill Lewis for rallying some friendly listeners. Thanks to the Bryant's, Bailey's, Aycock's & West's for showing some love. Huge thanks for all the support & CD sales.... I was ready to have something family friendly & this couldn't have been any better.

Went fishing till the late wee hours of the morning.... Now I'm feeling good & about to lay down in the hammock. It's tough, I know.... I'm gonna chill with the the folks tonite & head off to Chapel Hill tomorrow....

Playing at the Cave w/ Jule Brown & Tain Collins -- a songwriter's mix-up & rotation. Then off to Charlotte on Monday for the final show... The Evening Muse has an open mic each Monday. They feature a touring or local performer each week. I'll play a 45min set at 9pm.... This should be a really cool night. I've heard great things about the Evening Muse as a venue & the surrounding neighborhood.
Then off to PDX from Raleigh on Tuesday -- mid-day....
Wow.... what a recap.... I'll check for spelling & grammer errors later.
Cheers !! much love & thanks if you're reading this.... and for all the great support so far...

-will


 

- April 20 - 2008

Some chilly weather for this springtime in Portland.... But still very nice. Scattered flurries, rain & sunshine all day today.... We need alittle healthy chaos in our lives.... helps keeps us on our toes.

All is well in the northwest. Had a fun show on Wednesday at The East Burn. I'll be playing each Wed night through the end of April. The I'll be taking off for May ---

I like calling it touring/vacationing. I'm really looking forward to relaxing on the beach in Wilmington for a couple of days.... Then exploring days in Charleston, SC (where I was born) & Athens, GA. A couple of days hanging with some good friends in Atlanta. I'm still hoping to set-up trips to Savannah & Asheville... but I don't know quite yet.

Either way.... this looks to be a really fun trip. My first tour was in April of 2007. I packed 8 shows and 2000+ miles into 9 days of travel. That was brutal.... For this trip, I'm really looking forward to some relaxed time. Hopefully even do some writing....

Heading south to Cottage Grove this Friday -- my first time playing at the Axe & Fiddle. I've heard some great things about the vibe down there.... I'm even kidnapping Bob Soper for the weekend to lay down some fiddle & percussion. We'll meet up with bass player - Dave Bamberger at Netarts Bay for the Saturday gig at The Schooner. Another spot with sweet, sweet vibes....

cheers & happy springtime
-ww


- March 30 - 2008

It's been a busy few weeks.... Some crazy good sprintime weather in Portland. Today ---- A snow/sleet combinations while the sun was shining.... amazing. Bright afternoon sun to the west & dark grey rain clouds to the east... I love it !!

Some beautiful chaos in the weather.

The May travels are coming together.... My first appearances in Charleston, SC & Athens GA. I'm hoping to also pass through Savannah, but I won't know for another week or so.... Everything should be locked in over the next few weeks....

I'm also looking forward to relaxing abit on this trip.... I'll have a few days to chill in Wilmington, NC --- Maybe even get a few days on the beach.... hmmm those atlantic waters...

I'll have alot of new material to perform on this trip.... I'm excited to be trying out these new songs. This is alot of the material that will be on the next album -- so it's a great chance to travel, practice & fine tune some of these new ones....

more soon, much love & thanks if you're reading this...
-ww


 

- March 3 - 2008

a fantastic weekend. I opened for Jim Walker & Tim Ellis at Matt Miner's house concert on sunday evening. What a wonderful evening. Huge thanks again to everyone involved. Great vibes, music & food....

Another Month of "winter therapy" begins this week.

Every Wednesday night in March -- I'll be joined by special guest at The East Burn. A sweet new bar on Portland's Eastside ~~ the events calendar has more info..

debuting quite a few new songs over the next couple of weeks.... next week week will be busy one & I'm excited. Stops at the White Eagle, Mock Crest & another 'acoustic review' at Alberta St Pub. Hope to see you !!!

Also, I'll have more info on the May Tour over the next couple weeks ... I love springtime in the Southeast...


- February 19 - 2008

SHINE -- got a sweet review at Indie-Music.com & a feature for the month of February. (click here for article) -- Thanks !!

It was a beautiful day yesterday... sunshine in Feb & 65. Beautiful....

And a meteor went streaking across the sky last night...

more soon... it's time to play some music
-ww


- February 15 - 2008

Hey... getting this website back online. All is well in the Northwest... this wintertime was broken by some beautiful sunshine this morning. It's suppose to stay dry until Monday.... yeah. Took a nice hike along the Sandy River today... a beautiful morning to be in the woods.

This website is on a new type of server... some hi tech things... but it should allow for some nice changes coming up. Keep an eye out for updates & new features over the next couple of weeks.

During that time, we'll be finalizing details on my southeast travels this May. I'm excited -- Springtime in the South is hard to beat ... Stopping through Charleston, Savannah, Atlanta, Ashville, the Triangle, Wilmington, & of course Rocky Mount baby.

more soon, much love.
-ww


- January 1 - 2008

Happy New Year !!!

Feeling good on a lazy day.... watching some football & sipping some tea.

I layed low last night. Put new strings on the guitars & jammed into the new year. I picked up the electric guitar last night... it's been a long time, but it was nice.... i'm thinking you'll see some of that in the live shows this year...

New songs & inspiration into the new year... and I'm looking forward to it.

I'll be touring the Southeast again in May '08.... Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, and all across NC. It looks like possible trips to Alaska & Southern California in the spring/summer as well. And the early workings of a Northeast Tour in the Fall of '08.

For now... it's writing & recording scratch tracks for the next album !!! I'm hoping to be finished by late 2008.

It's gonna be a fun and interesting year... CHEERS !!

 


- December 24 -'07

Christmas eve in the Great Northwest. It's chilly & rainy in Portland. I'm laying low... relaxing over some lazy food & brainless comedy/action movies... Not a bad day...

I miss my family back east... but I have some good friends to hang with here....

I like the holiday season... i just find myself trying to slowdown while everyone else is speeding up to get all the 'last minute' things finished.... Alot of stress in the air.... Let's all just take a deep breath...

Cheers & Much love to everyone this Holiday Season !!! Be Safe & Have fun!!!

-ww


- December 18 -'07

...can't believe the end of '07 is moving in so quickly. I'm heading up to Timberline Lodge for the next couple of days. A very good friend of mine is renewing his wedding vows on the mountain. I'm going to play a few tunes, relax, and hopefully get a couple of days skiing in... they're calling for some crazy amounts of snow... sweet

I had a photo shoot with Tim Gunther last week... so we'll be getting some new shots up as this website gets reconstructed....

rock on & enjoy this winter/holiday season.

much love --ww


- December 5 -'07

Hello...hello... It's been quite awhile. But it looks like we are finally back online... Let's just say we've been jumping over all sorts of high-tech obstacles....

Life is cool and comfortable in the great Northwest. I'm sure you've heard about all the crazy weather last weekend. We got some heavy rain & some heavy wind in Southeast Portland... but nothing like the coastal communities and to the north. Reminds me of some of the hurricanes we'd get in North Carolina.... crazy.

My last journal entry was just before I left for the east coast in October. A quick recap... It was wonderful. Thanks to NashArts in Nashville, NC for the wonderful evening with Adam Stone to kick off the tour. I (heart) NY --- thanks to all the old & new friends that made it to the Living Room in NYC. (I'll do that again in Oct '08). Then down to Arlington at the Iota Cafe...

Thanks to Hell's Kitchen & all the cool Wilmington folks for making the coast stop a sweet one. Big thanks to Encore Magazine for the nice interview as well. Then across NC to Asheville for the John & Nicole Caldwell wedding... that was amazing. I saw alot of the old UNC crew... go Heels !!!

Then down to see Karel & Jess in Atlanta. Thanks again to Eddie's Attic & Sean at Smith's Olde Bar. Much Love.... Then towards Chapel Hill -- thanks to the Cave (Mr. Mouse) and the crew that made it to that show.... And finally back to Rocky Mount for some decompression. It was a truly wonderful trip & experience.... Thanks to everyone again !!!

In more recent news... we had a wonderful show last weekend at the Green Room. Mr. Aaron Paul opening evening with some great tunes. Then we played a full band set for a wonderful crowd.... some sweet vibes indeed. Thanks again to Noah Peterson (sax), Drew Norman (banjo, slide guitar), Dave Bamberger (upright bass) & Drew Shoals (drums). That was a night to remember....

In other recent news.... I was playing a new guitar last friday. I had been flirting with this beautiful Taylor acoustic over the past couple of months at Portland Music. I think I'm falling for it... it's a fantastic guitar... & it was about time...

I'll stay in Portland throughout the holidays.... hunkering down into some recording. Working to layout the rough tracks for the next album. It's going to be a process... and i'm really excited about it.... much love & more soon. -w


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


©2003-2010 WillWestMusic contact: willwestmusic@hotmail.com Modern • Acoustic • Folk • Roots • Improvisation