Singer-songwriter to play free show at Campbell Student Union
By
Eric Syms
Not many independent musicians can say members of their backing band also back Tom Waits, Norah Jones and Tori Amos . Nor can many of them say they have toured with Chicago, Run DMC and James Brown . Undoubtedly none can take credit for singing a song called “I'm a Cowgirl” on a compilation called “Little Kids Rock.” The only musician who can take credit for all of this is Austin Willacy and he's coming to Buffalo State College on May 1 st .
Willacy has been in the music business for over a decade. After receiving a psychology degree from Dartmouth College, he moved to San Francisco and joined the a cappella rock/funk band the House Jacks in 1993.
Together with the House Jacks, Willacy recorded four albums and toured the United States, Europe and Japan. The band did original songs as well as covers, including an all-vocal rendition of “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin. He and the House Jacks toured with James Brown; Crosby, Stills and Nash; the Temptations; and even appeared with President Bill Clinton .
After six years Willacy left the House Jacks to pursue a solo career. In 1998 he released a five-song EP entitled “akw,” which gained a large amount of airplay over San Francisco's radio stations.
“His debut EP “akw,” is a diverse affair that roves from folk-rock and singer-songwriter tunes with light strings and accordion to hard rock with touches of soul ,” said the review in the All Music Guide for Willacy's first effort.
Two years later he released “American Pi,” which was voted “Best Recording” in the May 2000 issue of Ebony Magazine.
After the release of “American Pi” Willacy gathered a backing band that helped him record his album and went on an extensive tour throughout the United States. They played small clubs and sold the records at the shows.
By the end of 2003 Willacy released his second full-length album, “Page 7.” Again he collaborated with his touring band to record his songs. ByrneWood.com, a company that distributes and promotes independent recording artists, compares the album to works by Ben Harper and Dave Matthews.
“Willacy has an edgy adult contemporary sound that goes down easily and speaks to the heart,” said a review from the San Francisco Examiner about “Page 7.”
On May 1 Willacy will be appear in the Campbell Student Union Cookery at Buffalo State. It's a free performance and an opportunity to support an up-and-coming independent artist. This solo show begins at 9 p.m.
For more information see: www.austinwillacy.com and www.buffalostate.edu/calendar/
Email: Mantan2600@aol.com |
