Both blues musicians on Pay Day have found a new domicile far from their homeland already several years ago. The Dutchman Hans Theessink has, following his love settled in Vienna, where he now lives for 40 years, while Big Daddy Will, who was born in the US state of North Carolina under the civil name Adam Wilson Blount, following his love, after his army time in Germany remained there. Of course, the two are primarily connected by the blues and currently by their first joint album Pay Day. They came to the blues on different paths, which nevertheless brought them together after several years of professional activity.
The blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Hans Theessink, who taught himself to play the guitar, began his career in the sixties as a street musician in his homeland and in neighboring Germany, before moving to Denmark and recording his first album there. Numerous albums and live performances at major blues, jazz and folk festivals in Europe and America followed. He has been performing with his Theessink Band for now twenty-eight years.
Ten years younger, the singer and songwriter of electric and soul blues Big Daddy Wil grew up in his hometown listening to gospel and country music, which the local radio station delivered free daily and encouraged him to sing along. Beginning at the age of 18, he did his military service in Germany, thereafter reactivating in his guest country his singing voice using the blues, which was now available to him as a full, warm baritone. Stage appearances throughout Europe followed and five years later his successful recording career began. In the meantime, he tours worldwide and has a solid fan base.
You can't tell from the joint album by Hans Theessink and Big Daddy Wil that this is the first time the two of them have played together, so much do their vocals blend into an exciting, mutually rubbing, expressive whole, be it blues, roots, folk or gospel from their own pens and from great blues singers of the past. Add to that the Dutchman's famously virtuosic guitar playing and the American's surprising ability to handle the drums.
The result is a truly great album and the beginning of a hopefully long-lasting friendship. Original statement Hans Theessink: "I really enjoyed singing and playing with Wilson - we had a hell of fun. Wilson and I had chosen songs for the session - some old, some new, some borrowed. We had a lot of fun making our special musical stew with all the natural ingredients, spices and flavors - a lot of fun!" And that matches up with what Big Daddy Wil has to say about the joint album, "For many, many years I've wanted to work with Hans. So, I'm very happy and proud to record this duo album with him. It was one of the most beautiful experiences I've ever had as an artist."
Hans Theessink, guitar, vocals
Big Daddy Wilson, guitar, drums, percussion, vocals