Willie Nile

The Great Yellow Light will be the 21st long-playing release from veteran New York-based singer / songwriter / guitarist the New Yorker called “One of the most brilliant singer-songwriters of the past 30 years”, Willie Nile. The album title is a reference to “Vincent Van Gogh’s letters to his brother, Theo, and the light that inspired him in Arles, France where he lived from February 1888 to May 1889”. The album was recorded at Hobo Sound, Weehawken, NJ produced by Nile and his longtime producer, Grammy-winner Stewart Lerman (Elvis Costello, Patti Smith, Sharon Van Etten, etc.). Outlaw Country icon Steve Earle contributes guest vocals to one track, “Wake Up America.” [https://youtu.be/5idTEu07dXY ] The Great Yellow Light is being released June 20 on CD, 12” LP vinyl, digital download and via streaming services on River House Records.

The Great Yellow Light is filled with passionate guitar-driven, melodic songs, a mix of anthemic rockers and sensitive ballads with a subtle socio-political message throughout. Willie was joined in the studio by his core band Jimi Bones – electric & acoustic guitars, backing vocals, Johnny Pisano – bass, backing vocals and Jon Weber – drums, providing soaring lead vocals, electric guitar and piano himself. Besides Earle, special guests include Irish music icon Paul Brady on vocals, The Hooters’ Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian on keys and strings respectively, Black 47 members Larry Kirwan, Fred Parcells, and Chris Byrne and legendary sidemen Waddy Wachtel and David Mansfield.

Among The Great Yellow Light’s is “Wake Up America” which Nile describes as “a call out to our better angels. Even though the history of America is riddled with pain and injustice and the divisions between us are greater than ever, I refuse to give in. I know we can do better than this. Heartfelt thanks to Steve for bringing his beautiful ragged, gritty, street-wise voice to it.” “Washington’s Day” was written by Willie with Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian and 5 x Grammy nominated producer Rick Chertoff; it portrays, “Romeo and Juliet in Arlington National Cemetery. A prayer for hope, compassion, liberty, and a better world for all mankind,” according to Nile. He calls “Electrify Me”” A raucous punk howl. Passion and compassion lives and is worth fighting for.”

“For me, the album’s title refers to those rare magical moments of awe and wonder that make life worth living,” says Willie. “My band played great on these sessions, no doubt thanks to all the live shows we’ve been doing. The special guests each brought unique magic to the party! Bless all their generous hearts.”

Nile’s love for life and music has powered his 45-year recording career. The Buffalo, NY native made his way to New York City in the early 1970s. After establishing himself as a popular presence on the downtown club scene, Willie attained national recognition through his 

widely acclaimed first three major-label albums — Willie Nile, Golden Down and Places I Have Never Been. Next, he then embarked on the indie route with a long series of well-received album releases including Beautiful Wreck of the World, Streets of New York, House of a Thousand Guitars, The Innocent Ones, American Ride, World War Willie, New York At Night, Children of Paradise, The Day The Earth Stood Still, the acoustic If I Was a River, and the covers collection Positively Bob: Willie Nile Sings Bob Dylan. 

Working on his own terms has allowed Willie to expand his audience to encompass much of the planet. He’s toured North America and overseas regularly building a sizeable and devoted following for his incendiary live performances. His loyal fan base includes such admirers as Bruce Springsteen, with whom he’s guested onstage on multiple occasions, and Pete Townshend, who personally requested him as the opening act on the Who’s historic 1980 U.S. tour. The list of avowed Nile fans also includes Bono, Lou Reed, Ian Hunter, Graham Parker, Jim Jarmusch, Little Steven, and Lucinda Williams, who once remarked, “Willie Nile is a great artist. If there was any justice in this world, I’d be opening up for him instead of him for me.”

Appropriately, an Austrian filmmaker is currently making a documentary film about Willie, with new footage shot in Italy, England and America.