Blue Notes and Conversations Album Review

Brad "Guitar"Wilson - "BOUNDLESS" -  www.bradwilsonlive.com

Produced and Mixed by Francis Buckley  

Mark Pucci Media - www.markpuccimedia.com

Recorded - Musicians Institute Studios, Hollywood, California 

ICP Studios,Brussels,Belgium / Mondragon Studios,Bakersfield,California / Recording in Visalia,California

                         Brad "Guitar" Wilson - "Boundless" is the follow-up to Brad’s 2025 release, "The Californian," a top charting album on the Roots Music Report, spending 12 weeks at #1 on their Blues Rock Album chart and multiple appearances on their blues rock songs list. "The Californian" also charted heavily on the UK's IBBA(Independent Blues Broadcaster's Association) chart and is featured on Sirius XM's B.B.King's Bluesville channel for his song "Lightning In a Bottle."

                       Brad has built an enthusiastic, world-wide following, with a reputation built on stellar guitar playing, strong songwriting, and a charismatic live performance style. His guitar work has a soulful, melodic, contemporary sound that taps into all his sources of inspiration: a bit of rock guitar in a deep blues setting—Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Freddie King, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, B.B. King, Jimmy Page, Gary Moore, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

                        "Boundless" has been described as a blues-tinged rock record that uses blues elements as part of a broader, more modern sound. Brad "Guitar" Wilson has released a strong, ambitious record for fans of his imaginative guitar work and eclectic style. It's not a deep-cut blues classic for the purists out there, but the album is a broad, accessible set that showcases Brad's range, creativity, and technical skill. "Boundless" is a polished, well-produced album with several standout tracks: 

"The Thrill Is Gone" - “’The Thrill Is Gone’ was recorded in Brussels, Belgium, at the famous ICP Studios,” Brad Wilson says.” “They have an amazing collection of vintage equipment, and the studio had purchased one of B.B. King’s ‘Lucille’ guitars. The sound of the guitar rings so true on this classic B.B. King song. It made recording this so exciting to hear the playback for the first time.”

"Living Underground" - and - "Sky Full of Rain" - “On ‘Living Underground,’ like everyone, I was reading about the terrible war in Ukraine, so I wrote ‘Living Underground’ imagining the experience of your home and everything you love gone. Under these conditions, you begin to live underground for safety.  A furry friend turns up and makes his life better. ‘Sky Full of Rain’ is a blues showcase for guitar that producer Francis Buckley recorded and mixed so well. A story of desperation, no job and no longer having the skills to find work.”

"Everybody Wants To Rule The World" - For his re-imagining of the Tears for Fears ‘80s smash hit, “Everybody Wants To Rule the World,” Wilson adds, “I had always loved this song, and both the music and lyrics I find inspiring. Recorded at ICP studios with the band I tour with in Europe. The musicians played the song with the intensity of an original, and we also perform this song live in concert. It fits my style and blends in with the show and allows me to play lots of hot lead guitar!”

"More of You" - " A favorite on the album. A love song that I enjoy singing the lyrics: "top to bottom, round and round, you always astound. "Everybody knows what it's like to be in love with someone. The song captures the excitement of being crazy in love."

"Hit The Road Jack" - "We played this fabulous song at the shows before we recorded the new album and everyone in the audience loves to sing the chorus. We started on the song and by the end of the first guitar solo, everybody wants to join in. We take the band down to drums and bass and you can hear the audience from outside the venue. Everyone has so much fun singing this song with me."

"Between The Hours" - The song leans into a blues-rock energy with a strong emphasis on guitar-driven riffs, a driving rhythm section, and a vibe reminiscent of the 1970s British blues-rock scene; it is a fan favorite for live performances.

"Let's Dance Tonight" - A rockabilly-inspired track blending upbeat energy with a retro vibe, a touch of barrelhouse piano courtesy of Luca Catalfano. Here, we have a vintage juke-joint feel that comes party-ready, delivering loads of fun.

                       "Boundless" from Brad "Guitar" Wilson is filled with plenty of guitar firepower, showcasing this masterful musician's boundless energy and limitless enthusiasm. This project has allowed Brad "Guitar" Wilson to work without boundaries or limits-"BOUNDLESS"- expanding his songwriting, guitar playing, and performances to even greater heights. There is a great band working together on these sessions: a solid touring group and top-tier session players, all under the guidance of Grammy-winning producer Francis Buckley, who contributes synth bass and percussion as well as helping to shape the album's blend of blues-infused rock, original songwriting, and the reinterpretation of classics. 

                     If you enjoy blues-infused rock, pop covers, and original guitar-driven songs, the album is well worth your time. For those seeking a more traditional, gritty blues experience, this album may feel less authentic. However, if you want music that will make you smile, help you forget your troubles for a bit, and make you feel good, "Boundless" is most certainly a "must have". A blues-rock album with a feel-good edge, not purely traditional blues, but music that will certainly lift your spirits and make you feel good all over.

Drums - Toto Poznantek - Chris Ross - Adam Guest

Keyboards - Chris Rhyne - Lucas Catalfano - Frankie Vriens

Bass - Hal Cragin, Brian Beal - Fabrizio Erba

Synth Bass and Percussion - Francis Buckley

Additional Singers - Paulina Campos - Valerie Chanelle

Written by - John Muller - Blue Notes and Conversations

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