LIGHTNIN’ WILLIE & THE
POOR BOYS
Lightnin’ Willie Hermes
has recently announced commencement of work on a new album. The eleven
song CD will be titled: "TRAINS DON'T STOP HERE ANYMORE." Preliminary
plans include teaming Willie with Paula Nelson for a pair of duets. (Paula
is the daughter of Willie Nelson). This relationship arose from Lightnin’
Willie & The Poor Boys’ backing Ms. Nelson during their appearance last
Summer at the annual Willie Nelson picnic. Paula has joined the band on
stage at a few shows since the picnic.
The elder Nelson’s picnic
was held on the 4th of in Fort Worth, Texas. Other performers at that gig
included Bob Dylan, Ray Price, Billy Joe Shaver, Los Lonely Boys and Merle
Haggard (and more). To say that the band was thrilled to play the storied
event (especially when Willie JOINED Willie on stage!) is an
understatement!
In more news, the movie
"THE FINAL CUT" starring Robin Williams, Mira Sorvino and Jim Caliveries
features the Lightnin' Willie & the Poor Boys track "BYE BYE" from the
"Buy American" album. This movie won the best screenplay award at the
Cannes film festival and best soundtrack at the Berlin film festival.
Emerging from the clubs
and bars of the U.S Blues scene, Lightnin' Willie & The Poor Boys are a
group of accomplished, hard-working musicians. They are fronted and led by
guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Hermes. Now based in Los Angeles,
Willie is a pro-fessional, seasoned veteran who has definitely paid his
dues. With four albums under his belt, this eloquent storyteller has his
own history of time on the road, personal loss, fresh beginnings and an
over-riding love of playing the "Devil's Music."
Originally from Texas,
Willie’s years of playing live shows have resulted in a polished stage
show. He is tall, with an expressive face, piercing eyes, and the kind of
confident all-American swagger that allows him to walk up to total
strangers on the street and introduce himself.
Lightnin' Willie and the
Poor Boys are musically prosperous. The musical style in which they trade
is a rich one, filled with history, humor and many stories to be told.
They steer clear of dry academia to combine a seductive exchange of
swinging Blues, R&B and a hint of Rockabilly. A lively, interactive,
face-to-face approach to their music has had audiences singing their
praises throughout the United States and Europe for well over ten years
now.
Willie is a brilliant
musician who engineers an unforgettable journey. He orchestrates a
delicately balanced show, opening with powerful blues, rich vocals, and
slide guitar. The band offers an incredible serving of great musicianship.
Members include "Spy" - Bass, Franck Rouleau (UK) - Drums, Giles King (UK)
- Harmonica. Lightnin' Willie executes a musical journey and tour de’
force that brings audiences to its feet. Lightnin' Willie and the Poor
Boys deliver a tight, high-energy performance packed with style, wit and
unabashed sensitivity to a medium that will leave you musically euphoric.
