Willy and the Planks

...Mark Noble has a Great Voice and the music is Outstanding!!

...Intense. Could not take my ears off it. Great!!!

...Very Nice! Great tone & playing!!

...Great (Re)interpretations...Love the Slide! -

WILLY AND THE PLANKS – WILLY AND THE PLANKS
BY JER@SBSSEPTEMBER 25, 2017220
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Willy And The Planks – Willy And The Planks – Album Review

Meet Willy And The Planks – these guys know what’s up with the blues. Bringing out the sound of the deep south, the Tennessee-based three-piece have the right recipe in place for music you can FEEL – and at the heart of it all, that’s what the blues are all about, ain’t it? Formed around the talents of guitarist Willy Gibbs, Willy And The Planks, they get it; solid talent needs solid support – and Willy’s found that through the rhythm section of Mark Noble (Bass, Vocals) and Chris Gibbs (Drums). Together, these guys roam through the blues with confidence, style and ambitious material on their new self-titled album.

Overall, they’ve got a good thing goin’ on here. It becomes apparent just how well this band knows itself early on in the album as they speed-up & slow-down tempos in progressive structures that keep the themes lyrically-rooted in the blues while providing a real contrast through the often lighthearted approach to the sound of the music. What sounds impressive the entire time is their ability to keep their movements so unified and in-step with each other…each member understands where the other players are headed at all times and when to take a moment in the spotlight or support a wild solo. I mean, yeah, of course when it comes to a recording, you get that time to practice-up and get it right – but whatever, I still think there are audible clues you can hear in a band’s music that point to whether or not they fully gel as a band…and these guys clearly do. I not only hear a bunch of great blues tunes on the new Willy And The Planks record, but I hear the genuine passion of three guys that really WANT to do this music-thang…and quite honestly, that enthusiasm you hear in their music sounds freakin’ great!

Willy And The Planks often keep the vocals simplified, rhythmic and effective. They certainly hold their own in every situation that presents itself along the way with big, bold tones or the perfect matching energy to the music surrounding them…they’re written somewhat classically, traditionally…not necessarily so much as ‘safe’ as they are completely appropriate for the grooves being supplied. “Keep Your Hands Off That Girl” is a solid example of what I mean right off the bat in the record’s opening-tune; they’re still a main feature of this first song, but you can hear that the instrumentation drives the music of this band. The vocals drift in & out, taking part almost at will on “Keep Your Hands Off That Girl” and coming into the song at somewhat unpredictable times…and like a great blues-band is inclined to do, they’re often used as an additional rhythm-line & instrument to add to the ideas we hear in the music. “Keep Your Hands Off That Girl” eases us into the album with an inviting and smooth roll through the blues, sliding guitar tones from Willy ringing out captivatingly while the rhythm section holds the fort with compelling parts of their own. Just as many hooks in the music or more than the impressively expressive vocals supply, they do a great job of achieving real balance in their writing & performances to put everyone in the spotlight for at least a moment or two to put their chops on the table for all to hear.

As if on cue to support my theories about why I like this crew, “The Dark Side Of Me” comes up next on the record. I mentioned that unified-sound of this band and the way their music moves, and this is a highlight example of what I meant by that. The timing is complex, the sound is still massively accessible – and they stay together the entire time as one entity, one vision, one unit. Are they on-time the entire way through? I mean…you’d be looking at a whole host of potential ‘artistic blues-license’ arguments for any slight wandering or be taking part in the musical-equivalent of splitting the atom trying to figure out where any tiny slips in time would exist – but what makes that issue a non-factor completely is the fact that these guys move TOGETHER. Whether speeding-up or slowing-down, Willy And The Planks are there for each other in support musically and always ready to fill in the gaps or take the weight; everything still sounds like it’s right where it should be and belongs as the song flows. “The Dark Side Of Me” is a great tune for Mark Noble personally, lots of room for those meaty bass-lines and massive tones in the vocals and he takes on a challenging song with resounding confidence. Excellent solo from Willy just past the two-minute mark, love the tones on the guitar and his approach to the instrument itself…definitely a talented man. Quite often, it’s that reliable stability of the rhythm section that allows him to wander and roam through those wild solos…and that’s ultimately what you want when you have a feature skill like this that can pull people right into the band.

Case in-point, “Miss Maybelle” – arguably one of the most fun cuts on this entire record, largely due to the absolutely hook-laden guitar-lines laid down by Willy here. Technique and groove combine perfectly hear…those harmonic tones are off-the-charts amazing, the main riff is playful and powerful…the grinding rip of the slide is as charismatic as music can get – everything about this track beckons you to listen. Crisp & clean hits from Chris on the throne punctuate the rhythm & groove of “Miss Maybelle” and they take it to the next-level in the vocals as well, sounding more confident than ever in this more lighthearted-side of the blues. Smart tune though…love the subtle hats on the way into the song, and the insightful amount of real definition they’ve placed into each part of the music – they sound fully in control and like they’re having just as much fun playing “Miss Maybelle” as we do listening to it. An early highlight on the record that I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying – this is pure fun & great sound combined through real skill and solid entertainment.

Wild Bill And The Wood continue their new album by heading into the most blues-steeped cut of the set, directly in the middle with “You Got Me Cryin.’ Definitely more on the traditional-side of what you know from the genre here, doesn’t mean they sound any less jazzed about the blues they’re making – “You Got Me Cryin’ is expertly performed with real feel. Like…if there are blues-fans out there looking for that specific track that they know exists and are just waiting to love on the record, chances are, this is a strong candidate to be that cut. While they might not be reinventing the wheel here, not much of the blues tends to as a genre with such deep roots of respect for the style & sound, the most important thing becomes keeping that roll flowing smoothly…and that’s where Willy And The Planks are doing things RIGHT on “You Got Me Cryin.’ As a reviewer, I’ve certainly heard many a song that reminds me of this tune along the way in the blues genre – but what gives Willy And The Planks the edge is that degree of purity that you can hear in the way they play that tells your ears they really feel these songs. That passion is contagious in all the right ways when we listen and it plays to their advantage when hearing songs that seem more familiar in style like “You Got Me Cryin.’ Everything is stunningly clear in the music, movement and pace of this cut…real blues here…these three wear this sound really well.

They haul out an added dose of blues-cool through the slow-burning energy of “Lonely Town Lonely Streets” – a track I felt like was a real highlight in this set. Something about the commitment to the sound and style of this subtle groove has the band sounding tighter than ever…not even sure I can put my finger on what that is. They might just know this one better than the rest…even on an album where they’ve sounded in-step with each other the whole time, they really hit the mark here and raise the bar once again with “Lonely Town Lonely Streets.” Standout vocals, great rhythmic bass-lines…love the subtle crunch of the gain on the guitar tones…really impressive drums that keep this cut low-key and still moving expressively and vibrantly throughout. We don’t always need to know exactly how to say in words what music makes us feel – sometimes we just feel it when a song really connects to us; “Lonely Town Lonely Streets” was that track for me. Great atmosphere and depth on this tune.

“I Feel Good Little Girl” has a jam-style feel to its bluesy-flow, Willy And The Planks are definitely locked-in to their sound at this point on the record and continuing to deliver the good-times. I didn’t personally feel strongly one way or the other about “I Feel Good Little Girl” but certainly can acknowledge that they play this one just as well as any other. I suppose at the end of the day, this tune is a lot more spread-out musically…kind of moseys along…it’s got energy and it has that lighthearted approach to the blues that worked for Willy And The Planks earlier…still a solid tune. One of the shortest cuts on the record, you can hear the guys are into it just as much as the rest…they play it well, just a bit of a sleepier cut by comparison to the rest I guess, that’s what I’m saying there. But where there’s a lull in energy, you can usually best bet that it serves to amplify the track to follow…especially at an album’s end…



Adding in a bit of energy and a lot more soul, Willy And The Planks bring the album home in fine fashion with a smooth stroll through their final cut, “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean.” Lyrically, this is my favorite of the bunch…they’re still keeping it simple but executing so well. Mark Noble is letting it RIP on this final track vocally…by far his most engaging performance right here at the end and he’s had a good run the entire record through. It’s like the singing-equivalent of backing up to take a full sprint towards something…you can hear Noble get more and more inspired with each line of each verse and the power of his voice increases right along with it. Guitars have great character and personality to them, drum beats are subtle, on-point & crisp…the bass keeps the rhythm rolling right along smoothly in a highly accessible and inviting groove that takes its minimal ingredients for a real ride you’re certain to dig. “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean” closes the record with clarity and rhythm, keeping the most captivating aspects of their music on full display and leaving us with a completely favorable impression of what Willy And The Planks are all about. These guys were into it and having fun – as result, so was I as a listener; they put in the passion in skill and got themselves right into each moment for every song on the record and that’s pretty much all we can ever ask right? They’ve got a great grip on their soulful approach to the blues and what appears to be a genuine want to truly entertain you – so let’em!

Find out more about Willy And The Planks at their official homepage at: http://www.willyandtheplanks.com
TAGSALBUMWILLY AND THE PLANKS - sleepingbagstudios.ca

Willy And The Planks Bring That Raw, Organic, Juke Joint Style Blues On Self-Titled Album
by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman September 21, 2017 1:13 pm
Tagged With: Blues, blues rock, delta blues, juke joint blues

Willy and The Planks

Lebanon, Tennessee natives Willy & The Planks have delivered a collection of delicious and tasty blues rockin’, juke joint infused jams on their self-titled new album.

If you know me, you know how much I love the blues. Willy & The Planks just gained a new fan. This stuff is GOOOOOOOD! To make it even sweeter, this sonic deliciousness has been brewing not far from home!

My favorite thing about the blues is that you receive equal amounts of human emotion from opposite ends of the spectrum. Love and pain collide head on for an aural experience that sounds just as good coming from Willy & The Planks in 2017 as it did waaaaay back when Robert Johnson found himself at the crossroads.



Southern grit, Delta attitude, rock aesthetics and passionate songwriting plus musicianship result in a solid, cohesive blues record which deserves a home in every blues lovers collection. Willy & The Planks is an album you can come back to time and time again without a second thought.

Sweet guitar tones (Willy Gibbs), hypnotic rhythms (Chris Gibbs), and groovin’ bass (Mark Noble, also vocals) unite with that beautiful, down South, Mississippi River runnin’, Memphis spiced, juke joint sound for song after song of consistent listening pleasure.

All seven tracks get two thumbs up from me.

Willy & The Planks (the album) is playing on Soundcloud or you can listen below.

The video for See That My Grave is Kept Clean can be viewed above or on YouTube.

Connect directly with Willy & The Planks (the band) on FB or their official website. - Middle Tennessee Music

Willy and the Planks – the distinctively hard-driving Mississippi sound
Posted By: Jacob AidenPosted date: September 28, 2017in: ReviewsNo Comments
Willy and the Planks seem to have been purveying their brand of Juke Joint Blues for a while, yet their music is fresh and original. Their latest self-titled disc, continues the trend as it delivers seven tracks of lively music that is built around their unique sound. It is arguably one of the best recordings of its kind that has come across my desk this year. The band’s core includes Willy Gibbs (Guitar), Mark Noble (Vocal/Bass), and Chris Gibbs (Drums) – all of them exposed to the distinctively hard-driving Mississippi sound. Some bands prefer the control of a recording studio to achieve the sound they’re looking for, while others are all about playing live, feeding off the audience and ratcheting up the intensity.

Willy and the Planks sound clearly the latter type of musicians. Their playing is joyous, high-energy affairs that demonstrate their musicianship — Willy’s guitar is right up there with the very best in the business and Chris is a talented drummer, while Mark brings his distinctive bourbon-tinged vocal cords to the table — as well as their deep knowledge of and respect for American roots blues music.

Still, creating new music in the studio is essential to expanding any band’s repertoire of material, so the boys take an impressive and important step forward with this recording. The comrades shuffle tried-and-true elements of the blues sound, the fervent vocal intonations combined with gritty guitar, propulsive drums and the earthy tones of bass all imparting a ring of truth to the opening song “KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF HER”.

Immediately following, the muddy wail of Willy’s electric guitar hearkens to the Mississippi Delta together with the intense intonations of Mark, the combination of which works to render contemporary “THE DARK SIDE OF ME” and, by extension, the band itself.

“MISS MAYBELLE”, a blues standard, is given an intensive and alternative take by the power trio, before the insistent twists and turns of gritty guitar, bass and drums, on “YOU GOT ME CRYIN”, exhibit the lessons absorbed by Willy and the Planks, during an influential blues upbringing. As does the familiar tone and attack of “LONELY TOWN LONELY STREETS” where roots flavors the mix via the rousing guitar that’s further uplifted by the urgent drumming.

In contrast, Mark’s voice conjures much of the portentous air during “I FEEL GOOD, LITTLE GIRL” an atmosphere made all the more ominous with a throbbing bass line; like many of the surrounding cuts, this track thrives on its vibrant core sound, and a similar economy permeates the one immediately following, “SEE THAT MY GRAVE IS KEPT CLEAN”, the EP’s selected single. The spontaneity of the performance sinks in, along with the combination of gravitas and glee that permeates the recording as a whole.

Too often bands try to adapt or evolve to conform to the whims of the modern music scene, and in the end, forget who they are and from where they came. Fortunately, Willy and the Planks have mastered the art of blending tradition with contemporary influences; while mature and polished, the band maintains a ruff n’ raw, core rocking blues style and keeps it fresh and exciting. With this self-titled release, Willy and the Planks prove they are stalwarts of the authentic blues realm.



OFFICIAL LINKS: Facebook – Website – SoundCloud – YouTube - JamSphere

WILLY AND THE PLANKS HAVE GOT SERIOUS JUKE JOINT BLUES PEDIGREE!
Willy and the Planks. Remember that name, that odd in a way sounding name for a bluesy-bunch-of-back-woods-front-porch Juke Joint Blues geniuses. This was the first time I ever laid...

by Staff September 28, 2017
Willy and the Planks. Remember that name, that odd in a way sounding name for a bluesy-bunch-of-back-woods-front-porch Juke Joint Blues geniuses. This was the first time I ever laid ears on them, and I was sprung wide open to more of their bust down the doors, now get-real and rowdy music. Their self-titled album is blood boiling music, if you haven’t felt your toes in a while, well- they’ll start tapping, your knees will get in on it too and before long, you’ll be jiving; kind of naughty and nice like. There is nothing like risking life and limb driving the Mass turn pike, but with Willy and the Planks blaring, raw and electrifying- before you know it you’ll be cruising and brother.

Willy Gibbs (Guitar), Mark Noble (Vocal/Bass), and Chris Gibbs (Drums) are the fresh air that the blues has been needing – well thought out lyrics, refreshing energy. The amount of music coming out of only 3 instruments is quite amazing, and I was quite impressed that their energy shone through on a studio album. If you like your blues delivered with swampy blues-rock sweat, Mississippi roots and music that rolls in like the Appalachian Mountains, you are going to embrace Willy and the Planks with open arms.

Right from the beginning, as the album opens up with “KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF HER”, you know you are getting the real deal here. Cacophonous, moody, soulful and compelling. One of the year’s best, straight from the roots of the blues to your ears. The quality of the songs is subordinate to the desire to whip it up, because blues and boogie is mostly about atmosphere.

Hence, special praise for the sound, which seems to have bypassed all the desire of engineers and producers to ‘clean things up’. I became a convert literally upon hearing the first two cuts of this album. It’s powerful, raw, with attitude and deep, deep groove.

By the time you hit the third track, “MISS MAYBELLE”, it’s obvious that Willy and the Planks have got serious pedigree but that only gets you so far; you still have to prove you’ve got something to say, and it needs to be said well. “YOU GOT ME CRYIN” does just that, both vocally and musically. Mark’s vocals, Willy’s brilliant guitar and Chris’ drum groove may cause you to keep hitting the “repeat” button.

But, actually, the same can be said about the entire album. I was instantly struck by their authenticity and how they yank that soulful blues vibe kicking and screaming into the 21st century. “LONELY TOWN LONELY STREETS” and “I FEEL GOOD, LITTLE GIRL” is the perfect medium for the talents of Willy and the Planks as the songs provides an opportunity for each of the band members to do what they do best – inject energy and mood into their music with as much passion as they can deliver.

Most significant is their ability to project live sound groove and energy into their studio recordings, as can be heard on “SEE THAT MY GRAVE IS KEPT CLEAN”, with complete mastery of their instruments and vocals. Like the old blues-men who preceded them, Willy and the Planks never forget where they come from. They walk the blues road holding their roots firmly in hand while following their art and passion into new, uncharted territory.

OFFICIAL LINKS: Facebook – Website – SoundCloud – YouTube




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Willy & The Planks Play Juke Joint Blues With Spunk & Hypnotic Blues

1
OCT
With their newest album, entitled Willy & The Planks, the overall sound of this band is nothing short of Mississippi and Tennessee influenced bluesy sound. The musical talents of Willy Gibbs on the guitar, Mark Noble on the bass, and Chris Gibbs on the drums, reflect the genuine love of music and affinity for the craft of blues music all in one. The song lyrics of the track below describe the novelty in the south and the environment, feel good feelings, and overall nostalgia wrapped around the music itself. If listening to the track is not enough, viewing the music video for this track will have you feeling in a whole different blues world and takes you along the fun feeling fueled journey. - The Music Court

Willy And The Planks – Self-Titled Review
September 21, 2017 Ryan Donnelly CD Reviews
Make way for the smoky smooth Juke Joint Blues style of the talented Willy and the Planks!

This new musical act from the deep south of Lebanon Tennessee has just released their first self-titled album on September 5th, and it is guaranteed to sink its groovy teeth right into your music loving heart. Fronted by the emotion-soaked vocals of Mark Noble, this foot stomping trio has succeeded in making sure that their listeners are focused on the depth of the lyrics, as much as the heart and soul found in each track on this inspired album.

Currently promoting their brand new single See That My Grave Is Kept Clean, Willy and the Planks are making sure that new listeners know exactly what Juke Junk Blues is all about.

The band has been heard saying “Juke Joint Blues; its real, its life, and it is like a bite of BBQ that’s both hot & sweet, it’s both love & pain in every taste!” This is a great way to explain their sound, and See That My Grave Is Kept Clean is the sum of those two polarizing opposites; love and pain. On the first listen, it is hard to choose whether the song is fun or a bit gloomy, or something else entirely, and on the second and third listen, you realize that it is all those things.

Willy Gibbs adds a fresh live sounding slide guitar, while Chris Gibbs on drums makes sure that the song drips with a smoky and brooding atmosphere.

Recently, the band released a brand-new music video for their single, and it doesn’t disappoint. Given an effective black and white wash, this video embraces the raw honesty of the band and their intended image, and it pairs well with your favorite whiskey.

Another star player on the album is the opening track Keep Your Hands Off Her. One thing I must give Willy and the Planks credit for, their song titles are great! If you close your eyes while listening to it, I swear, you can see the smoky club you are in, the wood panel walls and dart boards, the pool tables and questionable patrons, and you can see the band having a killer time playing for them all. That is the heart of this band, their ability to create music that feels like it has a real spatial air to it.

I could go on about how much I dig this album, but I will leave the rest up to you, just do me favor, when you do listen to this awesome album, turn it up; loud! - SoundScape

Artist Spotlight: INTRODUCING WILLY AND THE PLANKS
on SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
Willy and the Planks
Introducing Willy and the Planks

From the deep south of Lebanon Tennessee comes the smoky and whiskey stained Juke Joint Blues sound of Willy and the Planks. This groovy trio of heartfelt musician’s march to the beat of their own drummer on their new self-titled album, and they successfully draw their listeners in with every single inspired track that makes up this new record.

Willy and the Planks is the sum of its talented parts, and those parts can be found in Willy Gibbs on Guitars, Mark Noble on the vocals and bass, and Chris Gibbs on the drums. Together they make no attempts at rushing through to the end of any song they play, it is easy to see that they all care about the methodical journey that playing true Blues music requires to do successfully.

Currently promoting their new single “See that my grave is kept clean”, Willy and the Planks have been busy putting together the finishing touches on its accompanying music video, which can now be viewed on multiple social media platforms, including their website.
This is one of those tracks that sinks its teeth right in, and it pairs well with having a great time!
The name itself offers some introspection, but when you hear the slide guitar riffs, the tactful drumming and the smooth and smoky vocals, you are drawn straight into the importance of the lyrics being sung.
The video itself is as authentic and honest as this bands approach to making music. Choosing to shoot in black and white, this raw and real video is everything it needs to be to make sure that the song doesn’t get lost in translation.

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO HERE!

Willy and the Planks
From Willy and the Planks
“There are a thousand things that distract us every day. Sometimes, when it all gets to be too much, we try to escape into our music”
“Even that can run aground quickly. Now & then, we find ourselves looking for that Special Thang…it’s a feeling more than anything; it’s the BLUES! Not that fast lane stuff that blows right by you, this can only be cooked up in the Deep South, this brand of Juke Joint Blues; its real, its life, and it is like a bite of BBQ that’s both hot & sweet, it’s both love & pain in every taste!”

This is one of those exciting hypnotic blues albums that dares to say, “If you don’t dance, if you don’t sing along, and if you don’t play air slide guitar…YOU AINT LISTENING!”

With killer influences ranging from RL Burnside to Muddy Waters to David Kimrough Jr, one thing is guaranteed; Willy and the Planks……They’re gonna wake up your Soul!

Willy and the Planks
Track Listing
1. Keep your Hands off her
2. Darkness inside of Me
3. Miss Maybelle
4. You got me Crying
5. Lonely Town, Lonely Street
6. I Feel Good, Little girl
7. See that my grave is kept clean

You can find Willy and the Planks on Facebook, Soundcloud, YouTube and their official website,

Do you need music promotion? Empire Music Promotions (www.empiremusicpromotions.com) offers result based campaigns aimed at helping you build your own musical empire. Submit your music today!

Purchase our powerful new Music Marketing Book “From Indie To Empire” today on Amazon! BUY IT HERE!

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WILLY AND THE PLANKS OFFER UP SOME HOMECOOKED MUSICAL GOODNESS
RJ Frometa 2 days ago News Leave a comment 6 Views

Have you ever heard of the music style Juke Joint Blues? If not, you can thank Willy and the Planks for inviting you to the party. With the release of their brand new self-titled album, they are making sure that listeners remember just how much fun music can be, while still embracing some serious content.

This hot new musical act from Lebanon, Tennessee, is capturing the hearts of many listeners for the sheer integrity they bring to their songwriting. Every track on this groovy, and grungy, sounding album is both heartfelt and poetic. It is the sort of music that is easily absorbed, and doesn’t hang out in the obscure, it is straight to the point, and just a whole lotta fun!

It doesn’t take long to see that Willy and the Planks are obviously huge fans of live music, as the album itself effortlessly transports listeners to the late-night hours of a local bar, and not one of those soulless corporate machines either, I’m talking the sort of bar that the likes of Jim Morrison, Muddy Waters, and David Kimbrough Jr, would appreciate. There is a lot of soul to these tracks, and right now the band is shining a light on their new single titledKeep Your Hands Off Her. Right from the get-go this track hooks you in with a simple, yet effective, guitar riff, courtesy of Willy Gibbs, and the accompanying methodical drum style of Chris Gibbs. When you add on the smoky and instantly classic sound of Mark Noble, what you end up with is a real treat of a fresh sounding new song.

Capturing the raw heart and soul of the band is their new music video for the song titled See That My Grave Is Kept Clean. This black and white beauty is exactly what I would want to see from a band with this very unique sound. Dressed in suits and walking the city streets, this cinematic piece adds to the very song itself. I found myself watching it multiple times just to let it all sink in, and when turned up, it is just a solid track to groove to.

With the popular opinion that music is in decline, and that corporate musicians are in control, it is unique bands like Willy and the Planks that strive to prove that theory wrong. These are the important musicians who create story-driven songs that help you forget about the cynical outlook, and remind you that music should always help you feel more alive.

Willy and the Planks can be found on Facebook, Soundcloud, YouTube and their official website.

by Ryan Donnelly

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Willy and the Planks – S/T

Willy and the Planks - S/T
Keep your Hands off her is the first track on the new self-titled release by Willy and the Planks. This is a powerful blues-rock track that takes up hints of soul and funk. Fans of the style from the 1960s and 1970s will hear newer hints here, as there is a subtle nod to performers like Chris Cornell and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

The Dark Side of Me calls back to the guitar work of performers like Jimi Hendrix and the psychedelic rock of The Doors. Sizzling guitar work, ropy bass lines, and splashy drums unite to make for a track that will stick with listeners long after the last note ceases. You got me Cryin’ is another richly emotive track that tells as much with its instrumentation as it does with the sultry, impassioned vocals. The back and forth between these two elements is a trend that continues along with Lonely Town, Lonely Street.

I Feel Good, Little girl is a track that touches upon a wide swath of artists from as far back as Ray Charles to Stevie Ray Vaughan; the more free-form sound of the bass, guitars, and drums has a fun style to it that is reminiscent of modern jazz.

See that my grave is kept clean is the final statement on this release, and it ties together all the different styles and approaches that Willy and the Plarks showcased previously. Furthermore, it is an integral track for fans to understand where the act may go on follow up recordings. Simply a must-listen, Willy and the Planks’ self-titled release hits hard from the first note to the last.

Top Tracks: Keep your Hands off her, See that my grave is kept clean

Rating: 8.5/10

Willy and the Planks – S/T Album Review / 2017 Self Released / 7 Tracks / http://www.willyandtheplanks.com/ / https://www.facebook.com/willyandtheplanks/



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Author: James McQuiston
Ph.D. in Political Science, Kent State University. I have been the editor at NeuFutur / neufutur.com since I was 15. Looking for new staff members all the time; email me if you are interested. Thanks! View all posts by James McQuiston
Author James McQuiston
Posted on October 8, 2017
Categories Features, Music Reviews
Tags Willy and the Planks, Willy and the Planks self-titled
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WILLY AND THE PLANKS – “Willy and the Planks”
by Skope • October 21, 2017



Willy and the Planks plays with a psychedelic bluesy grit with their heartfelt self-titled effort. Sung with such fury, the songs work as meditations on a life lived most fully. Neatly referencing the blues greats while still incorporating their own style, Willy and the Planks crafts carefully laid out stories, mere snapshots of what it means to truly be one with the world. Guitar work has a rustic quality, with the right level of energy and twang to it, revealing a great flexibility. Adding to this fervent spirit the percussion has a powerful presence, working on a time-keeping mission as well as an emotional one, incorporating wonderful flourishes into the mix. Further emphasizing this the long-extended cuts further explore more hypnotic pastures.



“Keep Your Hands Off Her” introduces the album with such style, taking its time in unfurling slowly. Featuring a driving rhythm, the track has a slow-burn quality to it. Even more atmospheric “The Dark Side Of Me” goes for a late-night vibe to it at times even veering into a late 60s spirit to it. Hyperactivity pours out of the adventurous “Miss Maybelle”. Right in the very heart of the album is the true highlight the incredible fire of “You Got Me Cryin”. A delicate sly touch drives “Lonely Town Lonely Streets” forward. Nicely wrapping everything up the humor of “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean” brings the album to a close.



On their self-titled effort, Willy and the Planks sing with such assured experience, resulting in a timeless classic.

http://www.willyandtheplanks.com/

By Michelle Rivera - Skope

Review: Willy and the Planks ‘Willy and the Planks’


Willy and the Planks self-titled album ‘Willy and the Planks’ is truly fantastic - one for the collections.

In their new seven-song album, the band takes on the raw sound of the blues with their uplifting, unique and simply splendid sound. The album begins with the song ‘Keep Your Hands Off Her’, which is a terrific romantic-like song that has pure energy, just what we would expect from a Blues-type album. To add to this, the vocalist Mark Nobles has a great energy that is showcased well through his dynamic and simply stunning singing that will keep you on the grounds of this album.

On the other hand, our favourite song of this album would have to be ‘Lonely Town, Lonely Streets’, which is a song of place. This song has a great emotional throwback feel, which what this makes this song alongside the rest of the album so connected to the listener. Further on, this song has great production just like the album itself.

Overall, the album is terrific with a great range of songs and a well-developed signature sound. Thus, Willy and the Planks, mark themselves as the band to follow in the world of Blues. They have achieved a great goal with this album, which is to develop a journey with their album. A truly remarkable piece of work by a trio that is very talented. One for the playlists for sure.

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Willy and the Planks self-titled album ‘Willy and the Planks’ is truly fantastic - one for the collections.

In their new seven-song album, the band takes on the raw sound of the blues with their uplifting, unique and simply splendid sound. The album begins with the song ‘Keep Your Hands Off Her’, which is a terrific romantic-like song that has pure energy, just what we would expect from a Blues-type album. To add to this, the vocalist Mark Nobles has a great energy that is showcased well through his dynamic and simply stunning singing that will keep you on the grounds of this album.

On the other hand, our favourite song of this album would have to be ‘Lonely Town, Lonely Streets’, which is a song of place. This song has a great emotional throwback feel, which what this makes this song alongside the rest of the album so connected to the listener. Further on, this song has great production just like the album itself.

Overall, the album is terrific with a great range of songs and a well-developed signature sound. Thus, Willy and the Planks, mark themselves as the band to follow in the world of Blues. They have achieved a great goal with this album, which is to develop a journey with their album. A truly remarkable piece of work by a trio that is very talented. One for the playlists for sure. - Sound of Now

WILLY AND THE PLANKS BRINGING BLUES BACK
Keith ProReview and Video3d agobluesGrave kept CleanPlanksWilly
Willy and The Planks
We are all well aware of the everyday distractions and stresses that get in the way of our forward progress. Music has always been a great way to refocus and let the business of everyday life fade into the background. Sometimes even an escape. Our recent find Willy and The Planks are experts in providing a sound that makes all the problems just seem to fade away.
The three-piece band is based in Lebanon, Tennessee. Together as Willy and The Planks, Willy Gibbs (Guitar), Mark Noble (Vocal/Bass), and Chris Gibbs (Drums) have created their own unique Juke Joint Blues sound that is as catchy as it is chill. It is easy to hear the Mississippi talent and Tennessee traditions melding together into something fresh. The band claims influence from Muddy Waters, RL Burnside, and David Kimbrough Jr.
Willy And The Planks May Save The Blues
Remaining independent, Willy and The Planks are out there working hard to get their new self titled album into as many ears as possible. The hypnotic blues is ready to make you say “I’m alive, and I feel good”.
The lead single “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean” is Willy’s take on the much re-recorded song originally recorded in 1928 by Blind Lemon Jefferson. Other versions through the years have been created by The Grateful Dead and BB King.



On Willy and The Planks version there is a modern energy added that draws the listener into the party, even with such a dark subject. The vocals are right there in your face while the bass keeps the track moving forward. An impressive guitar solo punctuates the song with even more amazing talent.
As Blues music has its resurgence throughout the South and now heading North, I think we will be hearing a lot more from Willy and The Planks. Keep up with the band on their WEBSITE. - Indie Band Guru

Willy and the Planks – Willy and the Planks
Oct 21, 2017 | Music | 0 comments
Willy and the Planks plays with a psychedelic bluesy grit with their heartfelt self-titled effort. Sung with such fury, the songs work as meditations on a life lived most fully. Neatly referencing the blues greats while still incorporating their own style, Willy and the Planks crafts carefully laid out stories, mere snapshots of what it means to truly be one with the world. Guitar work has a rustic quality, with the right level of energy and twang to it, revealing a great flexibility. Adding to this fervent spirit the percussion has a powerful presence, working on a time-keeping mission as well as an emotional one, incorporating wonderful flourishes into the mix. Further emphasizing this the long-extended cuts further explore more hypnotic pastures.



“Keep Your Hands Off Her” introduces the album with such style, taking its time in unfurling slowly. Featuring a driving rhythm, the track has a slow-burn quality to it. Even more atmospheric “The Dark Side Of Me” goes for a late-night vibe to it at times even veering into a late 60s spirit to it. Hyperactivity pours out of the adventurous “Miss Maybelle”. Right in the very heart of the album is the true highlight the incredible fire of “You Got Me Cryin”. A delicate sly touch drives “Lonely Town Lonely Streets” forward. Nicely wrapping everything up the humor of “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean” brings the album to a close.



On their self-titled effort, Willy and the Planks sing with such assured experience, resulting in a timeless classic. - Beach Sloth

Willy and the Planks – See That My Grave Is Kept Clean (single)
OCTOBER 31, 2017 BY THE ARK OF MUSIC 0 COMMENTS

Each member of the Lebanon, Tennessee juke-joint blues trio, Willy and the Planks, has been brought up under careful tutelage; slow-aged in the southern blues traditions like a fine BBQ marinade.

“Schooled by the Masters of North Mississippi and Polished in the Tennessee Tradition…
Willy and the Planks were born in such a place…”
Consisting of Willy Gibbs (guitar), Mark Noble (vocals, bass), and Chris Gibbs (drums), the members of this outfit have had the privilege of playing with, and learning from, the likes of Little Joe Ayers, David Kimbrough Jr., Artemus Leseur, and many others.

As a trio, they’ve recently done their fans a favor by releasing their debut, self-titled, full-length album, Willy and the Planks, for which, the lead off single is, See That My Grave Is Kept Clean.

Willy’s vintage, pickless finger-style, Mark’s smokey vocals, and Chris’s sharp minimalist rhythm, create that classic juke-joint blues—from bar one. The track’s deep and historic southern-blues roots echo a defiantly respectful nod to their predecessors; the likes of Junior Kimbrough, ZZ Top, Muddy Waters, and others. Be sure to check out the rest of the album if you get a chance. It only gets better from here…

“There’s one kind favor I’ll ask of you
See that my grave is kept clean…”

Whose lovechild…?
Junior Kimbrough meets ZZ Top…

BELOW, you can listen to Willy and the Planks’ single, See That My Grave Is Kept Clean, and connect with their website and social media platforms. Please support Willy and the Planks by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music! - The Ark of Music