Artist Information Biography THE WASHINGTON POST "… solid songwriting and tight instrumentation in musical styles ranging from funk to groove-based R&B to soulful jam-based ballads… the most impressive aspect was the songwriting. Tucker's tunes are sturdy without being rigid, soulful without being cloying, and he expresses them like he believes the words." -- Buzz McClain 4/24/06 ON TAP MAGAZINE "From fast-train attacks like “Casting Stones” to funked-up near-raps like “Wasted Worry,” Wes Tucker and his veteran band show what can be done with a setup that’s technically country rock in origin. All the songs are constructed without irony, and most of the narrated thoughts and experiences come from the painful side of the street; Tucker’s smooth vocals range from wistful to angry over multiple, skillfully played guitars." -- Joel Sparks LEFT OFF THE DIAL "From funk inspired foot-stompers to soulful ballads, Tuckers songwriting style remains strong. He is certainly a talented musician and one that will appeal to the masses. Its obvious that Tucker is a musician that we will be hearing more from over the years." --Chelsea Cochran ----------------------------------------------------------------- Wes Tucker & the Skillets return to the D.C. music scene with the release of their third full-length album, The Scorpion and the Dove. Produced by their own WAMMIE-nominated multi-instrumentalist, Arch Alcantara, The Scorpion and the Dove picks up where their last album, Beauty in the Broken, left off, showcasing the band’s range and Tucker’s songwriting. The new album features fuller musical arrangements and more of Tucker’s meditative, socially conscious lyrics. The music is equal parts melody and message, whether in the blistering rock of “Good to Go” or the plaintive waltz of “Three Yellow Roses.” The songs on The Scorpion and the Dove offer ruminations on themes of hope, redemption and finding joy and satisfaction in the struggle. Their previous albums, Beauty in the Broken (2006) and Tradition (2004), have been praised by critics and fans for their thoughtful songwriting and exceptional composition. Music Monthly Magazine called Tradition “a vibrant work of an original artist,” and The Washington Post described the Skillets’ live set as a showcase of “solid songwriting and tight instrumentation in musical styles ranging from funk to groove-based R&B to soulful jam-based ballads. Tucker's tunes are sturdy without being rigid, soulful without being cloying, and he expresses them like he believes the words.” Wes Tucker & the Skillets have earned their fan base by playing more than 300 shows since their start in 2005. The band has performed for capacity crowds at such premier venues as IOTA, the Evening Muse, the Velvet Lounge, DC9, Jammin’ Java, the House of Blues and the State Theatre. The band has also been selected to play at many popular festivals, including the Steppin’ Out Festival in Blacksburg, Va.; Cinco De Mayo Fiesta in Richmond, Va.; Artscape Baltimore; Dewey Beach Music Festival; and the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the Six Points Music Festival in Washington, D.C. The Skillets’ appearances are regularly featured as editors’ picks by the local press. Instrumentation Wes Tucker - Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Harmonica Bryan Washam - Guitar, Bass, Backing vocals Dave Rutkowski - Drums, Keyboards Arch Alcantara - Bass, Guitar In addition to full band bookings, Wes also frequently performs acoustic solo/duo sets Discography -------------- --Albums-- -------------- 'The Scorpion and The Dove' (2009) 'Beauty in the Broken' (2006/2007) 'Tradition'  (2004)  --------------------- --Compilations-- --------------------- "Artomatic 2007' (2007) - Artomatic Art Festival CD 'DC Rockers for Life' (2007) - Illumina Records 'United State of Americana Vol. 4' (2006) - Shut Eye Records 'Ear Snacks Volume 8' (2006) - Awarestore Records 'Yellow House Christmas'  (2005) - Yellow House Studio 'Artomatic 2004'  (2004) - Artomatic Art Festival CD Links http://www.westucker.com