Recordings: Websites: Will Hoge is one of the hardest working men in rock ‘n roll. He’s an independent artist from Tennessee and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him play 13 times over the past 5 years in Philadelphia – 800 miles from Nashville (and I’ve probably missed one or two). He tours incessantly, almost obsessively. He’s written songs about his love of being on the road (“The Highway’s Home”, “Highway Wings”). His first official release as a solo artist was a live album (All Night Long<\/a><\/i>), and he’s released several other live albums (usually titled unto themselves, and not just Live At…<\/i> – i.e. Almost Alone<\/a><\/i>, During The Before And After<\/a><\/i> or the more recent Again Somewhere Tomorrow<\/a><\/i>). It’s his work ethic and determination to win over fans via his live show that turned me from a casual fan into quite a devoted one.<\/p>\n I first heard Will on stage, naturally. He was opening for Marc Broussard <\/a>at the TLA back in 2005. Marc’s album Carencro<\/i> was big at the time and I hadn’t seen him play before, and I’m glad I made it early enough to see Will. I think I remember hearing his name or being suggested his album on a website where I had purchased a record from a “similar artist”, before that show (it may very well have been Mr. Broussard). I also think I listened to some clips and thought it wasn’t bad, but wasn’t blown away. Shortly after that show I bought his most recent release Blackbird On A Lonely Wire<\/i>, which was released by Atlantic Records, who subsequently dropped him after it came out, becoming yet another major label that had no idea what they were doing with such a talented artist. But anyway… I listened to that CD a few times and heard some similarities (I thought) to Tom Petty in a couple songs. Incidentally, my then-girlfriend (now-wife) was a pretty big Petty fan, so I brought it along on a road trip in her car at some point and popped it in. She’s not easily impressed. I own almost 1300 CDs; she has about 40. After hearing it a couple more times, in my car and hers, she asked to borrow it. That’s usually the kicker when she’s getting into something – if she actually wants to hear it again. She studies lyrics and takes great pains to know the songs by heart. If she really likes something, she makes much effort. Yeah, that CD is still in her car (4 years later). <\/p>\n We went to see him play the next couple of times he was in Philly as the headliner, both at the North Star. I had fully ingested that album, bought his first one (Carousel<\/i>) and the magnificent live album During The Before And After<\/i> at those gigs, and really began to immerse myself into his music. The shows were great, but that’s not the nicest bar in the world, and I think you could tell Will wasn’t thrilled about it, either. I think at least one of those shows had Will’s set not even beginning until well after midnight. Ouch. But it was worth it. Will gives 100% at every single performance, as far as I can tell. His energy and soul really come through in these tunes. This is honest<\/b>, sincere music. Musically, he runs the gamut from country to rock to folk to pop, acoustic and electric, though he mostly pretty much rocks<\/b> (all with a bluesy, soulful, southern tinge). The underlying current through all of it is straight-up genuine and heartfelt songwriting. He does his best to make sure you can feel every word he’s singing. He’s got a semi-regular schtick where he’ll sing a song a capella (sans microphone) at some point during the show, or as the encore – so there’s absolutely nothing coming in between his voice and your ears. It’s not so much a gimmick because he really pulls it off well, and I can say from experience that it can be truly moving. <\/p>\n I’ve gotten some pretty good photos at a few different Will Hoge shows. I didn’t start taking them until he began playing World Cafe Live regularly (better lighting and access). He really gushed about the venue when he moved up to WCL from North Star (and has ventured around one or two other places that aren’t bad, but he apparently really loves WCL). He gives great faces, man. <\/p>\n OK, finally – the music. The rocker in me was really drawn to his harder stuff at first, and there are a couple of real gems on Blackbird…<\/i>, namely “TV Set” and “All Night Long”. They seem to show up in the set less now that he’s got so much more material, but he will occasionally break them out, especially to end a show on a loud, raucous note. Check ’em out.<\/p>\n![\"Southern](\"http:\/\/www.media.wmg-is.com\/media\/portal\/media\/cms\/images\/200908\/press-porch-wreckage-large_1251653274178.jpg\" "\\"Will")
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Photo by Andrew Southam.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/center><\/p>\n
\nThe Wreckage<\/a> (2009)
\nDraw The Curtains<\/a> (2007)
\nThe Man Who Killed Love<\/a> (2006)
\nThe America EP<\/a> (2004)
\nBlackbird On A Lonely Wire<\/a> (2003)
\nCarousel<\/a> (2001)
\nAnd numerous official (though largely out of print) live releases
\n[most of the above are available directly from the willhoge.com store<\/a>]<\/p>\n
\nhttp:\/\/www.willhoge.com<\/a>
\nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/willhoge<\/a>
\nhttp:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Will_Hoge<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>