James Wilsey - Guitar Geek Festival Set 2008

Derek Ritchie on drums, Anthony Santaniello on bass,and Bill Pitman on Guitar, previewing songs from El Dorado. January 2008.

[@derekritchie9670]

I’m Derek Ritchie, Jimmy’s Drummer I miss my friend terribly, I know he would be most gracious and grateful for all these fan tributes to him. He was such a nice man! Btw-I haven’t had a gig since Jimmy died, consider this video my demo reel. Cheers

[@Chrisedge]

I was at this show and you guys were so good! (I posted the setlist above)...RIP JAMES

[@wilhelmrogue1]

And why aint you still playing sir , your to good not too!

[@rolandomichel2070]

You sir, are not alone! This guy was/is a Treasure and he gave us all a gift! Gone, waaay too soon...

[@Mindboggle100]

Such a great performance. So sorry you lost your friend x

[@nathanyoung430]

King of slow. So underrated. What a genius this guy was. A legend gone too soon

[@anthonygill5621]

Pure fucking magic. Can't understand why he isn't world-famous, even posthumously.

[@MattXScott]

One of my favorite guitar players ever. RIP

[@rolandomichel2070]

Living in San Francisco, on 4th Avenue, during the 80's & 90's, a couple of doors over from Isaaks' drummer, I had the distinct pleasure of seeing this man work his Magic on that ax, a whole bunch of times and let me tell you, He was that band! His sound was distinct and haunting, it made you feel things and go places. Isaak was lucky to have him and he knows it!

[@Mindboggle100]

Roland, so glad to read your comment. Glad to hear your memories. Thanks for sharing.

[@Iluvbisquits]

Jimmy, you're the reason I think every musician of any kind should own a Strat...Thank you for the music and inspiration...RIP :'(

[@Tigerlove0138]

Can you please contact me if you know where the proceedings are. I would love to see my brother once more

[@dj8]

@@Tigerlove0138 I pray you got to see your brother once more!!

[@ALLfemalesLiecheatnsteal]

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@315Bodhi17]

He plays a wicked Wicked Game. Thank you Mr James Wilsey......Rip

[@Kerunou]

Thankful this footage exists.

[@ganaorganador]

I have never seen James play- or listen to anything rather than Cris Isaak's. Maan!! James songs are greeat!! He deserves much more attention. RIP.

[@jonjonlambo]

watching Jimmy play wicked game just breaks my heart.....I saw him when he first started out with chris....I caught the mysteries show back in 2000 in LA....he shared a beer with me and my buddy Ken....Ken is gone now and so is Jimmy....he will always be the KING of Slow. Miss you JCW.....really really do....

[@annschmitt2909]

I’ve been a major fan of Jimmy since first seeing Silvertone in SF in January and February 1982. We ended up seeing them 11 times through 1989. I was lucky enough to meet him once in 1987. He was friendly. I told him my friends and I were fans and he thanked us. I am reading the book and glad to know about this live video and about his album. I’m so thrilled to listen to it. I just wish he could have been saved. Rest In Peace Jimmy. You’re the greatest.

[@Mindboggle100]

Ann thanks for sharing your memories and anecdote. I never met him, but literally every comment I've read about him was positive. He just had a private pain. All that talent stems form somewhere in these expectional Artists. I think the two are always related. So glad you caught his live act. I'm also grateful he has this uploaded...

[@Mortthemoose]

Wow! A bit jealous of all those concerts! What book are you talking about please?

[@derekritchie9670]

@@Mortthemoose The book is entitled “Wicked Game” by Michael Goldberg

[@sagezen6414]

This would be great to have remastered and released.

[@gratefulape12]

Couldn't agree more

[@victoriacaldwell734]

Hauntingly beautiful! RIP dear James!

[@xyxoan1]

How do I give this 100 thumbs up? One of the most underrated and sometimes even unknown guitarists ever. I stopped listening to Chris Isaak when he left the band.

[@lesterparfitt5694]

I love James wilseys guitar sound

[@VLKV_loves_you]

just awesome.

[@christophertodd1980]

RIP Jimmy, never knew you personally, but your playing and music changed my life, I wish life had been easier for you and you were still around with us. You had so much heart King of Slow.

[@soldiersam7424]

Rest in peace Jimmy. I still play the hell out of that album.

[@Tigerlove0138]

Can you please contact me of his proceedings. I would love to attend to say. Farewell my brother!

[@dj8]

@@Tigerlove0138 I hope you got to see your brother for a final farewell

[@Mortthemoose]

Me too

[@jamesgretsch4894]

I was there. I was familiar with Chris Isaak's song but not him. He came in walking from the back of the room up to the stage. As you can see it was a great performance. Thanks Deke Dickerson for having him on the bill.

[@nandoblondemobydick5438]

James Calvin Wilsey, is a friend to me, he will be passing to the world all time greatest guitarist list for been the one who best know to choose what note to play next, exquisite my friend

[@markblue4280]

75 likes? There should be thousands! This is incredible guitar playing !

[@iSapien1956672]

Why did he have to die for me to discover him in a book about him? I’m obsessed with his back catalogue now. The textures and haunting space he creates with the guitar is an inspiration. The book is called “wicked game”.

[@sjd1964]

What a fabulous guitar player..such an incredible loss. Saw him play with Chris several times in London, will never forget it.

[@jorgebumperizquierdo-ampdo7044]

RIP Jimmy...Today 24 , I always remember you .

[@chrisames2795]

Absolutely love his playing. Must’ve seen him perform 30-30 ?on the 80’s I remember my buddy caught a pick “Calvin” was all it said. He really complimented Chris perfectly. David Lowery and Johnny Hickman remind me a lot. Damn

[@mjrlormans]

Guitarist Extraordinaire

[@brentonhefner7769]

This guy was the 🐐 of hacienda blues

[@ALLfemalesLiecheatnsteal]

Why do all the best get taken away??? RIP MR Calvin James Wilsey😢😭♥️♥️❤️❤️ Thank you for touching and influencing my life so much. ♥️♥️❤️❤️

[@funhistory]

Just amazing how "at one" he was with his guitar. At times he didn't simply "play" music; he "was" music. Such a tragic loss, but I'm glad there are still recordings like this...

[@kab00mKap0w]

He is the guitar’s best kept secret.

[@stevestarr6395]

Jimmy was absolutely fantastic creating his atmospheric sounds!

[@losthwy]

Ty so much for recording this and uploading it 🙏🏾

[@JsnHgl]

RIP. I’m late to discovering him. Totally my vibe though and happy to have found his work even if late.

[@MrStudiolespaul]

Just read the comments and found out he died back in Dec 2018 dammit!! His playing on Wicked Games was so unique and beautiful! His solo album is cool too RIP

[@josecardenas4013]

Awesome talent RIP Jimmy

[@kellyschneider2545]

What joy this guy provided! Beyond unique player...and desperately missed.

[@bruzrkgro-malog2953]

The rhythm guitarist is doing some great work here too!!

[@tommythompsonsurfer]

THE MAGIC TO THE SONG IS IN THE HANDS OF JAMES...BIG TIME BLESSINGS TO ALL......HARD LIFE FOR ALL.

[@michaelworse6034]

Always loved his sound RIP

[@mamuteelefante4152]

This is certainly the most awesome and underrated video of Master James Wilsey. Seriously, listen to the tone. It's pure tone

[@surfinwax58]

Sorry I missed seeing him live. Heard him on Surfwave performing his heroes The Shadows, Jeff Beck, and he spoke of how much Duane Eddy also influenced him. Wonderful addition to the world and its music!

[@flash1034]

Awesome guitar player...rest in peace. I wish I would have discovered your solo work sooner.

[@Chrisedge]

Intro El Dorado The Rattler San Bernardino City Of Broken Dolls Diabolic Tierra Del Fuego Insomnia Wicked Game

[@pakgontv]

Descansa en paz, James Wilsey ... Sick ’em Cal!

[@surf247365]

RIP James!! Miss your playing buddy!!🎸 one of my inspirations to play Guitar. Sad Loss!

[@genemaysonet3558]

Absolutely beautiful!!!!

[@timothyoconnell4189]

Wow!

[@smalllicks]

great footage ....thanks

[@LucifersReactorChamber42]

Dude you, and this album, are amazing!

[@lukasschliepkorte3019]

He's dead, sadly.

[@dickschlitz1360]

Long live the tone king of slow…tone king we miss u!

[@Jayyar4]

Beautiful music! Arrived here from a link from Surf Guitar Appreciation on facebook. Never heard of him, I really wish I had, I search for this type of music and I missed him. I hope his family and friends find peace in his passing.

[@Womble1252]

You've heard him on 'Wicked game' though..

[@theuniverse685]

You're the man Wilsey!

[@pablodebiddlybo3771]

Rest in peace the KING of slowwwww

[@georginaegger9063]

Guitar Genius, RIP Jimmy, out there in the wild blue yonder.

[@gratefulape12]

Much missed. RIP

[@lucassantiago2919]

So humble

[@stephenlwaters]

Thank you for this!!!

[@The_McD]

Great player with a hell of a touch.

[@mickkeith1688]

amd a touch of hell

[@sinnertrain7405]

This is incredible! This has been a tough week because of us loosing Jimmy. Reverb drenched beautiful wonder!!!

[@Tigerlove0138]

Can you please contact me of the proceedings. It would only be a Grest Honor. If I can see him one more time.

[@dj8]

@@Tigerlove0138 did you get to see him one more time?

[@cripmeister9104]

Greatest strat-slinger ever! Jimmy was a huge factor in Isaak's early success. No disrespect to Hershel but he ain't no Jimmy Wilsey.

[@ronmorey3475]

OK, that does it. I’m getting a Strat in Vegas Gold. It’s a shame he’s gone.

[@2skyland]

I have this CD and this is awesome...thank you!

[@animren]

love this :)

[@G.O.P.]

R.I.P. in Tonal Heaven.

[@thommitulpe]

Stuff that dreams are made of! Great!

[@Zootallures100]

This is beautiful ❤

[@shannonbenson8921]

My guitar hero. God please take him up into heaven.

[@Mindboggle100]

Yes, even now I don't think enough people realise just how much input James had in creating that Silvertone sound. I never met James, but I have never read a bad word about his personality, or his musical abilities. He seemed to be able to keep his personal pain private, sadly though it contributed to his tragic death. The Art's were his passion, and he definitely was an Artist in his own right... he is remebered well, and his music is a legacy.

[@Ana_D.C.]

D.E.P., James ¡¡Buen viaje, amigo!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@steve03au]

Brilliant player. Unique sound, immediately identifiable.

[@german-hesles]

Pure Magick Wilsey, what a pity man !!!

[@SouthYarraMan]

Awesome tunes, tones and playing - and what a great band, particularly the drummer.

[@derekritchie9670]

Thanks for the compliment. It hasn’t been the same ( music, auditions, gigs, etc. )’after you been in the best band I’ve ever played in. Fuck, I miss Jimmy. I’m still pissed I didn’t pick up on the junk hints. I was hooked on junk at the same time, but never got high with Jimmy ,nor spotted any of the typical junkie moves. The itching, scratching, going missing all the time, etc…. Miss you my Brother ❤

[@SouthYarraMan]

@@derekritchie9670 Hi Ritchie. I'm a felliow musician & into the same generic Strat sound. But of all those players James took that tone & defined it like no other. He had a natural gift for gracing any track with the perfect guitar phrases that made any song truly definitive. 'Wicked Game' without his guitar part (the great song that it is) wouldn't have been the hit it was for Chris. The track was picked up without the vocala as everyone knows. Chris lost his direction after the split with James, which shows how key Jimmy was. It seems the royalty share wasn't favorable to Jimmy & caused a lot of heartache. Had it been me, I'd have credited Jimmy with 50% of that track & not just that song either. There will never be another James Wilsey - ever.

[@shannonbenson8921]

HERO!

[@G.O.P.]

One of the best after Dick Dale. This master Guitarist played all styles. But in my estimation Surf Rock was his best.

[@josephsuarez5064]

RIP, Jimmy!

[@sinnertrain7405]

Thanks for the music Jimmy we miss you.

[@hightowerTB303]

Chris brought me here … I think I wanna stay 🍻

[@tommythompsonsurfer]

TRULY AS GREAT AS CHRIS IS .... HE IS THE EQUAL TO JAMES......MYSTO SURF GUITAR MADE CHRIS A TOTAL SURF STAR........SURF MUSIC SOCAL SPECIAL. THANKS JAMES. ALL AMERICAN SURFER PATRIOT TOMMYTHOMPSON.

[@MilesBellas]

26:34 Wicked Game

[@Irudium]

Let's face it, we all came for this one :p

[@Kerunou]

@@Irudium on the contrary, El Dorado is a beautiful instrumental album and I’m here for that. WG is great but it shouldn’t be all he’s remembered for.

[@travelingamer6529]

RIP. Very Unique tone that made Chris Isaak.

[@sixstringgypsy1]

That's the tone. Those are the notes.

[@gisjohannsson]

The King of Slow!

[@omfug7148]

RIP

[@tommythompsonsurfer]

SURF MUSIC ALA THE 1960 SURF MUSIC SURF GUITAR FOR SURF MOVIES......SAME AS SURF ROCK WIPEOUT AND THE REVERB THANG COUNTRY AND ALL.

[@MVArtDad]

RIP Jimmy you silvertoned SOB

[@Tigerlove0138]

Can you please contact me about his proceedings. I would love to attend, and joyfully play a tune for my brother

[@yjmsrv]

I'd say "Goldtoned" SOB with that guitar he's playing- but yeah RIP...

[@xyxoan1]

Damn those evil drugs to hell.

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

It Don't mean a thang - if it ain't got TWANG ! ! !

[@reddsshaker3477]

This ‘deconstructed’ version of Wicked Game is adventurous, if nothing else. 🤔

[@jamesgretsch4894]

Imagine that, that James Wilsey started out in the punk band The Avengers and opened for The Sex Pistols' very last show before they split up in 1978. It's another case of just being in a certain place and time. If punk didn't break he would have been in another band then.

[@beatcrazy54]

RIP jc

[@Tigerlove0138]

Contact me please.

[@dj8]

@@Tigerlove0138 did you ever get contacted?

[@stephenlwaters]

Next batch of songs? How about PledgeMusic? And so we wait...!!!!

[@mireilledischer3380]

The opposite of ‘shredding’ thank God.

[@emmacassidy8482]

Great they played Wicked Game

[@JRoc]

David Lynch sound

[@MonsieurAlheira]

As he left us? Already?

[@paulbatlan6584]

RIP Avenger.

[@Tigerlove0138]

Can you please let me know of his whereabouts

[@dj8]

@@Tigerlove0138 did they let you know?

[@jamesboyce1694]

The other guitarist here is the brilliant Bill Pitman, whose gifts graced many of the Dwight Twilley LPs back in the day. Check him out.

[@jamesboyce1694]

Excuse me. My mistake. The guy on Twilley's records was Bill Pitcock, also a notable player.

[@derekritchie9670]

Billy Pitman At the time was Jimmy Vaughns guitarist also

[@MVos-md3rp]

Son of Link Wray?

[@bradlaidmanpoplearningserv3347]

Just heard he died RIP

[@Tigerlove0138]

Contact me please. I need to know where his last farewells .

[@dj8]

@@Tigerlove0138 did anyone contact you?

[@2428steve]

Isaak hasn't been the same without him. I bet he regret it

[@mickkeith1688]

He was a junkie sadly

[@lilnutty6821]

amazing guitarist...seems slightly drunk here but