WEBB WILDER & THE BEATNECKS > Born To Be Wilder

Webb Wilder’s new CD and first release for Blind Pig-a company usually pegged as a blues outfit, but steadily stretching its wings-highlights the musical attributes that make him appealing and unique. A live disc recorded at Workplay in Birmingham, Ala., the set showcases the mix of irreverence and authority that underlines his writing.

Label: Blind Pig
[Rating: 3 STARS]

Webb Wilder’s new CD and first release for Blind Pig-a company usually pegged as a blues outfit, but steadily stretching its wings-highlights the musical attributes that make him appealing and unique. A live disc recorded at Workplay in Birmingham, Ala., the set showcases the mix of irreverence and authority that underlines his writing. Wilder’s guitar work is also consistent, engaging and powerful. The selections range from pithy novelty pieces like “Miss Missy From Ol’ Hong Kong” and “Louisiana Hannah” to suggestive, catchy numbers such as “One Taste of the Bait” and “How Long Can She Last.” But Wilder and his band also excel at more straightforward numbers, among them “Tough It Out,” “You Might Be Lonely For A Reason,” “Big Time” and “Human Cannonball.” While occasionally venturing in and out of rockabilly, country, blues and r&b, Wilder & The Beatnecks are primarily a crack rock and roll unit, whose music is raw, yet inventive, sophisticated, but never pedantic. Born To Be Wilder marks a fine debut for a label clearly expanding its musical frontiers.