John Wills
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John Wills

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Band Folk Acoustic

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This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"Jack Rabid"


“When one thinks of this kind of acoustic folk-blues coming out of Minnesota, with barely any accompaniment, a scratchy voice, and a social awareness, one thinks of Dylan. But listening to Sleepwalks and Criminals, it's a good bet that Minneapolis' John Wills has spent more time digging what the young Dylan himself dug, old black Delta blues, Southern Appalachian folk 'n' hillbilly, and Woody Guthrie. This stuff is quiet ..(the creeping waltz "Great Jones and Broadway" -- which shows he knows the Big Apple, not just Minnieappleton), light picking stuff that is perfect when you just don't want anything with blaring guitars and hammering drums. Coming to a coffeehouse or folk den near you?” - Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover


- The Big Takeover


"Camden News"

“The Intelligent and sometimes biting lost-love lyrics hint reminiscent of a young Dylan.”
- Camden News
- Camden News


"Lost Cause, Minnesota Music Journal"

“..a hip-swinger with a beat that would move grandma..” – Lost Cause, Minnesota Music Journal - Lost Cause


"DJ Ray"

“Don't let it happen that this very gifted young folk singer songwriter becomes ‘a stranger in his own land!!’ Sounds like Woody and Robert meeting each other at the crossroads of Heaven..” DJ Ray
- DJ Ray


Discography

Sleepwalks and Criminals-02' Self released

Photos

Bio

John Wills is a songwriter and musician from, and currently based in, Minneapolis. His influences extend from Leadbelly, Howlin’ Wolf, Tom Waits, Mississippi John Hurt, Bob Dylan and Muddy Waters among others, each highly respected due to his appreciation for unique musical compositions and passionate lyrical styles. As a self-taught and established acoustic guitar player for fifteen years, Wills put together “The Frank Booth Band” in 1995 and played the local and regional circuits until 1998. In 2002, Wills independently released his first solo album, “Sleepwalks and Criminals,” an anthology of compelling and vivacious prose backed with drums, steel guitar, mandolin and bass guitar. The album was recognized as his first attempt to formally promote himself as a professional musician. Wills successfully distributed the album to various radio stations around the country, advertised in NYC’s The Big Takeover music magazine, mp3.net and cdbaby.com in addition to touring venues throughout the Midwest, New York City and the South. “Sleepwalks and Criminals” received heavy airplay with several radio stations throughout Minnesota, Colorado, Oregon, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Alaska. Since then, Wills has played with the legendary Spider John Koerner of Koerner, Ray and Glover and headlined for Dan Bern, Alice Donut, and 7 Year Bitch. He has worked with TAXI, the leading independent music distribution company and has been a member of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) since 2003.