Review 2006

Willy Roland brings the backwoods to San Francisco, so take a pull from the jug, set a spell, and listen to one of my personal guilty pleasures. With echoes of Carl Perkins and Elvis, (and those cats could boogie too!), Willy delivers memories of Sun Studios jam session that could get so downright nasty even the Devil would get religion! So take another long pull from the jug and listen to Willy pickin' and a grinnin' 'cause there t'ain't nothin' wrong with that, you hear? 9-13-06

Chef Ramon
90.5 FM KSJS
San Jose, Ca.

Review 2006

Thumbs up for Willy Roland Live in San Francisco

Paul Nelson, Manager of Johnny Winter

Review 2006

Live in San Francisco, very smooth vocal's and some real blue's slide guitar.... Mean $ nasty! Dan, that's Dangerous Dan.

Dangerous Dan
www.kfjc.org 89.7
Sundays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Review 2006

Extremely enjoyable, Jennifer at the San Francisco Weekly.

Review 2006

Willy:

Leah Lewis from The Trail in Missoula. Thanks for taking a minute to talk to me after Johnny's set. I just gotta say, I had a blast watching you on Friday, great, great show. I really hope you can make it back to the Zoo City soon. I'd love it if you could send us a CD to play on the air. Our program directors name is Robert Chase, I told him how great you were and he's interested in hearing your stuff. Check out our web site www.trail1033.com, and feel free to call me anytime (406) 531-1249. Hope to see you soon!

Leah Lewis
Production Director
KDTR, KKVU, KKNS
2425 W. Central Ave. Ste. 203
Missoula, MT 59801

Review 2004

2004 The Latest CD Boogie Down Hard Sold over 300 units in the 1st week in the bay area. And featuring Bass player David Mendoza of in Cold Blood Band.

Review 2002

Here KKUP Reviews.

"Strong guitar player...good energy."

Jim Farris, KKUP FM, Program Director Cupertino, CA

Review 2001

A Reissue of Busted Down in Austin 2001 released as southern line on tape only with bonus cuts rock & roll hochie coo & spooky.

Review 2000

Alligator, records & artist management, inc.

P.O. box 60234,chicago,
illinois 60660
phone (773)973-7736
fax (773)973-2088

P.O. Box 423417
San Francisco,
CA 94142-3417 (415) 215-7285
www.willyroland.com

Dear Velvet

Thanks for the material on Willy Roland sent some months ago. I'M very far behind in my listening. I'll give you some responses as I listen.

Talking about you -sold playing on this familiar song. I'm in the mood for your love some exiting guitarwork here.

Gee, I guess that's all on the tape, from what I'm hearing, he is a fine guitarist.

Best

~Bluce Iglauer

Review 1999

CD Busted Down in Austin on Ali Records. Released 1999 with bassplayer Chuck Triullo of the John Lee Hooker Band sold out quickly.

Review 1998

Review 1997

DELTA SNAKE BLUES NEWS

September 1997 NO. 20

Willy Roland: "Reverse Reality" (BPR Records)

Willy Roland leads a trio that doesn't approach the blues as, say a ZZ Top would. in other words, it isn't a power trio in the classic sense. They're basically rockers, but rely more on tight and playing a sharp percussion sense, and fast playing. The CD here has a underproducued live sound, not unlike a 60's Stone's album.

The set kicks off with "That's What Love Does," a rocking shuffle, leading into an energetic cover of Chuck Berry's "No Particular Place To Go." "Reverse Reality" is a bluesy rocker that reminds one of a Hendrix circa Band of Gypies era, which leads to another Berry classic, " Wee Wee Hours."

The Sound changes mode with " She's Tuff," done like the early Thunderbirds and "Wipe Out," the immortal surf classic (and the first drum solo every drummer learns). A servicable "Dock of the Bay" comes next, done as a slow number, leading to a hot version of " Route 66." The Route 66 of the Stones, that is, but it sounds pretty good here.
The music finishes off with " I'm Talking About You," a fast rocker that recalls the early English rock sound.

The trio here; Willy Roland, Chris Burkhardt, and Terry Olson have put together a lively, if at times underproduced set of rocking blues and 60's rock and roll that will appeal to those who enjoyed George Thorogood's first record (to give an example).

The music here is presented as you'd hear them live. While short on florishes and production touches, it does show a band who can play exceptionally well arranged rockers and blues live, As such, it is certainly honest music, and in a club, would be the basis of a lively and fun weekend out (AH)

BPR Records

Review 1997

"Exceptional Lead Guitar" Scott Brewery-Y&T CD Reverse Reality

Review 1996

Release of CD "Reverse Reality"

Review 1994

Winner: "Best Lead Soloist" 1994 JJ's Blues Cafe San jose, CA