Carolina-born songwriter Will West performs with a rotation of acoustic musicians called The Friendly Strangers, featuring an array of fantastic Portland players on banjo, cello, mandolin, horns, percussion and other surprises.

Will West & The Friendly Strangers are fresh off the release of their new studio album called Take This Moment. Songs have been featured in KINK fm101.9 and KZME fm107.1 in the greater Portland area.

Carolina-born performer/songwriter Will West has called Oregon home since 2002. The son of a fiddle player, he cites bluegrass, delta blues and heavy metal music as some of his early influences. Now he finds inspiration in the amazing landscape of the Pacific Northwest.

West released his first album, Shine, in late 2006. Recorded with Rob Stoup (Imprints & Baseboard Heaters) at 8 Ball Studio in Portland, the album features Bob Soper (fiddle) and Noah Peterson (soprano sax).

His live performances continue to evolve and change. As a solo performer or with variations of a band, West pulls off fantastic acoustic guitar playing with smoothly delivered vocals and harmonica. Every show is an experience and it's all about the vibe...

"He incorporates rootsy, acoustic folk with a bluesy, almost hip-hop-like sense of rhythm. West is a funky, acoustic pop songsmith with a flare for lyricism and rich melodies." - Post & Courier (Charleston, SC)

"West's clean guitar and polished voice feel like warm sunshine through a car window." - Independent Weekly (Raleigh, NC)

"A favorite of those Delta Blues/Folk lovin' Types. Never performing a song the same way twice. This crooner is a storyteller with a soft touch. Check him out. " - Willamette Week

Website:

http://www.willwestmusic.com/

MySpace:

http://www.myspace.com/willsmusic