Willie Salomon

Willie Salomon plays Traditional Country Blues, Roots Fingerstyle Guitar, Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano.

He was born in 1954 in Straubing, Germany to a German mother and American father.   His early years were spent partly in New York City and Straubing, Germany.   At the age of 16 he chose to become a German citizen, due to his objection to the Vietnam war.  After initial classical piano training, he began to teach himself  Blues Piano in the early seventies and also the harmonica.    A few years later he picked up the guitar which became his favorite instrument. 

In 1976 and 1977 he travelled extensively in the USA.  During this time, he spent time with Blues legend Furry Lewis in Memphis and became friends with Bluesman Johnny Long in Denver, Colorado,  who was to be Willie's greatest influence.    Johnny also introduced him to some of  his heroes like Homesick James and Muddy Waters.  Willie played in Coffee Houses, Restaurants and Clubs.   

In 1981, after his return from another lengthy stay in the USA, mostly in San Francisco, he recorded his debut album Moon Goin' Down which included some of his own songs.  He performed up and down the South of Germany and on occasions in the USA until around 1985.

Then, after a break of several years Willie Salomon started to tour again and since then has enjoyed great reviews both on stage and from his recordings.    In 2001 he recorded the CD The Basement Sessions together with his friend, the English singer/guitarist Barry Denyer and in 2003 they toured in the South of England. 

His solo CD Country Blues & More was published in 2004 by Acoustic Music Records.

Willie Salomon has since appeared at well known festivals like  Internationales Gitarrenfestival Open Strings (Osnabrück, 2005), International Guitar Night Städtetour (2005), New Orleans Music Festival (Wendelstein, 2006,2007,2010), Ingolstädter Bluesfest (2006), Bluesfestival Dresden (2006, 2011), Bayerisches Jazz Weekend (Regensburg, 2006, 2007, 2008), Münchner Bluesnacht (2006, 2010), Bamberger Gitarrentage (2006, 2009), Jazz & Bluesfestival (Braunschweig, 2007).

He has a great passion for vintage Gibson and National guitars. On stage he predominantly uses a 1945 Gibson "Banner" J-45, and a 1930 National "Triolian".

He has shared the stage with Alexis Korner, Champion Jack Dupree, Louisiana Red, Little Willie Littlefield, Paul Geremia, Johnny Long, Roger Hubbard, Peter Finger, Ian Melrose, Dakota Dave Hull & many more.

Although he has repeatedly been called "the most authentic sounding Country Blues Guitarist in Germany"  his music also covers a variety of styles that range from folkmusic to oldtime jazz. 

His latest CD Let Your Light Shine was released by Acoustic Music Records on  Oct. 08, 2010

Recordings:

2010: CD Let Your Light Shine (Acoustic Music Records)

2007: CD Just In Time (Acoustic Music Records)

2004: CD Country Blues & More (Acoustic Music Records)

2001: CD The Basement Sessions (Kilger & Sax)

1998: CD Country Blues From Munich (Kilger & Sax) including 7 tracks with Willie Salomon

1981: vinyl LP Moon Goin' Down (Stasswender)

also appearing on:

2005: CD Acoustic Guitar Highlights Vol. 6 (Acoustic Music Records)

2001: CD A Folk Odyssey (ProFolk)    
                                                                                                                             

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