Album Notes

The Wiyos have released their self-titled third record “The Wiyos”, which is comprised of original songs inspired by the old-time stringbands, blues singers, jugbands and hot jazz ensembles of the 1920's & 30's; as well as 4 arrangements of period songs. In a world of over-produced and digitally modified music, the band teamed up with producer Perry Margouleff (Rolling Stones, Jimmy Page, Aerosmith) to record through some of the world's finest class A analogue equipment to two-track tape. The songs on "The Wiyos" were recorded absoluely live with no overdubs over the span of three days. All dynamics were created by adjusting individual positions in relation to the two microphones; no digital editing or mixing occured during post-production.

The WIYOS play a singular style of old-timey American music that they call "vaudevillian ragtime-jugband-blues and hillbilly swing." An acoustic trio comprised of three vocals, washboard, harmonica, kazoo, archtop/resonator guitar/banjo-ukulele, and upright bass, The Wiyos transport listeners back to a time before TV and mass media were the main sources of entertainment; to the days when acoustic, handmade music could be heard on live radio and at community dances, medicine shows and house parties. The WIYOS are joined by special guest Teddy Webber of The Hunger Mountain Boys on guitar and steel slide guitar on 4 tracks.

Based in New York City, The Wiyos have spent the last five years touring relentlessly, and as a result have become one of the most recognized and acclaimed old-timey acoustic bands on the east coast. They have been featured at many venerable festivals and listening rooms including The Newport Folk Festival (2004-05), The Piccolo Spoleto Festival (2005-6), The Kennedy Center Arts Festival (2007), The Lincoln Center Out-Of-Doors Festival (2006), The Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concert Series (2003-07), Floydfest (2007), and Bristol Rhythm and Roots (2004-7). They have also toured throughout Canada, The UK, The Netherlands, France and Sweden.


Press Quotes:

“The Wiyos really ‘rocked my boat’. Great material, great enthusiasm and great skill on their instruments!"
-Roy Bookbinder

"Tons of fun."
-Sing Out

"The Wiyos are way too good to open for my band ever again. Those guys kick more ass than should be allowed."
-Wammo, Asylum Street Spankers

"The WIYOS Live will leave you reeling, and ecstatic."
-Pear River Express, Deertrees, MA

"Pure old-fashioned entertainment... their musicianship was outstanding. "
-Americana, UK