Willos’ – From Now On (self-released, 2022)
In their latest striking release “From Now On” (2022), Willos’ presents an eleven-track album highlighting their captivating signature mix of traditional and original Irish music. Most of the material on the album consists of traditional tunes skillfully rearranged by this Irish-Italian band, although “From Now On” also features an original composition titled “Road to Rome.” Notably, this marks the band’s debut work with the talented multi-instrumentalist Massimo Giuntini.
Founded in Siena (Italy) back in January 2001 with a focus on Irish and Scottish folk music, the band originally went by the name “Will o’ the Wisp.” This was a nod to Irish folklore’s mystical lights that guided mortals to fairy dance parties. Since then, Willos’ has performed nearly 600 shows across Ireland, Italy, France, and Switzerland, refining their own unique style and sound.
Today, the outstanding six-piece ensemble has evolved beyond merely reproducing traditional music. They now confidently perform, compose, and produce their own original pieces, incorporating a fresh combination of Celtic folk and trad elements. However, the band’s approach remains unchanged, prioritizing creating an atmosphere that encourages audience participation and dancing with their infectious rhythms and memorable melodies, adaptable to any venue.
Willos’ includes Stephanie Martin on fiddle (Belfast, Ireland); Fiona King on vocals and keyboards (Toronto, Canada); Lorenzo Del Grande on flutes (Italy); Luca Mercurio on guitar and bouzouki (Italy); Giulio Putti on percussion (Italy), and the aforementioned Massimo Giuntini on uilleann pipes, Irish bouzouki, and flutes (Italy).
Discography: Cionn Caslach (2003), Working Men (2005), Dirt Tracks (2010) and From Now On (2022).
Buy the album from www.willos.it/shop
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.