No less a jazz organ authority than the legendary Dr. Lonnie Smith has called Wil Blades “the future,” anointing him the heir apparent to “carry on the legend and the legacy of the organ, of the B-3.” Over the past twenty plus years, Blades has grown to be one of the most in-demand Hammond organ players, achieving international recognition. He is known for his innovative approach to the Hammond organ, utilizing effects and modern techniques to expand the instrument's capabilities, while his energetic live performances have earned him a dedicated following. In 2017, he won Downbeat Magazine’s “Rising Star” critic’s poll for organ, after being nominated every year since 2006.
Blades has performed and recorded with a who’s who of legendary musicians including John Lee Hooker, John Scofield, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Nicholas Payton, Idris Muhammad, Charlie Hunter, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Terrace Martin, Melvin Sparks, Joe Louis Walker, Donald Harrison Jr, Karl Denson, Adam Deitch, Stanton Moore and many more. His solo records ‘Sketchy’ and ‘Field Notes’, as well as his collaborative projects with Billy Martin, Amendola Vs. Blades and Charlie Hunter have all received acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Currently residing in Los Angeles CA, Blades splits his time touring the globe and recording with various projects as a leader and sideman, as well as teaching Hammond Organ privately.
WIL BLADES, CHARLIE HUNTER, GEORGE SLUPPICK ::
Just Play The Blues
Streaming now: https://orcd.co/yvpw8dk
Recorded live at The Flat Iron in Greensboro NC on October 16, 2021.
Wil Blades; Hammond Organ, Charlie Hunter; guitar and George Sluppick, drums
WIL BLADES :: Kaleidoscope People
Streaming now: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/wilblades/kaleidoscope-people
Organist and multi-instrumentalist Wil Blades offers an escape from the stresses of COVID with a new EP of late-night slow jams recorded on synths, guitar, and drums. Kaleidoscope People showcases Blades' grooving skills away from the B-3, alongside guest appearances by Jeff Parker and Otis McDonald Read more…
AMENDOLA VS. BLADES :: Everybody Wins
Out now on LP, CD & Digital formats....
https://smarturl.it/AmendolaVsBlades
"A delightful sonic journey" - Jazz Times
"From beginning to end, Everybody Wins is an outstanding sophomore effort from Amendola Vs. Blades" - Slide & Banjo
Wil Blades is hands down one of the essential torchbearers for the Hammond B-3 organ-jazz tradition, not to mention as tasty as they come on Clavinet. Scott Amendola is one of the rare drummers who's pure groove in the pocket, but somehow simultaneously and delightfully angular and skewed in the very same moment. Add guitarist Jeff Parker of Tortoise, percussion wizard Cyro Baptista, saxophonics visionary Skerik and the ever cinematic Rob Burger to the mix and you have a record that reveals itself in new and explosively colorful ways with each listen!
WIL BLADES :: Field Notes
Out now on LP, CD & Digital formats....
iTunes: http://bit.ly/iTunes-Wil-
Amazon: http://bit.ly/amazon-wil-
Local Record Stores: http://bit.ly/RSD-Wil-Blades
RPF: http://bit.ly/WilBlades
"Destined to become one of the best organ-led soul-jazz records of 2014." - Something Else Reviews
Berkeley, CA-based organist Wil Blades made his RPF debut two years back with Shimmy—a duo record pairing him with MMW's Billy Martin. Flash forward to Summer 2014 and we're super excited to bring you Wil's new solo album,Field Notes, featuring guitarist Jeff Parker of Tortoise and drummer Simon Lott of New Orleans. The raves are rolling in for this lo-down, super groovy B3 gem!