Willie Nile (from Live at Daryl’s House Club

Willie Nile (from Live at Daryl’s House Club

Willie Nile (from Live at Daryl’s House Club on River House Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Born and bred in Buffalo, New York and a later transplant that calls the East Village in Manhattan home, Willie Nile is the epitome of an urban warrior, a no-nonsense Rock and Roll loyalist whose urban sensibility evokes the fierce spirit of the city’s punk scene and its insurgent sensibility. Over the course of 14 studio albums and a near brush with widespread fame and notoriety that came courtesy of an early association with Arista Records, Nile’s admittedly had his share of setbacks, but his devotion to the relentless spirit of pure rock and roll has never wavered.
 
Nile’s latest offering, Live at Daryl’s House Club remains true to that tack, spotlighting him in the environment that suits him best — that is, in front of an appreciative audience, one that allows him to let his free-spirited attitude run wild. With a sympathetic backing band that includes Johnny Pisano on bass and backing vocals. Jimi K. Bones on guitar and backing vocals, and Jon Weber on drums, Willie Nile is clearly in his element, ready to show off his determination and defiance with an undeterred spirit and sensibility. The tracks are well chosen, from the fierce frenzy of “Places I Have Never Been”, “Trouble Down in Diamond Town”, “Lost and Lonely World”, “and “Black Magic and White Lies” to the anthemic approach shared on “The Day the Earth Stood Still”, “Wake Up America”, and “This Is Our Time”. Nevertheless, it’s his homage to the city which is the object of his reverence and admiration, “New York at Night” as well his tribute to the sheer majesty of pure Rock and Roll, “House of a Thousand Guitars”, which effectively sum up his stance.
 
That said, there’s not a single song among this baker’s dozen that fails to reflect his workingman-like regimen, all of which are amplified in this stirring concert setting.
 
Those that have followed Willie Nile since his seminal beginnings in the early ‘80s ought to appreciate Live at Daryl’s House Club for its unabashed energy, while those who, until now, have somehow remained unknowing and unawares could consider this an ample introduction. To be sure, it’s not Nile’s first showcase in a live setting. To the contrary, there have been at least six offerings that came before that captured him holding court for his adoring masses. Nevertheless, considering the fact that Live at Daryl’s House Club manages to capture him in his natural environs, it’s an ideal offering as far as any cumulative connection is concerned. In short, Nile’s never sounded so energized or inspired.
(by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of Willie Nile from AMAZON
 
For more information, head to the Willie Nile website