Archive for March, 2008

Fanmail: Sam Sheppard

Thursday, March 20th, 2008

I saw you tonight in london it was AMAZING, i just wanted to congratulate you. hope you all the best. listened to the c.d my stepdad bought the entire half hour ride home, popped it in when i got home to finish it off then started checkin what else was out there on you tube and myspace. be sure to come back around our neck of the woods again.
best wishes and i’m sure my girlfriend will love the guitar string bracelet from your wife!

Fanmail: Rene & Collette

Friday, March 14th, 2008

Just wanna say hi,

My wife and I just got home from seeing you tonight as you opened for Dave Cousins @ Hugh’s Room.
We were both surprised by your performance and stage presence. Great original material, By December
awesome CD!
Your emotion and love for your craft is not only very noticeable in your voice and playing but performing
live your face and body language lend a whole other dimension. The passion you feel spreads as soon as
you begin moving on stage! Awesome performance and much too short! Given the circumstances though
as Richard said when he introduced you, we were lucky to have gotten to see you tonight and most
certainly look forward to seeing you back real soon…!
Anyways, GREAT show & CD! Keep it up!

Cya soon

Rene & Colette

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Remember that guy in high school who never used to come out and drink because he was holed up in his basement practicing guitar for a band that never materialized? Well, he grew up to be Wil — one of this country’s most talented singer/songwriters. What has your partying gotten you?

Grade: 90

Comment:It took a few moments for the crowd to realize Wil (all alone with his guitar) was actually a performer and not just setting up for closer Young Rival. A few songs into his set, the crowd was still in disbelief because Wil was so astoundingly good. A Rivoli cook, mesmerized, stopped to watch for several minutes on her way to the back room.

Achievement of Rock ‘n’ Roll Expectations
80-100:
Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79:
Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock ‘n’ roll standard.
60-69:
Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock ‘n’ roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50:
Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad ReallyOral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Wil: “Anyone else eat a pack of Halls before they get on stage? You don’t need to drink, just eat a pack of Halls. That stuff will see you through some times.” It’s nice to see the art of dispensing wisdom to your audience hasn’t died.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Best. Acoustic. Guitar. Player. Ever. No joke — this man is gifted. He was doing things with his hands that most people wouldn’t be able to pull off after a lifetime of practice. He can perfectly tune a guitar to any configuration in less than 10 seconds. He can make that one instrument sound like an entire band.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Wil had new strings on his guitar. This was obvious from the foot-and-a-half long loose ends that were sticking out from the headstock. You really need to clip those things, Wil; they could take out an eye. He knew it was going to be a sweaty night, but at least he had some fun with it: “I look like a honey-baked ham.”

Source:http://www.chartattack.com/reviews/54261/wil-cmw-2008

Fanmail: Braden M

Tuesday, March 4th, 2008

Wil,
Your show in Thunder Bay was absolutely amazing! I would have gladly paid twice or triple the ticket price to see your show. Your music is true and comes from the heart, which is lacking so much today in music. I went home feeling great and feeling inspired. I look forward to the next time I’ll be close enough to see your show!
All the best,

Braden