Wil Blades

WIL BLADES

No less a jazz organ authority than the legendary Dr. Lonnie Smith has called Wil Blades “the future,” anointing him the heir apparent to “carry on the legend and the legacy of the organ, of the B-3.” Over the past twenty plus years, Blades has grown to be one of the most in-demand Hammond organ players, achieving international recognition. He is known for his innovative approach to the Hammond organ, utilizing effects and modern techniques to expand the instrument's capabilities, while his energetic live performances have earned him a dedicated following. In 2017, he won Downbeat Magazine’s “Rising Star” critic’s poll for organ, after being nominated every year since 2006.

Blades has performed and recorded with a who’s who of legendary musicians including John Lee Hooker, John Scofield, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Nicholas Payton, Idris Muhammad, Charlie Hunter, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Terrace Martin, Melvin Sparks, Joe Louis Walker, Donald Harrison Jr, Karl Denson, Adam Deitch, Stanton Moore and many more. His solo records ‘Sketchy’ and ‘Field Notes’, as well as his collaborative projects with Billy Martin, Amendola Vs. Blades and Charlie Hunter have all received acclaim from critics and audiences alike.