Roger Hurricane Wilson: The Way I Am

Constantly touring blues guitarist Roger “Hurricane” Wilson takes a side trip into Americana & folk and country with his second acoustic CD, The Way I Am. Available from Blue Storm Records, this is his seventh release overall. Although he is best known for his searing electric blues, Wilson showscases his musical roots with this introspective and emotional acoustic package. The Way I Am contains eight original songs and four from artists who have greatly influenced his music over many years. Talking about the new album, Wilson said, “Once again, the music is all I have to offer. You will find that some of the music here is somewhat different from my previous efforts, but I guess that’s OK. I’ve managed to come up with songs that have taken a more Roots and Americana direction, but are still influenced by the Blues.” New songs on the CD range from acoustic guitar-based instrumentals (“Blue Heaven”, “Sandy Hook” and “Key Sunset”) to the storytelling on “I Got Chased By A Three Legged Dog” and social commentary of “How Much Is Enough?” and “The Drive-in Picture Show”. But the songs written for The Way I Am reach an emotional peak with “My Heart Can’t Stand One More Goodbye” and Wilson’s tribute to his late father, “I Don’t Wanna Come Back”. Covering classics such as Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice”, the June Carter-written “Ring Of Fire” (a major hit for Johnny Cash), and “Doc’s Guitar” from Doc Watson, Wilson pays homage to his influences. Wilson says, “I’ve always been a Merle Haggard fan. His version (of “The Way I Am”) truly expresses the simplicity and reality of one’s humble life. I’m hoping mine does too, which is why I chose it for the title track.” The Way I Am was recorded in Tallahassee, Florida in early September 2006 at Synaxis Studios, and was produced and engineered by Michael Traylor of Swamp Monk Music Works and of Captain Beefheart's Magic Band. Traylor also played all drums and percussion on the CD, while Randy Barnhill and Bobby Kennedy played bass and pedal steel guitar, respectively. Wilson, in addition to all vocals, played acoustic & electric guitars and dobro.