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Talking with Guitarist Songwriter Will McFarlane

on November 2, 2009 No comments
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Talking with Guitarist Songwriter Will McFarlane – Part 1

It’s hard to imagine how many 12 year old young men watched the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1963 and were inspired to pick up the guitar saying, “I want to do that”. Many, I’m sure. Voice lessons at six years old and piano a year later, young Will was clearly better primed than most.

Motown’s R&B captured Will’s imagination in High School while growing up on Long Island, which helped him develop as a fine rhythm guitarist.

Bonnie Raitt enlisted the 23 year old college escapee McFarlane as a member of her band one night when she heard him play at a Cambridge, MA night club. He toured with her band from 1974 – 1980 before leaving the road to move into the studio.

Bonnie Raitt, John Hall, Will McFarlane © Nick Busco
Will McFarlane, Bonnie Raitt, John Hall © Nick Busco
Freebo Bonnie and Will
Freebo Bonnie and Will

While with The Bonnie Raitt band, Will shared stages with living blues and folk legends. That’ll do wonders for your playing but more importantly, Will learned to listen for what guitar licks to leave out to best play up the band.

But wait, there's more!