Boom Town, the latest release from Victor Wainwright and the WildRoots, has certainly enhanced the pianist’s notoriety in America and on the international level.
Wainwright, one of the most dynamic and exciting keyboard performers on the roots music scene, is known for his high-octane boogie piano, big soul sounds, powerhouse blues, roots rock ‘n’ roll, and a voice that recalls Dr. John and Leon Russell.
Because of his remarkable keyboard and performance skills, Victor sometimes doesn’t get enough credit for his equally impressive vocals. His soulful and authentic singing voice, strong with just the right amount of gruffness, suits his very easy, relaxed vocal delivery that works comfortably with both slow and up-tempo numbers.
Wainwright is a superior singer who commands a range of vocal-stylings, which he does about as masterfully as any singer out there today. He can sing with the aching, pleading quality of the great soul singers whom he channels, like Ray Charles, (“vocals soulful enough to make Otis Redding sit up and take notice,” wrote one reviewer) or exhibit a partying, juke-joint blues growl that occasionally smacks of Louis Armstrong, B.B. King, or Louis Jordan.
A raucous, high-octane dynamic performer and a crowd pleaser with soul to spare, Victor’s been making a name for himself in a big way. After earning what he calls a “double major in Boogie, a Ph.D. in Swing and a master’s in Rhythm,” Victor won the coveted Blues Music Award as “Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year” in both 2013 and 2014, as well as anchoring the critically acclaimed Dixie supergroup, Southern Hospitality, whose Easy Livin’ release made the Top 10 on the Billboard blues chart.
Victor’s star will surely continue to rise with the release of Boom Town, which, as was the case with the previous WildRoots albums, features the collaboration of producer and songwriter Stephen Dees. Featuring excellent songwriting, musicianship and production, and a unique and edgy sound that captures the energy of the band’s live shows, this blues and American roots tour de force will ignite blues, roots rock and soul music fans everywhere.
