Album Notes

The self-titled debut EP from Willit was released in November 2005 on Up On In Records, an independent rock/singer-songwriter label, based in NYC. Willit’s EP is a collection of 5 songs that highlights a band playing exceptionally well-crafted songs that open up during finely executed instrumental jams.

Willit has a contemporary overall sound that employs old school elements and features a songwriter described as a “musician’s singer/songwriter.” The rootsy approach to guitar is reminiscent in one moment of Ry Cooder’s early days, the next moment Cymande era funk, and also holds a few Grisman/Garcia-esque flavors. The vocals blend elements of JJ Cale, Mark Knopfler, Lyle Lovett, and Jack Johnson. Melody-driven bass accompaniment, along with an emphasis on percussion and geographically diverse drum work are defining characteristics of Willit’s sound.

Willit was founded in 2004 by Pete Kalvert and Dave Menez. The two met years earlier in Santa Cruz, California. Songwriter and guitarist, Pete Kalvert, has performed extensively in NYC, California, and New England having composed music that has received airplay on KPIG-FM, KOZT-FM and has been featured in independent film. Dave Menez, former bassist for Netwerk Electric, has toured nationally sharing the stage with such artists as Ozomatli, Leftover Salmon, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and The Slip. He has recorded and performed with such notables as Fareed Haque, Karl Denson, and Merl Saunders.

Claude Coleman Jr., best known as the perversely versatile live/studio drummer for cult-rock gods WEEN, contributes his talents to this recording providing a spirited foundation of intricate and laid back grooves. Bruce Mack, a regular recording and touring member of Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber, plays clavinet and organ on 2 of the tracks and adds his soulful voice to the call-it-like-it-is song “Fault For Flavor.” Pete Fand, founder of the world-rock group Porter and member of the West African ensemble Fula Flute, plays congas as well as krin and calabash on the strikingly beautiful ballad ”Step Upon Step.” Shane Endsley, whose recording credits include Ani DiFranco’s Reckoning, serves up a tasty extended trumpet solo on the New Orleans-inflected song “Flip Lit Side.” Singer/songwriter Merideth Kaye Clark lends her beautiful voice providing powerful vocal counterpoint on the music-education inspired song “Believe.”

This collection of 5 songs provides an engaging taste of the positive-minded, socially conscience, and uplifting music folks have come to love from Willit. A natural combination of intelligent songwriting and exceptional musicianship creates a sound that is both grooving and thought-provoking. This is a band for music lovers and anyone else listening out for messages of cautious hope and change.