Leon Laudenbach : lead and rhythm guitar....
Jake Larson : bass, keyboards, drums, guitar, accordian....
Steve Schifsky : drums....
Mark "Sparky" Anderson : harmonica....
Paul Wigen : Hammond organ....
Randy Mickelberg : lead and rhythm guitar....
Willie West : lead vocal and air guitar....
Influences
Musical Influences : Sam Cooke, Ronald Isley, Jackie Wilson, Marvin Gaye, Guitar Slim, Elmore James, BB King, Howlin' Wolf, James Brown Chuck Jackson, Bobby Blue Bland, Little Willie John, Johnny Ace, Johnnie Taylor, Ray Charles, Rance Allen, Johnny Adams, Gene
Autry.************************************************************************************************
Life Influences : Shirley Bentley Cleveland, thank you sis
Sounds Like
I'm a soul/blues/R&B singer in the Sam Cooke, Ronald Isley and Johnnie Taylor style. But no matter what I sing, I always make it my own.
For four decades, deep soul man Willie West has been one of New Orleans’ best kept secrets. He has played with some of the very best musicians in the business and has always created lasting friends and fans where ever he has performed.
Originally from the New Orleans area, Willie first broke into the business in 1958 with his band The Sharks. Members of that band later joined up with Joe Tex and Fats Domino.
In the early 60’s he and the band signed to Rusttone Records. They had a regional hit titled ‘Did You Have Fun?’ Which lead to gigs with Jimmy Reed and Solomon Burke.
In 1966 Willie signed to Allen Toussaint’s Deesu Records and together they record several incredible singles. Willie sang the title track ‘The Greatest Love’ to the movie Black Sampson and had two single released by Warner Brothers.
The early 70’s saw Willie join one of the most beloved New Orleans acts, The Electric Soul Train. Later in the 70’s Willie joined the legendary band, The Meters for whom he sang lead vocals until they dis-banded in 1980.
Just a few of the people Willie has performed with are:
Maxine Brown, Lee Dorsey, Mary Wells, Aaron Neville, Little Feat, Jimmy Buffet, Eddy Floyd, Joe Tex, Albert King, Freddie King, Jimmy Reed, Lightning Hopkins, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Big Joe Turner, Al Green, Jean Knight, OV Wright, Johnny Nash,
Dr. John, King Floyd, Soloman Burke, Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson, Paul McCartney, James Brown, Gregg Allman, Allen Toussaint, Ike and Tina Turner, Little Milton, Latimore, and Bobby Blue Bland.
In recent years Willie has performed throughout the south in concerts, private events and festivals such as The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
He and his wife moved to the Minneapolis area after Hurricane Katrina, and now Willie is bringing his experience and soulful sound to the upper Mid West.
Mr. West, I hope that the north-country is treating you well. I very much look forward to hearing you in person. Perhaps at Vic's this week. Peace, Zoot
Hey Willie, Nice pictures on your space. I'd LOVE a copy of the one of us together. I see 1999 on my hat. Where was that pic taken? LaStrada? Glad you saved all those from Katrina. Peace, C.P.
