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Victor Wainwright

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Hometown	Bartlett, TN
Genres	Blues, Blues
Band Members	Victor Wainwright (Lead Vocals, Keys); Stephen Dees (... » more
Achievements
Upcoming Shows	None

Contact Information:	Publicist BlindRaccoon info@blindraccoon.com 901-278-6850 Label WildRootsRecords vic91218@aol.com 901-598-8347 Booking Blues Pros LLC bluesboy444@aol.com 850-875-2587
# Years Experience Performing Live:	13
# Live Perfomances Past Six-months:	86
Market Draw:	Daytona Beach, FL: 701-800; Blues Festivals Anywhere: 201-250
Venue History:	Dark Season Blues Festival - Svalbard, Norway, NO Color Line Blues Cruise - Kiel Germany, Oslo Norway, NO Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest - Ottawa, Canada, CA Coral Gables Blues Festival - Coral Gables, FL Bonita Springs Blues Festival (Headline) - Bonita Springs, FL Jupiter Blues Festival - Jupiter, FL Springing the Blues Jacksonville Blues Festival 2011 - Jacksonville, FL Daytona Beach Blues Festival 2011 (Headline with Reba Russell) - Daytona Beach, FL Daytona Beach Blues Festival 2010 (Headline with Eden Brent) - Daytona Beach, FL Eureka Springs Blues Festival - Eureka Springs, AR Big Lick Blues Festival - Roanoke , VA Juke Joint Festival - Clarksdale, MS Southeastern Blues Bash - Thomasville, GA Riverfront Music Festival 2010 - Sebastian, FL Academy Corners Airfield Amphitheater Blues Festival - Wellsboro, PA Carolina Mountain Ribfest - Charleston , SC Marquette Michigan Blues Festival - Marquette, MI Magic City Blues Society Phelan Park Music Festival 2010 - Birmingham, AL BBQ & Blues Fest - New Madrid, MO U.S. Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise Pre-Party (Headline with Billy Gibson) - Ft. Lauderdale, FL Coronado Civic Center (Sold Out) - Ormond Beach, FL News Journal Theater/Center (Sold Out 835 Tickets CD Release) - Daytona Beach, FL
Opener Experience:	B.B. King; Buddy Guy; Delbert Mcclinton (several times); Pinetop Perkins; Nappy Brown; Many many more...
Performing Rights Society:	BMI
Discography:	Lit Up (April) LP—2011; Beale Street to the Bayou LP—2009; Piana From Savannah LP—2005; Shoestring LP—2003

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About the Artist

Victor Wainwright, the twenty something singer, pianist, “hepcat” from Memphis, TN; creates powerhouse blues and roots rock by playing his own unique style of boogie piana’. He effortlessly pays frequent homage to past music greats, while simultaneously...

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Music

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Achievements

July 2007 Blues

Top 10 in Blues, January 2011

Top 10 in Blues, December 2010

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Press Coverage

Blues Blast Magazine by James "Skyy Dobro" Walker, Blues Blast
Some Blues fans contend that there are certain songs so classic as to be sacred and, therefore, should never be covered by a contemporary artist! You, yourself, have probably heard a pointless cover version of a reference quality song that leaves one wondering, “Why not just play the original”? An example is Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say.” Victor Wainwright and producer Stephen Dees had to know they were walking on eggshells when they tackled Ray’s rave up number. Regardless of one’s opinion about sanctity, the fact is they pulled it off in grand style, as only a rare few could. While still honoring the song but without note for note copying, they made it their own behind Wainwright’s powerful vocals and crafty keyboards. “What’d I Say” was the first cut Shuffle Shoes and I played on WKCC’s Friends of the Blues Radio Show. The stirring “Long Way To Go” will be the second cut I play. Guest Josh Roberts from the Reba Russell Band deftly fills and solos on sweet slide guitar. Opening with Brian Kelly on some ruckus drumming, Victor’s “piana” then sets the rhythm while he sings emotionally about reaching the promised-land, but, we still have a “Long way to go.” Even more serious is “Sold Down River” with only Roberts on Dobro guitar and Victor on harmonica and vocals about slavery. Both the band and piano driven, all-original-save-one-cover CD are a project of two main musical forces: Wainwright, a 28 year old Memphis Boogie Blues pianist and singer, and Florida’s Stephen Dees, an MTV-savvy pop-rocker. Wainwright left his native Savannah, GA for Florida to pursue a double major in college, instead earning what he calls a "double major in Boogie - a Ph.D. in Swing and a Master's in Rhythm." The "Piana’ from Savannah" then graduated to a house gig at Wet Willie's on Beale Street in Memphis. As the title implies, they've successfully achieved their goal of using various inspirations for these songs and obviously had a hell of a good time along the way. Anything but disjointed, the set eases gracefully from one style to another. One may not like every song, but “Beale Street to the Bayou” has something for every taste. Worthwhile project? Check! Reviewer: James "Skyy Dobro" Walker is a noted Blues writer, DJ, Master of Ceremonies, and Blues Blast contributor. His weekly radio show "Friends of the Blues" can be heard Thursdays from 7 - 8 pm and Saturdays 8 pm - Midnight on WKCC 91.1 FM and at www.wkccradio.org in Kankakee, IL

Fun stuff that's Serious by Chris Spector, Midwest Records
It happens all the time. An ambitious kid hooks up with Hall & Oates’ bass player and they become a roots act that likes to make roadhouse music that really tears it up. Greasy, southern roots music that is sure to put weight on you, the music is original, as it the presentation and this is a mighty representation of where white boy blues is headed. Since everyone on board is having a good time, it pretty easy to bet that vibe will just flow from the bytes to you. Fun stuff that’s serious but doesn’t take itself seriously. 2009 Volume 32/Number 339 October 5, 2009 Chris Spector, Editor and Publisher Midwest Record 830 W. Route 22 #144 Lake Zurich, IL., 60047 www.midwestrecord.com

Very Promising American Blues by Freddy Celis Wanted Productions
Beale Street to the Bayou" is the debut CD of the promising American blues Victor Wainwright and the Wild Roots. With their unique combination of rock'n'roll, Rhythm & blues, boogie-woogie piano and soul they have released an excellent CD entitled "Beale Street to the Bayou".That the band is influenced by men such as Elvis, Sun Records, Fats Domino, BB King, ... is best to hear. They are also the artists that Wainwright and Dees grew up. They are fairly free polished songs that make you think of the '50s. The roots of their music is also mostly in the r & b, rock 'n roll, soul and blues. It sounds nice and straightforward light, thus we think of songs like "Be Be Bop Lula," "Whole Lotta Shakin 'Going On" or "Tutti Frutti - all Rutti" music with a high level without hard rock'n'roll lyrics . Just dirty rock & roll - stuff with a sweat, cigarettes and whiskey odor. But the other hand sounds especially fresh and that has to do with the warm soulful voice of Victor Wainwright, who also frequently use the harmonica combined with tight guitar licks it ensures that you still hear strong blues influences. Victor Wainwright has some musical colleagues are invited to play some songs. Thus we hear Patricia Ann Dees (vocals, saxophone, keys, harmonica, bass), Ray Guiser (saxophone, keys) and Alberto Cruz (congas, percussion). And how light and refreshed the songs may sound, the lyrics tell sometimes something else. The things of life with joy and sorrow close together. And of course you regularly hear the heartbreak pass. The jazzy, urban blues "Mighty Man", the opening number, the cards or table. The swings and the splashes, each musician is fully covered in this issue, which also applies to other numbers. An excellent introduction to the band so I would say. The guitar work of Greg Gumpel is quite sleek and unadorned, including Wainwright's baritone voice fits perfectly with their sound choice. Proportionate and where necessary, sensitive. This can be heard in the acoustic Delta blues "Sold Down River", the Allman Brothers tinted "Long Way to Go" and the acoustic guitar-folk ballad "Not Afraid". For further comparisons we hear echoes of Brook Benton and Otis Redding ballad in the "Blues in the Rain" and echoes of Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" in the soulful "Planet Earth". I mean to say that this CD well put together and the layout of the song choice was more than successful. The songs all sound tight, daring, exuberant and sometimes restrained, the instruments and vocals are aligned perfectly. "Beale Street to the Bayou" is a great rocking blues CD that the band makes this difficult to surpass. But given the qualities of the band will actually succeed in the future. ROOTSTIME c/o Wanted Productions Generaal De Wittestraat 11 BE - 3545 Halen Belgium www.rootstime.be Freddy Celis - rootstime@mail.com

“Beale Street" by LA HORA DEL BLUES CRITICAS CD's
Faultless piano player and singer who surprises us with a good conceived album and a risky convincing and daring proposal. Victor is a piano player who easily combines boogie and blues with rock roots and some drops of swing, rhythm and blues, funky and groovy soul, that reinforce and complete final result. The four band musicians have wide varied influences, from Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard or Ray Charles to Muddy Waters, B.B. King, James Brown or Otis Redding. Lyrics are cool and interesting, with deep thoughts about social injustices to the painful feelings of losing a true love. You will find Victor Wainwright on vocals, piano, organ and harmonica, Stephen Dees on bass, electric and acoustic guitars, vocals and percussion, Greg Gumpel on main guitar, mandolin and bass and finally Brian Kelly on drums and percussion. An excellent album I eagerly recommend to all fans of the good roots music you will find if you travel from Memphis to the bayous. GREAT. LA HORA DEL BLUES CRITICAS CD's TRIMESTRALES / QUARTERLY CD's REVIEWS 96.6 Barcelona FM (Spain)

Cigarette smoke, and whiskey by Richard Marcus Editor Epic Magazine
There's a tendency these days to forget that rock and roll music can be fun and doesn't have to be about "serious" matters. Us critics can be the worst for that with our penchant for doing in depth analysis of lyrics and looking for hidden meanings under every bass line and chord progression. I dread to think how much of that is us trying to make our subject sound more important then it really is to inflate our own importance. I mean we're not taking about high art here folks, we're talking about down and dirty rock and roll - stuff that smells of sweat, cigarette smoke, and whisky. Victor Wainwright And The WildRoots' new release, Beale Street To The Bayou, is just such a creature, as the fourteen tracks on the disc capture that spirit of abandonment and fun quite unlike other recordings that I've heard in a while. Not only that, they don't just stick to playing one style of rock and roll either, for as the title suggests they've latched on to various inspirations for these songs. One song might have some gospel flavour, while another you can hear rock and roll's country roots shining through, and yet another smacks strongly of the Mississippi Delta. What's even better is that none of the songs sound like any of those influences were pre-meditated. If there's a gospel flavour to a tune its only because that's what worked with the lyrics, not because somebody said we should write a gospel tune. What's great about this band is not only are they completely comfortable playing any of the styles above, but they do so without making any sort of big deal out of it. They play this music because they enjoy and love doing so and it's bloody obvious when you listen to them. If Dees is the glue holding the band together, Victor Wainwright is the ball of energy that threatens to periodically send them off into orbit. As keyboardist and lead vocalist he's the voice of the band, and he loves to sink his teeth into anything he sings. He throws everything he's got into every song in terms of passion and enthusiasm. He's also got one of those great rock and roll voices that sound like its been soaked in whisky since birth and then hung out to dry in a smoke filled room every night. Rough as it is though he is surprisingly versatile and his range is much greater than you'd expect. Article Author: Richard Marcus Editor Epic India Magazine

Comfortably Straddles the Blues by Gordon Baxter - Blues in Britain
Beale Street to the Bayou" is Victor Wainwright and the WildRoots' debut album, although Wainwright did release his own CD back in 2005, aided and abetted by current bassist Stephen Dees. Along with Greg Gumpel (guitars) and Brain Kelly(drums) they create a sound that is true to the album's title. Things get off to an auspicious start with "Mighty Man" which opens in a jazzy style, before rocking along with Wainwright showing what a good voice he has. The band then get very funky on "Planet Earth" (think Meters meet the Radiators) before taking things down home on "Sold Down River" and the excellent rolling blues of "Long Way To Go". They also get soulful on the ballad "Blues in the Rain". The album's best moments come when the band get funky, such as "What You Want", and the excellent James Brown tribute "WildRoot Jam", although there are not really any bad moments. All the tracks are band originals too, with the exception of a straight retread of "What'd I Say". Beale Street to the Bayou" marks a very good start to the career of Victor Wainwright and the WildRoots. All the band play their part in contributing to a vibrant, entertaining album that comfortably straddles blues, funk, rock and jazz. It will be a hard act to follow.

Infectiously Enthusiastic by Bluesart Studio
Although this is the debut album for the band it is in fact a second collaboration between the young and infectiously enthusiastic pianist/singer Victor Wainwright and bass player/producer Stephen Dees (who, during his career has played with Todd Rundgren, Pat Travers and Foghat). For, at a chance meeting six years ago at a benefit concert at Ormond Beach, Florida, they were so impressed with each others performances, they agreed to work together at some point in the future; this resulted in the solo album from Victor, “Piana’ From Savannah” in two thousand and five. Now, they have formed a band to express their love and deep affection for the many musical forms that entwine together to create the ‘Memphis Sound,’ Victor is the charismatic front man while Stephen holds it all together with his solid Willie Dixon influenced bass lines and also captures the bands unique sound from the producers chair. Joining these two to create The WildRoots, are Greg Gumpel; guitar, mandolin and banjo with Brian Kelly on drums and percussion. Twelve of the fourteen numbers here are band originals, the two covers are; “What I’d Say,” by Ray Charles and “School of Hard Knocks,” by Stephen Dees and Pat Travers. The most striking aspect of this album is that the conglomeration of styles and types literally meld and fuse together so well, also even more surprising is that none of them sound awkward or out of place. The overall symmetry of rock & roll, southern gospel, bluegrass and the hint of hill country music sits well with soulful blues. A touch of country is combined with the winding thread of New Orleans second line strut footappingly led by the rollickingly jaunty and energetic goodtime piano of victor. A fine acappella chorus of backing voices indicates and adds a pleasing mixture of the travelling medicine show with the solemnity of a Sunday morning church gathering or a fervent revivalist meeting. This album has a wonderfully goodtime atmosphere juxtaposing and rolling all the emotions! Most certainly one for the collection! By: Brian Harman Bluesart Studio (online and Austria print)

Norway's New Acquaintance by Nina Hanssen Norway Blues News
At this time of year Dabber blues festival season goes into sleep mode before the season starts slowly again in February. Blue cruise on the Color Line is one of the last major events of the year, and has proven to be a viable concept. The move from Denmark to Kiel boat may have led to a slightly different audience, but it still sold out. American Victor Wainwright (pictured) was one of the musical highlights. ***Then it goes on to talk about all the bands one at a time... here's the article on us (longest and at the end) Coooool! A new acquaintance for the Norwegian audience was American Reba Russell Band and Victor Wainwright. These artists are some that Jan Tore Lauritsen arranged and has met on his frequent U.S. tours and that he wanted to introduce in this country. Reba Russell is a tough lady who has sung its blues for over 25 years. She has a powerful voice and take control of the stage from the start. Her band is excellent, composed of some of the many talented musicians in Memphis. On bass is Reba's husband, Wayne Russell, of keyboards and harmonica Robert Nighthawk Toom, drummer Doug McMinn, and on guitar, the young, amazing guitarist Josh Roberts (who is a guitarist you are surely going to hear more from). Victor Wainwright has his own band in the U.S., but play on this tour with Rebas band. He is an eminent pianist, singer and also a great entertainer. Countless evenings in front of the audience at venues in the U.S. has given Victor the ability to cope with the audience in a way that at times resembles Blessed Rock Bottom. And Victor shows that he can play boogie-woogie keyboard to almost catch fire! On these artists play on Friday afternoon, it was Reba who started and Victor completed, and after a thrilling end Victor and the band got a standing ovation from the audience at the boat show theater. It is not all the artists who achieve this! There is no doubt that blues Norway has received some new favorites, and I will not be surprised if we see them back in Norway before too long.

They "Get It" by Sound Impressions
Every now and then a new artist comes along that just seems to "get it." They understand the music and its traditions and they instinctively know how to interpret and perform the music with a freshness and a flair that breaks through all the clutter on the sonic landscape. In short, they score a musical Bull's Eye. Victor Wainwright and the Wildroots are just such artists and their CD, "Beale Street to the Bayou" definitely hit the Bull's Eye. Steeped in a variety of American Roots music, the CD explodes with exceptional songs and musicianship. The song "Rain" is a perfect example. As the saying goes, "It hurts so good. Throughout the CD, Victor's vocals anchor the commanding performances of the Wildroots and it all sounds so beautiful that we just don't want it to end. [BarrelHouseBlues.com "Sound Impressions" Bridgewater, MA]

All the Right Ingredients by Bryan Bassett, FOGHAT
Every once in a while I get to work on a project that has all the right ingredients, great songwriting, stellar performances and great sonic range. Victor Wainwright and the WildRoots new release "Beale Street to the Bayou" will take you on a "Blues" ride from the pumping soul beats of Memphis to the down home Blues of the deep south. I know you will enjoy listening to this CD as much as I enjoyed working on it." [Bryan Bassett, FOGHAT Guitarist/Mix Engineer]

A Travelling Medicine Show by Brian Harman Blues in the South
WildRoots are Victor Wainwright; piano & vocals, Stephen Dees; bass (he also produces the album), Greg Gumpel; guitar, mandolin & banjo, Brian Kelly; drums & percussion. This album is a wonderful amalgamation of captivating and extremely invigorating Rock& Roll, Soulful Blues, sweetly gelling with Bluegrass and Country. A distinct aroma of Hill Country music can also be found in the mix, fusing with a hazy lazy New Orleans second line strut. The welcome addition of an acappella Gospel chorus on some of the fourteen numbers are reminiscent of the fervour and belief found at a revivalist meeting or in the performances of a travelling medicine show. Twelve of the numbers are original compositions with very fine covers of “School of Hard Knocks” and the Ray Charles old favourite “What’d I Say.” Victors’ jaunty rockin’ piano leads from the front showing the way for some splendidly footappin’ mandolin and banjo playing, which is underpinned by thoughtful, unobtrusive and subtle guitarwork. The whole album exudes an atmosphere of rollicking honky tonk and delightful bonhomie. Brian Harman Blues in the South (UK print)

Bigger than Dallas’ by Doug Hill, The Norman Transcript
Victor Wainwright is a big man with a great big voice. A product of Savannah, Ga., this is his first LP. The Wildroots are a piano, drums and guitar quartet. Notable influence comes from bassist Stephen “Cat Daddy” Dees who wrote or collaborated on most of the album's 13 original tracks, along with being the producer, arranger and engineer. The title says what's going down. You're about to hear an American musical odyssey from Memphis to New Orleans. Wainwright recalls several strong voices including Mac Rebennack, Don Van Vliet and Leon Russell. The tunes are rich and tasty as a good thick gumbo. They all have distinguishing characteristics that make this a fascinating trip. There are gentle numbers such as Not Afraid and rockers like Mighty Man, Guest appearances by 11 other musicians add saxophone, congas, dobro, blues harp, cello, trumpet, trombone and fine female back-up vocals. Overall the effect is one bigger than Dallas.

Driving on a Full Tank by Duncan Jamieson Blues Matters
It might be the debut album for this four-piece from the Savannah, Georgia, but these guys are already driving on a full tank. The focus is the soulful vocals of Victor Wainwright – his voice as mighty as this frame (think Dr. John on Viagra). Guitarist Stephen Dees, who has worked with Pat Travers, handles the majority of the songwriting, and his compositions are finely crafted. The tracks signpost most Blues genres, and the quality of the playing ensures the handle each with aplomb. Of particular note are the affecting ballad “Blues in the Rain” and the country Blues of “Not Afraid”, where Wainwright’s vocals drip emotion. This boy can really sing! My personal favorite is the short “Sold Down River”, a Delta Blues number that’s so authentic, you can almost taste the cotton fur your mouth. The funky wig out “WildRoot Jam” and jazzy “Square”, augmented by sax and a breathless co-female lead vocal, demonstrate their range and class. The lyrics cover the standard tales of Blues libido but also take in environmental concerns and equal rights. For the Blues fans across the board, this is on road trip you should hitch a ride on. Duncan Jamieson Blues Matters - UK http://www.bluesmatters.com/ http://www.facebook.com/BluesMatters

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Victor Wainwright

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