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New Groove

By Ballard Lesemann
Charleston City Paper | October 3, 2006
For years, Charleston-based singer and electric/acoustic blues-rock guitarist Graham Whorley has worked from with a various groups of musicians who understand his soulful vibe and complex rock stylings. On the side, he’s established himself as a versatile solo live performer, too (his “loop shows” are a hoot).

With his latest backing ensemble, he feels even more invigorated and inspired than ever about writing, performing, and experimenting with music. Keyboardist Daniel Walker and drummer Brian Ledbetter (bandmate The Workshop) officially signed on last year and initially played out under the band name “Graham Whorley & Iridescent Sol. By the end of ’05, they had eventually settled in as the “Graham Whorley Band.” With temporary bassist Rusty Cole playing and doing audio engineering work elsewhere, the latest version of the band now features Will Ames bass.

“We always want to stay as rootsy as possible while trying to be cutting edge,” says Whorley. “We’re incorporating new things, like theremins and heavy percussion instruments, into the mix. We’re a lot more funky with Will on bass. He’s got that feel about him. He’s very well-versed and has that solidness that we needed. At 31, I’m the oldest guy in the band now [laughs]. These guys are like whippersnappers, man. All these guys are hungry and curious. They’re well-versed in music and all of them are ready to do something, you know? They’re not sitting on their asses.”

The Graham Whorley Band completed a five-show residency at the Pour House this summer with a rotation of opening acts. They are currently in the process of assembling songs and recording tracks with Jay Miley at his Charleston Recording Company studio on James Island.

“These Pour House shows were great fun,” says the bandleader. “We had a different band open for us every time. Five gigs in a row. At the end of the month, we started another big tour up the coast through the Carolinas and the Northeast. Great stuff.”
Tags: Graham Whorley, Pour House

Charleston City Paper

Founded in 1997, the locally owned and operated City Paper is Charleston's only weekly alternative newspaper and the second-largest publication in the metro Charleston area. Reaching a strong mix of active, affluent locals and tourists, the City Paper has thrived...
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