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The Will McBride Group: ‘Winter Solstice’ Original Single

Winter Solstice by The Will McBride Group cover artwork

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The latest holiday offering from The Will McBride Group is the original single “Winter Solstice,” a poignant musical creation released on December 1st, 2023. Spanning a concise 2 minutes and 48 seconds, this composition evokes a wistful sense of Christmas during winter. Seamlessly blending elements of rock, blues, and soul, the song exemplifies the band’s musical dexterity, accompanied by vocals that carry emotive lyrics with captivating depth.

With a soft rock vibe and a robust ensemble sound highlighted by impressive guitar and drum work, “Winter Solstice” sum up the essence of the holiday season in the distinctive style of The Will McBride Group.

Picture of The Will McBride Group
The Will McBride Group

The band, comprising multifaceted artist McBride, embarked on a musical journey that led them from Atlanta, where McBride honed his guitar skills under blues mentor Roger Hurricane Wilson, to collaborations with jazz luminary St. Claire Pinckney. They have amassed a record of over 700 shows, captivating audiences across North Carolina and occasionally extending their performances into Virginia and South Carolina.

The group’s history of acclaim includes performances at prominent venues throughout central North Carolina, sharing stages with globally acclaimed acts such as ZZ Top, Styx, Eddie Money, and other notable artists. McBride’s transition from leading ‘The Quick’ in Wilmington to initiating a solo career in Raleigh in 2004 marked the genesis of his band’s original compositions.

The addition of seasoned musicians like Ellis Merlin, who brought funk infusion and backing vocals upon joining in 2020, and Michael Pelz Sherman, a skilled keyboardist showcasing jazz finesse, has further enriched the band’s sonic tapestry. Bobby Johnson, mentored by percussion maestro Joe Morello, joined after touring extensively across the US and Canada. Chris Conley, an integral part of the WMG’s history, contributed significantly as a drummer and arranger on multiple recordings, now occasionally performing due to retirement while also being active as a Music Director for a local church.

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