Taproot: Songs of Robert Johnson and Hank Williams

Original and heart-felt solo and small band (piano, bass, drums, saxophone, accordion and harmonica) interpretations of songs written by two major icons of American music.

S.E.Willis’s fourth CD is a moving musical tribute to two founding fathers of American music, Robert Johnson and Hank Williams. Thirty years in the making, Taproot goes to the

Original and heart-felt solo and small band (piano, bass, drums, saxophone, accordion and harmonica) interpretations of songs written by two major icons of American music.

S.E.Willis’s fourth CD is a moving musical tribute to two founding fathers of American music, Robert Johnson and Hank Williams. Thirty years in the making, Taproot goes to the heart of Country and Blues roots, delivering truly original and inspired interpretations of classics. From the rocking boogie of Johnson’s “Preachin’ Blues” and “Last Fair Deal” to the heartbreaking intimacy of Williams’ “Mansion On the Hill,” Willis, a veteran bluesman with incredible vocal range and stylistic maturity, makes an important and memorable contribution to Robert Johnson’s and Hank Williams’ songbooks.

“I’ve been listening to and studying these men all my musical life. There are no more important voices in American music: they are the twin hearts of my country.” S.E.Willis

“…one of the most sought-after blues pianists; he covers different styles with aplomb, comps like a master, and bangs out a mean solo.” Blues Revue #84

“S.E.Willis plays like he’s got twelve fingers. He can pound the 88’s but there’s a whole lot more to him than that. He rocks, he rolls, he swings, he sings. For a complete tour of piano styles performed by a master, get Steve’s new one. What’s on my iPod? Taproot.” Marcia Ball

..a commanding singer and keyboardist (piano, organ, and accordion) who delivers classic and original material with conviction and authenticity.” Lee Hildebrand, East Bay Express

“S.E.Willis is a helluva keyboard player!” Elvin Bishop