If nothing else, the controversial Rolling Stone list of greatest guitarists has generated much thought. I was sitting around thinking about the different guitar sounds I value, and it suddenly occurred to me how much I love James Calvin Wilsey's (ex of the punk band the Avengers) neo-classicist work with Chris Isaak. I don't think it coincidence that Isaak's sound has deteriorated since Wilsey left the band after San Francisco Days, though I find Isaak an exceptional talent still.…
Article comments
26 - JWL
John K,
I never received it. JWL
27 - jwl
the address is jimmywilseylives@yahoo.com
28 - Chris
What's the latest on JCW? I'm interested to know what he's up to these days. I just wanted to let him know how many people miss his wonderful guitar playing. Is he playing live anywhere? How about any new CD news? We miss ya James! Thanks!
Chris
29 - Joe Demar
Going to see Chris Isaak in Atlantic City 8/16/05. It will not be the same without JCW on the rightside of the stage... Checkout my cover band at www.thepartyvultures.com doing
"Wicked Games" That is me trying my best on guitar. Sorry JCW and everyone else, that is why I still have to drive a truck for a living...
I am glad I found this site.
30 - fiveguy
I saw Chris Isaak at the Stone in SanFran in 1987, with JCW on guitar. The latest album at that time was "Chris Isaak" and the band played most of the songs from it. Wilsey had a MIDI pickup on a customized Strat, and produced some incredible Hammond B3-style organ swells -- although on which songs I can't remember. Standouts I can recall were "Lie To Me" and the Yardbird's "Heart Full of Soul". Even though this was pre-"Wicked Game", JCW was already my hero. That tone, so clean and twangy-surfy, in an age of high compression butt rock lead guitar solos, was a link to the past of American guitar. I've been a Chris Isaak fan since high school, but I still think his music misses the tone and melodic counterpoint of Wilsey's guitar. Come back, James Calvin Wilsey!
31 - Karin
I totally agree with this review about Wicked Game and the album production/sound. However, I don't agree with the whole "we can't make music without you" attitude. J.W. wasn't the only musician on that song or album. Sure, I melt everytime I hear Wicked Game but not just the ALBUM version. I think H.Y. does a great job and like Chris Isaak says, Hershel is a nice guy.
I don't understand why you people are wanting someone to do something they obviously DO NOT WANT TO DO anymore. J.Wilsey doesn't need help in coming out again.
32 - Dave
Anyone still got those MP3's? Please let me know. Thanks. ~Dave
33 - NDR
I have a very rare CD recording of The Mysteries performing at Al's Bar. If anyone is interested call [Deleted. It's not a good idea to include personal contact info here. That's why we don't allow it. Comments Editor].
Beck's Bolero and Wicked Game are included. The other tracks are surf style. I can not identify the songs. The sound quality is very good. Eight tracks in all.
Thanks
34 - Vinnie
Where is James Calvin Wilsey????? HIs name is as cool as his playing. Where are you?!?!?!
35 - Dave
Hey NDR, I'd like to get some more information about The Mysteries at Al's Bar. Click on the "URL" below my name to the left of this message.
Thanks,
Dave
36 - Eric Olsen
I see the interst continues
37 - rob b/jerry t
NDR. Very interested in Wilsey's Live CD. email me thru friends trade page URL . Twangsters Unite!!
38 - anon
JW has put some Mysteries Demos on MySpace ...!!
39 - joedemar
Yes you find him on myspace. He just change it over to just Jimmy Wilsey. Go there to find him.
40 - Karin
I think he quit because he was losing his hair.
Think about it...
You're in a band with a bunch of guys with GREAT HAIR and you're going bald!
The pressures of stardom are just too much for him.
I'm glad he's doing well.
41 - Dave
Jimmy is threatening to release a solo CD, very tentatively scheduled for this June 2007. Can't wait!
42 - joseé Antonio Roig / Cartagena. España
Desde que James Calvin Wilsey desapareció de la banda de Chris Isaak nada suena igual que antes. Se ha perdido esa carnalidad y elocuencia en las guitarras, ese "new-surf sound" que evocaba al genial Hank Marvin de The Shadows.
Estimado Chris, res pero no eres el mismo, ahora me gustas menos.
43 - David Arnson
You can find Jimmy Wilsey here. My instro band 'Insect Surfers' played w/'The Mysteries' on numerous occasions years ago, and then he dropped out of sight until 2 years ago. He then did a series of gigs with his band (just called 'Jimmy Wilsey'), playing songs from his cd' El Dorado', along w/'Wicked Thang' and some great covers. This band was definitely superior tone-wise, although the lineup would shift with almost every gig. BUT looks like Mr. James Calvin Wilsey has again discontinued playing live for a while again, his last gig was in 2008.