The Will McBride Group creates music with rich complex chording, funk and Latin rhythmic overtones found primarily in jazz, but with infectious lyrical hooks. Jazz influenced rock & pop. Imagine a funkier Steely Dan, a jazzier John Mayer, a more-vocal Santana, or an edgier Stevie Wonder…you get the picture. The Will McBride Group delivers energy and musicianship, with compelling original music and a great song selection, whether it be in a small pub/restaurant or sharing the concert stage with international superstars.
Will’s background:
Originally from Atlanta GA, Will studied guitar under master blues guitarist Roger “Hurricane” Wilson for several years, then worked in several cover bands before joining a short tour with St. Claire Pinckney (James Brown’s baritone saxman) which began his fascination with jazz. It was only a year later (1990) that he moved to Wilmington NC and started his own contemporary jazz group ‘The Quick’, which featured some of Will’s early compositions and was in high demand for the two years he was in Wilmington. After relocating to Raleigh NC, Will continued writing and finally in 2004, the Will McBride Group was born!
With almost 700 shows under their belt since 2004 and four studio albums (> 125,000 streams to date), original music from the Will McBride Group has earned notable opening show bookings throughout North Carolina, such as:
- ZZ Top (DPAC, Durham),
- Styx (Booth Amphitheater, Cary),
- Eddie Money (Ham’s Downtown, Greensboro),
- Leon Russell (Cone Denim Entertainment Center, Greensboro),
- Aaron Neville (Carolina Theatre, Greensboro),
- Delbert McClinton (Rhythms Live, Durham),
- Steve Miller Band (Red Hat Amphitheatre, Raleigh),
- The Clarks (Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh),
- Sixpence None the Richer (Neighborhood Theater, Charlotte)
- Toad the Wet Sprocket (Ham’s Downtown, Greensboro),
Will McBride
guitarist, lead vocalist, songwriter/composer. Official Switchback Guitarworks artist
Michael Pelz Sherman
Keys, backing vocals
Jeff Abate
drums, percussion
Opening for The Will McBride Group will be Jason Damico
High octane, blues rock, recording artist/actor, multi-instrumentalist, producer, Jason Damico is an emerging and driving force in the entertainment industry. Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina this “rocking young turk” has already racked up many awards: Carolina Music Awards Rock Male Artist of the Year and Youth Artist of the Year; Triangle Blues Society Solo Blues Challenge Winner competing in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis; Best Overall Musician Award; Youngest Member (15) of the Duke University Jazz Ensemble; Song of the Year Semi-Finalist Winner; winner of multiple music video awards, and more.