Sad to report that James Calvin Wilsey left this earthy life yesterday (12/24/18) (Source: Wikipedia and Wikiwand). He was 61. I hope he has found that magic place some call El Dorado. Play on James.

Happy Sunsets!

Last edited: Dec 27, 2018 13:44:23

This is a crusher! RIP, James Calvin Wilsey, the King of Slow.

Bob

I am going to miss this guy. I learned a few of his tunes (fairly simple) from YOUTUBE videos and by ear listening to his only album. I was always hoping for another release by him.
I had heard that he was a bit of a handful in real life. That opening intro in "Wicked Game" is a classic. Those first two intro notes and the way James played them tell you the song, player and singer immediately.

Think I'll listen to "El Dorado" on the way to work tomorrow. Hard to believe that album was 10 years ago.

R.I.P Jimmy..
J Mo'

He played a Stratocaster perfectly.

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I posted the below on my FB page - sorry it's so wordy (Jimmy would probably NOT approve! )

I'm late with this, but I wanted to pay my respects to James Calvin Wilsey, who passed away on Christmas Eve. Jimmy's name was not extremely well known, but he's the man behind the iconic guitar riff on Chris Isaak's immortal "Wicked Game". Jimmy was Isaak's guitarist for something like 12 years, and appeared on his first four albums. I first heard him when "Wicked Game" came out, around '90, immediately getting all three Isaak albums up to that point, being just blown away by Jimmy's playing, especially on Isaak's second, self-titled album. I could hear the Hank Marvin and surf music influences, but so much more than that, too. In '91/'92, a Chicago radio station I was able to tune into while attending Purdue University live-cast an Isaak show which I recorded on cassette and listened to over and over again for years afterwards - I'm sure I still have it among my tapes. It showcased the band and Jimmy in particular in full flight, his guitar playing was just amazing. I was very disappointed when I heard that Jimmy left Isaak's band around '93-'94. (An interesting story: some time after that, probably around '95-'96, I heard that Isaak was still looking for a permanent replacement for Jimmy. I somehow procured the email address of Isaak's long-time drummer, Kenney Dale Johnson - I have no memory of how I managed to do that - and emailed him, asking him if they were still looking and if I might be able to audition!! I was in my third year of grad school, so I'm not really sure what i was thinking! I probably figured that the odds of it were so minuscule that why not? The only time I'd ever done anything like that. Surprisingly enough, Kenney was actually gracious enough to reply to tell me that they already found their guy and thank me for my interest!) Jimmy's replacement, Hershel Yatovitz, is an incredible guitarist, technically more proficient, and has been a great fit for Isaak, but Jimmy will always remain my favorite. In fact, I remember some articles back in the day that said that the "Chris Isaak sound" should more accurately be described as the "Jimmy Wilsey sound", and I think there's actually a lot to that.

In Jimmy's post-Isaak years I kept hearing about him playing various all-instrumental gigs - I remember he had a band named the Mystery Men for a while, I think, where he played the Shadows, Duane Eddy, etc. His one solo album, "El Dorado" from 2008, was IMO good, but a bit too light on melody for my taste, instead relying more on ambience, Jimmy's incredible Stratocaster tone and sheer playing brilliance, which were undeniable. I've seen videos of him playing live even in the past few years, and he definitely still had it!

I did get to briefly meet him, at the 2012 SG101 Convention, which was a huge thrill! We chatted for a bit, and he was extremely complimentary of my playing and the Madeira set, which really made my day - heck, my month! He was mild-mannered, even shy, in person, but I'm so glad I had a chance to tell him directly how much I love his playing.

I heard through the years various reports of his struggles and issues, but had no idea what they were. I still don't, but I guess they finally got the better of him. He was 61 but appeared much more youthful than that when I met him two years ago. Still, too young to go.

R.I.P. Jimmy Wilsey - your music deeply touched many people, me included, and I have no doubt you will live on through it.

Here's where I first heard of Isaak and Jimmy - in a very short feature in the July 1987 issue of the Guitar World magazine.

And finally, here's a great (albeit fairly short) interview with James Calvin Wilsey from the September 1991 issue of Guitar Player Magazine - the only time he was really featured in a major guitar publication that I'm aware of.

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Last edited: Dec 29, 2018 11:05:29

Sitting here on a Friday night listening to the old Isaak tunes and once again reminded what a guitarmeister, he was. So cool. Tuneful and skilled.

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I could write days about him but I just found out about this 30 minutes ago and not only am I shocked but heart-broken.

I just posted this on Chris Isaak’s Facebook page...

“I became a Silvertone fan in the 80’s and was inspired by Jimmy to pick up the guitar and learn to play it. Over the years, I worked and rebuilt his Twin Reverb amp in 2005. I credit Jimmy for that opportunity to springboard into building tube amps (Gomez Amps, LLC). I remember driving up to Eagle Rock to hang out, talk and learn from Jimmy. He was kind, patient and funny. I regret being a pain in the ass at times with him but he was genuinely forgiving and I thank him for that.

My personal music I wrote was highly influenced by Jimmy and I can only hope he heard more before he passed. He helped me with the technical stuff in recording and guided me in the right direction that I have always appreciated.

I miss my friend. I’m sorry I wasn’t a better friend at times. I’ll live with that regret but I can honestly say that my heart was always in the right place with Jimmy. I’m sorry it didn’t come out right. He was and I will always consider him a brother.

My condolences to all his fans, friends, and his family. He was a true artist and no one can ever replace him. L8r g8r R.I.P. Jimmy

Dario G. Gomez
(Gomez Amps, LLC)”

Sad news to say the least. James Wilsey made and played beautiful music that will continue to be enjoyed and inspire.Each note he left for us is a gift to be absorbed and learn from the man. "Play for the song".. Say more with less notes.. Listen to the silence between the notes.. Absolutely chilling.
Turn someone on to his gift with music who may not be familiar,or a aspiring guitarist.. or player of any instrument for that matter. All can enjoy and learn... Rest easy James.

Oh! Oh! Oh! Look at what I just found. Apparently up since Feb, but only 534 views so far. Perhaps a few more from this crowd. Shads, some El Dorado work. Gold. Pure gold. Enjoy!

Fady

El Mirage @ ReverbNation

Last edited: Dec 25, 2019 19:12:42