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Koko"s Hideaway
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Van Wilks Album Review:
A real bluesman at 2002-03-12
Van Wilks can play the blues. Electric blues with a tone all his own, even National Steel Dobro with his favourite glass bottle slide. There arent many guitarists these days that you can recognise after hearing just a couple of notes, but Van is one of them.Kokos Hideaway starts heavy and quickly opens up to show off Vans fine songwriting. His vocals are always a joy, and the guitar playing is truly awesome at times - Mama Talk is a personal favourite.Fellow Texan guitarist Eric Johnson joins Van for a guest spot on Vanatized - an upbeat intrumental that puts Van alongside the greats where he belongs.Vans guitar playing should be heard by anyone into any style of blues, he has a genuine passion, and unique tone, that can be heard all over Kokos Hideaway. You will not be disappointed.
Van Wilks Album Review:
An overlooked Texas Original at 2000-08-16
I first saw Van in the late 70s at Fat Dawgs, a local bar that always seemed to bring in the best, and sometimes unknown artists. He proceeded to play guitar in a manner and style that had not been seen or heard by anyone in our area before (I think he and Eddie Van Halen were on the same page with regard to new and innovative styles at the same time). He was eventually picked up by Bill Hamm (ZZ Top), and released 2 albums that were very good, but didnt have any support. He played around Texas for several years thereafter, but never gained much success.I was pleasantly surprised when I came across his personal website (VanWilks.com) with his latest offerings. Take a listen, I think most will like the stuff if theyre into Billy Gibbons meets Eric Johnson. His vocals and songwriting are worth mention too.
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