Wes Tucker and The Skillets

Over the last few years, a new style of music has been creating a splash nationally. This currently-unnamed genre is identified by its acoustic guitar-driven mix of folk, rock, blues and roots music and by the artists creating it. Jack Johnson, Mason Jennings, Ben Harper, Donovan Frankenreiter and G. Love and Special Sauce are some of the people at the forefront of this style and with the recent spike in popularity for tours and albums form these artists, it is clear that the American public likes what it hears.

Wes Tucker is a local artist playing the same type of music and he is very impressive on his new album 'Tradition.' The 13 tracks on the album feature Tucker's outstanding songwriting ability, along with his guitar skill and voice. Tucker is backed on the album by Bryan Washam on lead guitar and vocals and Dave Rutkowski on keyboards and drums.

The overall feel of the album is laid-back and mellow - music for a lazy summer day. Songs like "Out of my Hands" and "Remain" seem directly influenced by Jack Johnson's relaxed acoustic surf rock, while others like "It Wont Be Long," the title track and "Tides" incorporate the more rock-influenced sounds of artists like Ben Harper and Mason Jennings. But even though Tucker wears his influences on his sleeve, 'Tradition' is not a cheap imitation of the other artist, but rather it is a vibrant work of an original artist.

Wes Tucker is definitely creating some music that is not prevalent in the area and that's what makes 'Tradition' both unique and enjoyable.

Greg Yost - MUSIC MONTHLY - MUSIC MONTHLY MAGAZINE

Wes Tucker – Tradition – This CD won me over from note #1. The jazzy intro immediately propelled my interest and from there it was a downright beautiful experience. I found so many things to like about the project; it’s safe to say…it won’t leave my hand reaching/player area for while. The music alone would keep an ear cocked even without the resonant and deeply captivating tone of Wes’s vocals to plop the cherry on top. The overall instrumentation is an easy to hear groove remindful of some 70’s licks, though the cut “Redeemed” almost seemed as if it were a male driven sequel to Jewell’s “Who Will Save Your Soul”…weird….but, maybe it was me. The occasional switch up in mood on this baker’s dozen of tunes can easily be a token for a relaxing day on the grass somewhere before a night of dancing and sand fiddler catching with your toes on a beach. Can you pick up what I’m putting down? It’s tradition!

Review by: Annette Warner

- Coffee House Tour.com

Wes Tucker – Tradition – This CD won me over from note #1. The jazzy intro immediately propelled my interest and from there it was a downright beautiful experience. I found so many things to like about the project; it’s safe to say…it won’t leave my hand reaching/player area for while. The music alone would keep an ear cocked even without the resonant and deeply captivating tone of Wes’s vocals to plop the cherry on top. The overall instrumentation is an easy to hear groove remindful of some 70’s licks, though the cut “Redeemed” almost seemed as if it were a male driven sequel to Jewell’s “Who Will Save Your Soul”…weird….but, maybe it was me. The occasional switch up in mood on this baker’s dozen of tunes can easily be a token for a relaxing day on the grass somewhere before a night of dancing and sand fiddler catching with your toes on a beach. Can you pick up what I’m putting down? It’s tradition!

Review by: Annette Warner

- Coffee House Tour.com

The first time I heard this album, I was immediately struck by an overwhelming sense of calm and familiarity. This is the power of Wes Tucker’s recent album, Tradition. Tucker is a clever musician specializing in the realm of Southern rock with a twist of gospel and a hint of the blues. Wes Tucker’s easy vocals and his comfortable acoustic melodies are thickly reminiscent of the likes of Ben Harper and even Dylan.

Tucker’s song writing style is thoughtful and careful, bringing up themes of society and spiritualism. The openly intellectual lyrics are intertwined with melodies that draw upon moments of rock, gospel, and 70s funk. Considering the wide variety in the songwriting, it’s the addition of Tucker’s crooning voice that draws the album together. There are moments that will grab your attention and have your toes tapping, while at other times, the album will leave you relaxed and reflective.

The combination of song styles jump around a lot throughout the album. Tracks like “Spoken Word” and “Lead Me On” are marked with quick drumlines and clipped guitar melodies that will hold your attention. These are intermixed with romantic ballads like “Remain” and “Come Home to Me.” These touching songs rely heavily on sweet acoustic riffs and thoughtful lyrics.

From funk inspired foot-stompers to soulful ballads, Tucker’s songwriting style remains strong. He is certainly a talented musician and one that will appeal to the masses. It’s obvious that Tucker is a musician that we will be hearing more from over the years. Anyone who has a deep seeded love for the likes of Harper should check out Tradition. So, pull a chair out to your porch on a summer sunset, grab a cold porter, and relax to the music of Wes Tucker after a long day.

-Chelsea Cochran
5/9/05 - LEFT OFF THE DIAL

The first time I heard this album, I was immediately struck by an overwhelming sense of calm and familiarity. This is the power of Wes Tucker’s recent album, Tradition. Tucker is a clever musician specializing in the realm of Southern rock with a twist of gospel and a hint of the blues. Wes Tucker’s easy vocals and his comfortable acoustic melodies are thickly reminiscent of the likes of Ben Harper and even Dylan.

Tucker’s song writing style is thoughtful and careful, bringing up themes of society and spiritualism. The openly intellectual lyrics are intertwined with melodies that draw upon moments of rock, gospel, and 70s funk. Considering the wide variety in the songwriting, it’s the addition of Tucker’s crooning voice that draws the album together. There are moments that will grab your attention and have your toes tapping, while at other times, the album will leave you relaxed and reflective.

The combination of song styles jump around a lot throughout the album. Tracks like “Spoken Word” and “Lead Me On” are marked with quick drumlines and clipped guitar melodies that will hold your attention. These are intermixed with romantic ballads like “Remain” and “Come Home to Me.” These touching songs rely heavily on sweet acoustic riffs and thoughtful lyrics.

From funk inspired foot-stompers to soulful ballads, Tucker’s songwriting style remains strong. He is certainly a talented musician and one that will appeal to the masses. It’s obvious that Tucker is a musician that we will be hearing more from over the years. Anyone who has a deep seeded love for the likes of Harper should check out Tradition. So, pull a chair out to your porch on a summer sunset, grab a cold porter, and relax to the music of Wes Tucker after a long day.

-Chelsea Cochran
5/9/05 - LEFT OFF THE DIAL

Talking from his home in Alexandria, Wes Tucker describes the growth of his band, the Skillets, as "progressive." The group consists of Tucker, who handles vocals, guitar, bass and harmonica; Dave Rutkowski on drums and keyboards; Bryan Washam on lead guitar, bass and backup vocals; and Arch Alcantara on bass and guitar.

Tucker says he moved to the Washington area about 5 1/2 years ago from Charlotte, where he and Washam had played together. Rutkowski came aboard while the act was recording its first album, "Tradition" (2004), and Alcantara joined as 2006's "Beauty in the Broken" was taking shape. (Alcantara plays with a number of area bands, including Jelly Roll Mortals, and often sits in with Last Train Home.) "This third album," Tucker says, "is us together from the start."

"The Scorpion and the Dove" was released last week and is available through Cdbaby.com, iTunes and at the band's Web site (http://www.westucker.com). The album, produced by Alcantara, was literally a home-based creation. "The drums were recorded in my basement," Tucker says. "But everything else was recorded in Arch's guest bedroom. He's got a home studio set up there."

"He's a good guy to have in the band," Tucker says. "Besides being a Wammie-nominated multi-instrumentalist, he's also a producer and our sound guy. He's a big help."
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The CD stands up, in its material and production, to anything coming from a larger, professional studio. "The Scorpion and the Dove" emphasizes the band's chops and range and Tucker's thoughtful songcraft: ruminative alternative country rock moving from funky foot-stompers to emotional ballads, exploring themes of hope and redemption.

"I listen to a lot of acoustic songwriters -- Ben Harper was huge for me, Jack Johnson, Mason Jennings -- people who pay attention to lyrics but also to grooves and diversity," Tucker says of his style. His influences also come to play in the few covers that the band might work into a set, including Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready," the Allman Brothers' "One Way Out" or Harper's "Picture of Jesus."

The band thrives in a live setting. Tucker estimates the group has played more than 300 shows since 2005, hitting many area festivals (Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Richmond, Artscape in Baltimore, the Dewey Beach Music Festival and the National Cherry Blossom Festival and Six Points Music Festival in the District) and virtually every local venue. "Iota is probably our favorite. They've been very good to us over the years." It was at the Arlington County club that the band launched its new album with a CD release party Friday.

The No. 9 Lounge holds many good memories, as the Skillets have played there on a regular basis for the past few years. "Some of our really great shows have been there," Tucker says, adding: "You never know who's gonna show up. Depending on the crowd, we have a pretty great time, and the crowds are pretty consistently good there."

Tonight's show will offer a different vibe from last week's raucous Iota celebration, says Tucker. "We strip down, play acoustic, a little less drums. We still rock out a little bit, but it's a more intimate setting, a pretty small room."

With the new CD complete, Tucker foresees a busy summer. The Skillets are going to hit some festivals and swing down to North Carolina in June. This month, Tucker will appear solo at Ebenezers Coffeehouse in the District with other area songwriters.

"We're going to be in the round, so we're going to be trading songs and stories and stuff," he says.

An acoustic duo show is set for May in Dogfish Head Alehouse in Falls Church. "We've got a lot of shows booked right now," Tucker says, "more than we've had in some time, since we were trying to finish this album."

-- MARIANNE MEYER - WASHINGTON POST

Patent examiner by day, soul-searching troubadour by night, Wes Tucker embraces two different personas on a daily basis. But while they may seem like completely divergent paths in life, each requires highly developed abilities in observation and analysis, which Tucker ably demonstrates on his band's debut release, "Tradition."

Tucker, 25, whose honey-coated drawl betrays his Raleigh, N.C., roots, settled in Arlington just under two years ago after accepting a job offer from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. However, he formed his first band after performing at open-mike nights during his senior year at North Carolina State University. They broke up when he moved north, but Tucker wasted little time in getting into the studio to record "Tradition" -- even as his new band, the Skillets, was still incomplete.

"The album was recorded over the space of four to five months, and our drummer came onboard somewhere in the middle," Tucker said.

That gives the self-released "Tradition" two distinct tones; it successfully mixes singer-songwriter minimalism with the intensity of a fuller outfit. Both suit Tucker fine.

"I like the sound of acoustic stuff, but I like to rock out too," he said.

The stripped-down songs on "Tradition" achieve the acoustic intimacy of Jack Johnson, while the bigger tracks recall Ben Harper, who Tucker lists as a major influence along with Ani Difranco. Guitarist-bassist Bryan Washam, a high school friend of Tucker's, and drummer-keyboardist Dave Rutkowski round out the Skillets. Lianna guitarist Arch Alcantara has joined the band on recent live dates.

Wes Tucker and the Skillets are slated to open for Lianna at that band's album-release party March 13 at IOTA. The band will reconvene for the Emergenza Festival, a battle of the bands March 5 at Velvet Lounge. Tucker and Washam also recently reached the semifinals of the South by Southwest singer-songwriter contest sponsored by Austin Grill in Silver Spring.

Lyrically, "Tradition" combines a world-weary sensibility with unwavering optimism, be it about love or other interpersonal connections. The blend often occurs in the space of one song, such as the stark "Come Home to Me," which documents a failed relationship that Tucker is unwilling to abandon because of the positive qualities he still sees.

While one song is simply called "Redeemed," the themes of redemption and faith are woven throughout "Tradition." Like Harper, whose recent collaboration with the Blind Boys of Alabama revealed his spiritual side, Tucker draws influence from the southern gospel churches that in part defined his childhood.

"Growing up, I guess that's where I got my start," Tucker recalled. "That's my roots from the get-go, and I went to churches where they jammed out, instead of just playing dirges or whatever."

Faith is what keeps Tucker pushing ahead, despite the difficulty in becoming a known entity. Asked if there was ever a moment when he thought he had a real shot at leaving the patent world behind and making a career in music, his response is characteristically upbeat.

"You have those moments often," Tucker replied, laughing. "You have to, to keep going."

Though Wes Tucker and the Skillets may still be a local phenomenon, they are building grass-roots support on a larger platform. "Tradition" is available online at CDBABY.com and Awarestore.com, and orders on the former site have come from as far away as Switzerland and Germany, Tucker said.

"There's a market for good music if you can get it out there," he said.

With his first release, Tucker is doing just that.

By Pete Glowatsky
Special to Washingtonpost.com/MP3
Friday, February 18, 2005 - WASHINGTON POST - February '05

Last night, I saw Wes Tucker and the Skillets at IOTA Club and Cafe in Arlington, VA. The show was one of the best I've been to all year.

Wes' music is a bit of a departure for me, as it is much more mellow and bluegrass-y than I usually gravitate toward, but the music was a revelation, and I anticipate having his CD playing on repeat in my car for quite some time. When Wes plays, it is clear that he feels the truth of his music through and through, as if the world only makes sense to him when he's holding his guitar and belting out lyrics like "You learn to leave a little space for the knife in your heart / You swear that when we get face to face you'll pull it out." As the show went on, I found the world making a little more sense to me as well.

The show was the CD release party for his new album, "The Scorpion and the Dove." After having listened to it in its entirety twice between last night and now, I give the album a resounding yes, with hopes that this will not be the last for Wes and his skillets.

I was able to get two signed copies of the new album from Wes as an exclusive giveaway for Guilt Free Pleasures readers. How to win? Send an email to us at guiltfreepleasure@gmail.com with 'I love Wes Tucker!' in the subject line. The giveaway will close on Sunday, April 26th, and we'll send CDs to two lucky readers on Monday.

In the meantime, happy listening!

http://guiltfreepleasure.blogspot.com/2009/04/wes-tucker-iota-plus-giveaway.html - GUILT FREE PLEASURES

While you can't judge a book by it's cover, you really can't judge it by the first page either. My first impression of the Tradition CD from Wes Tucker was that this was going to be another mediocre indie release. Wow! Was I wrong! And it didn't take the length of the first song, What I Have, to convince me. I was quickly taken by the brilliant and polished songwriting. I hit the second track, Spoken Word, and knew this was going to be one of those CDs I keep going back to. I'm a recent Jack Johnson fan and have been putting in a ton of Jack listening time. Wes' music is somewhat similar. While it misses that island overtone, it has that same smoothness and lyric insight. It Won't Be Long takes us into Redeemed, my favorite cut on the CD. The title cut, Tradition, opens up with some great acoustic guitar work and I'm thinking about Kelly Joe Phelps. Remain is another fave that carries us to Left Behind. Lead Me On rocks up a bit.. but not too much. Out Of My Hands gets just a bit of a Latin feel and smoothes out. Come Home To Me has some obvious country roots but doesn't sound overtly country when held up against the rest of the CD. The instrumental Leota carries us into Tides, with it's harmonica that screams Dylan. The final cut is Good Night. A bit mellow for my taste but it's a closer so it still works well.
This is really a stellar CD. Well written. Well performed. Well recorded. It tends to be on the mellow side but it's all smooth and warm and makes you feel fuzzy. Definitely a keeper!

genre: Adult Contemporary / Folk Rock
sounds like: Kelly Joe Phelps, Jack Johnson, Bob Dylan
reviewed by: Chris Lonsberry


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Wes Tucker's ' Tradition ' is certainly one of the greatest Americana albums ever recorded with nothing but meat on the bone and food for the ear that feeds the soul

Eddie Russell - Texas Outlaw Radio

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"Between Jackopierce and Jack Johnson. Nice harmonies, smooth guitar, excellent songs. Just plain smooth."

HYBRID MAGAZINE.com - Chris Lonsberry - indiemusicsite.com

While you can't judge a book by it's cover, you really can't judge it by the first page either. My first impression of the Tradition CD from Wes Tucker was that this was going to be another mediocre indie release. Wow! Was I wrong! And it didn't take the length of the first song, What I Have, to convince me. I was quickly taken by the brilliant and polished songwriting. I hit the second track, Spoken Word, and knew this was going to be one of those CDs I keep going back to. I'm a recent Jack Johnson fan and have been putting in a ton of Jack listening time. Wes' music is somewhat similar. While it misses that island overtone, it has that same smoothness and lyric insight. It Won't Be Long takes us into Redeemed, my favorite cut on the CD. The title cut, Tradition, opens up with some great acoustic guitar work and I'm thinking about Kelly Joe Phelps. Remain is another fave that carries us to Left Behind. Lead Me On rocks up a bit.. but not too much. Out Of My Hands gets just a bit of a Latin feel and smoothes out. Come Home To Me has some obvious country roots but doesn't sound overtly country when held up against the rest of the CD. The instrumental Leota carries us into Tides, with it's harmonica that screams Dylan. The final cut is Good Night. A bit mellow for my taste but it's a closer so it still works well.
This is really a stellar CD. Well written. Well performed. Well recorded. It tends to be on the mellow side but it's all smooth and warm and makes you feel fuzzy. Definitely a keeper!

genre: Adult Contemporary / Folk Rock
sounds like: Kelly Joe Phelps, Jack Johnson, Bob Dylan
reviewed by: Chris Lonsberry


****************************

Wes Tucker's ' Tradition ' is certainly one of the greatest Americana albums ever recorded with nothing but meat on the bone and food for the ear that feeds the soul

Eddie Russell - Texas Outlaw Radio

****************************

"Between Jackopierce and Jack Johnson. Nice harmonies, smooth guitar, excellent songs. Just plain smooth."

HYBRID MAGAZINE.com - Chris Lonsberry - indiemusicsite.com

Wes Tucker and the Skillets sound like a country band in name only. On Thursday night at Iota, the Arlington quartet showcased solid songwriting and tight instrumentation in musical styles ranging from funk to groove-based R&B to soulful jam-based ballads.

Tucker, who played acoustic guitar as he sang, was a strong stage presence, firmly in command of the material, most of which came from the band's new album, "Beauty in the Broken." His muscular vocals easily fit the ever-changing tempos of the tunes while maintaining the heartfelt intent of the image-laden lyrics.

The show shifted gears when lead guitarist Bryan Washam, whose funk riffs and solos entirely suited the material, and bassist Arch Alcantara, who provided a solid bottom with drummer Dave Rutkowski, traded instruments. Alcantara's bottleneck-slide style of playing was fiery and rock-based, raising the energy of the room even higher.

As skillful as the Skillets' playing was, 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
- WASHINGTON POST

Wes Tucker and the Skillets sound like a country band in name only. On Thursday night at Iota, the Arlington quartet showcased solid songwriting and tight instrumentation in musical styles ranging from funk to groove-based R&B to soulful jam-based ballads.

Tucker, who played acoustic guitar as he sang, was a strong stage presence, firmly in command of the material, most of which came from the band's new album, "Beauty in the Broken." His muscular vocals easily fit the ever-changing tempos of the tunes while maintaining the heartfelt intent of the image-laden lyrics.

The show shifted gears when lead guitarist Bryan Washam, whose funk riffs and solos entirely suited the material, and bassist Arch Alcantara, who provided a solid bottom with drummer Dave Rutkowski, traded instruments. Alcantara's bottleneck-slide style of playing was fiery and rock-based, raising the energy of the room even higher.

As skillful as the Skillets' playing was, 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
- WASHINGTON POST

Needing nothing more than an acoustic guitar, singer-songwriter Wes Tucker has quickly built a following in the D.C. area with his soulful voice and finely crafted songs. Tradition, Tucker's 2004 solo release, places the singer in the quiet environs of the studio, primarily featuring his acoustic compositions. Critically well received, three of Tradition's tracks received finalist recognition at the 2004 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Competition. Resisting any temptation to rest on the laurels of his honored album, Tucker wasted no time in forming the Skillets with guitarist Bryan Washam and drummer Dave Rutkowski, who assisted Tucker on Tradition, and guitarist Arch Alcantara as a vehicle for his more upbeat songs.

More than just an ample backing band, The Skillets add a bluesy touch to Beauty In The Broken, giving deeper breadth to Tucker's musical range. The album covers a lot of ground, spanning different genres of music, but never strays far from its base, rootsy, countryish guitar-based rock and roll. The upbeat tracks on Beauty In The Broken provide the most enjoyable moments. The raucous guitars in the quasi-biblical "Casting Stones" and the swamp-tinged "Wasted Words" show the Skillets to be a capable band. "Road To Zion" contains some nifty Dave Matthews-like guitar and careful listeners will hear an occasional riff from the Jerry Garcia school of guitar amidst the mix. It's also why the garden-party background jazz guitar on "Into The Light" and "Around My Way," while catchy, fails to completely satisfy. Given what Tucker & The Skillets are clearly capable of doing, expecting more isn't unwarranted.

Musically, Tucker's slower pieces are not the strongest part of the album. However, they contain his more exceptional lyrics. Especially on "Costa Mesa" and "Bound To Rise," Tucker excels in expressing the feelings associated with finding what your heart truly desires and the burdens such knowledge can bring. Although the ballads slow down the album's pacing, they provide a nice showcase for Tucker's warm, voice with the closing ballads, "Intertwined" and "Nothing Less" comparing favorably to those of Ben Harper.

Listeners looking for something groundbreaking or revelatory might be disappointed with Beauty In The Broken. However, discerning listeners with appreciative ears will admire and relish the nuances of Tucker's thoughtful songwriting and the Skillets' skillful musicianship. Encouragingly, Tucker shows great growth on Beauty In The Broken, showing positive signs that he and the Skillets have a bright future ahead.

- David Shultz - EARVOLUTION

Needing nothing more than an acoustic guitar, singer-songwriter Wes Tucker has quickly built a following in the D.C. area with his soulful voice and finely crafted songs. Tradition, Tucker's 2004 solo release, places the singer in the quiet environs of the studio, primarily featuring his acoustic compositions. Critically well received, three of Tradition's tracks received finalist recognition at the 2004 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Competition. Resisting any temptation to rest on the laurels of his honored album, Tucker wasted no time in forming the Skillets with guitarist Bryan Washam and drummer Dave Rutkowski, who assisted Tucker on Tradition, and guitarist Arch Alcantara as a vehicle for his more upbeat songs.

More than just an ample backing band, The Skillets add a bluesy touch to Beauty In The Broken, giving deeper breadth to Tucker's musical range. The album covers a lot of ground, spanning different genres of music, but never strays far from its base, rootsy, countryish guitar-based rock and roll. The upbeat tracks on Beauty In The Broken provide the most enjoyable moments. The raucous guitars in the quasi-biblical "Casting Stones" and the swamp-tinged "Wasted Words" show the Skillets to be a capable band. "Road To Zion" contains some nifty Dave Matthews-like guitar and careful listeners will hear an occasional riff from the Jerry Garcia school of guitar amidst the mix. It's also why the garden-party background jazz guitar on "Into The Light" and "Around My Way," while catchy, fails to completely satisfy. Given what Tucker & The Skillets are clearly capable of doing, expecting more isn't unwarranted.

Musically, Tucker's slower pieces are not the strongest part of the album. However, they contain his more exceptional lyrics. Especially on "Costa Mesa" and "Bound To Rise," Tucker excels in expressing the feelings associated with finding what your heart truly desires and the burdens such knowledge can bring. Although the ballads slow down the album's pacing, they provide a nice showcase for Tucker's warm, voice with the closing ballads, "Intertwined" and "Nothing Less" comparing favorably to those of Ben Harper.

Listeners looking for something groundbreaking or revelatory might be disappointed with Beauty In The Broken. However, discerning listeners with appreciative ears will admire and relish the nuances of Tucker's thoughtful songwriting and the Skillets' skillful musicianship. Encouragingly, Tucker shows great growth on Beauty In The Broken, showing positive signs that he and the Skillets have a bright future ahead.

- David Shultz - EARVOLUTION

Wes Tucker, a musician from the Washington, D.C. area, had one of the strongest releases of 2004 with his debut album Tradition. Now he’s back with an impressive new album in-hand.

Beauty in the Broken is Tucker’s second independently-released album and the first to feature an accompaniment by a full backing band. The members of his new group, The Skillets, are impressive throughout the album and add a whole new dimension to Tucker’s songs.

While Tucker’s previous album was filled with a lot of acoustic singer/songwriter tracks, the new effort shows that he has a greater range and ability than has been revealed in the past. His soulful and passionate vocals have a rough edge that proves to be the perfect vehicle for the electric blues rock songs that are scattered throughout the 11 tracks on Beauty in the Broken.



Tucker and company sound comfortable and confident on bluesy rock numbers like “Casting Stones” and “Blind Mind,” which provide a nice contrast to the light and breezy feel of songs like “Costa Mesa” and “Around My Way.” Another standout track on this album is “Road to Zion,” a songs that could have come directly from Ben Harper’s catalog.

Wes Tucker definitely continues to impress on Beauty in the Broken. By combining the solid songwriting skills he displayed on his debut album with the support of his new group of supporting musicians, Tucker has succeeded in making a good thing even better.

-Greg Yost
- MUSIC MONTHLY MAGAZINE

Wes Tucker, a musician from the Washington, D.C. area, had one of the strongest releases of 2004 with his debut album Tradition. Now he’s back with an impressive new album in-hand.

Beauty in the Broken is Tucker’s second independently-released album and the first to feature an accompaniment by a full backing band. The members of his new group, The Skillets, are impressive throughout the album and add a whole new dimension to Tucker’s songs.

While Tucker’s previous album was filled with a lot of acoustic singer/songwriter tracks, the new effort shows that he has a greater range and ability than has been revealed in the past. His soulful and passionate vocals have a rough edge that proves to be the perfect vehicle for the electric blues rock songs that are scattered throughout the 11 tracks on Beauty in the Broken.



Tucker and company sound comfortable and confident on bluesy rock numbers like “Casting Stones” and “Blind Mind,” which provide a nice contrast to the light and breezy feel of songs like “Costa Mesa” and “Around My Way.” Another standout track on this album is “Road to Zion,” a songs that could have come directly from Ben Harper’s catalog.

Wes Tucker definitely continues to impress on Beauty in the Broken. By combining the solid songwriting skills he displayed on his debut album with the support of his new group of supporting musicians, Tucker has succeeded in making a good thing even better.

-Greg Yost
- MUSIC MONTHLY MAGAZINE