Chapter One – Roots (2012)
Roots is an engaging Irish music album by The Willis Clan, a family of young talented musicians, dancers, and writers from middle Tennessee, near Nashville. Roots is the group’s first recording of original contemporary folk sounds rooted in Irish music.
The members of The Willis Clan demonstrate admirable instrumental skill and the vocals are exquisite, in a line similar to the great modern Irish vocalists. In addition to Irish music, The Willis Clan also shows a modern bluegrass influence.
Band members include Jessica on lead vocals, fiddle and piano; Jeremiah on guitar, banjo, pipes, flute and whistle; Jennifer on accordion; Jeanette on whistle; Jackson on bodhran; and Jedi on bass. The album also features Toby, the father of the six musicians, on keyboards; their cousin Chris Wright, who played percussion; as well as Eamon Murray, Trevor Hutchinson, Frances Cunningham, and Jeff Cox.
Chapter One – Roots is a splendid album of contemporary Celtic music by The Willis Clan, a group of gifted young musicians and songwriters with a bright future. A great album to celebrate St. Patrick’s.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
