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essential album
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Rock &
soul rebel
Wicked Ways, the title of Waylon’s debut album, is just that, an album title.
However, it is an apt description of the twisting and at times depressing path
that led the singer and songwriter to his current position as Holland’s most
promising ‘new talent’. He is the first Dutch artist to be signed to the iconic
Motown label and that’s no hype.
The proof is in eating the pudding and just a quickscan of Wicked Ways suffices to
recognise a fluent songwriter blessed with a gritty voice to balance a vulnerable
soul. His energy betrays a debutant, yet the weathered qualities of his voice hint
at an eventful personal history. Waylon manages to sound youthful and worn at
the same time.
Waylon (Willem Bijkerk) has named himself after country music outlaw Waylon
Jennings, who invited the young and aspiring singer to Nashville after hearing
his namesake’s (unsuccessful) EMI debut single. Waylon the outlaw recognised
a kindred spirit in Waylon the youngster from the Lowlands and set him up as
support act for Jennings’ upcoming tour. It wasn’t meant to be, for the Nashville
legend died in February 2002.
Back in The Netherlands, young Waylon battled a severe depression and for
seven years performed the vocal duties in a Top 40 cover band. His personal life
in disarray after a messy divorce, Waylon signed on to Holland’s Got Talent, a TV
talent contest. To the singer’s relief, he didn’t win. The second spot left him all the
artistic freedom he craved while raising his profile.
Wicked Ways was written and recorded in London over a four month stretch in
early 2009. Produced by Martin Terefe and Sacha Skarbek, the team behind James
Morrison and Duffy, the album reveals a singer and songwriter who’s comfort zone
includes both rock and soul. Waylon is part Otis Redding part Rod Stewart. And
part Waylon: he not just sings his songs, he’s lived them. And his cover of Michael
Jackson’s The Way You Make Me Feel holds up, no mean feat.
Blending rock’s punch with soul’s passion is Waylon’s forte. If his debut album
falls short of greatness, it is simply because it plays it safe. Some songs on 13
track collection sound like soul-by-numbers. The majority, however , is a match to
Waylon’s unmistakable power as a performer. With a little more daring, Waylon is
capable of greatness. Just give the rebel in him his due and he will shine brightly.
Rare talent, great kick-off record. 4/5 (Enrico Riva)
www.waylon.nl
www.myspace.com/waylonmusic
Waylon
Wicked Ways
(Motown/Universal)