Wilburnsilver launch new album with two Glasgow gigs

Jun 3 2009 by Richard Mooney, Wishaw Press

TWO Wishaw men will be celebrating the launch of their band’s second album – when they play high-profile Glasgow gigs this month.

Andy MacGregor (35), and Marc Murray (34), members of six-piece band Wilburnsilver have been working away at their new studio album for the past year.

And they can’t wait to play their new music live on stage.

The first gig will be in the prestigious King Tut's Wah Wah Hut where they’ll be supporting New York songstress Lissy Trullie when her world tour hits the city next weekend on June 11.

The following Saturday they’ll take to the stage of the ABC2 in their own gig where they will be celebrating the launch of their second album, Hello Wilderness, which is due out on June 29.

Last year, Wilburnsilver supported the popular Felice Brothers – who have 16,000 fans on MySpace – at King Tut’s and Andy, lead singer and guitarist, admits the band are looking forward to returning.

He said: “Playing there is always a blast. The crowd are great, it’s a good setting and you always get nice sound.

“But King Tut’s is going to be like a warm-up for our gig at the ABC, so it couldn’t have come at a better time for us.”

He added: “It’s great to be able to put ourselves out there like this.”

At the outset Wilburnsilver look like the usual indie band set-up with a lead singer, drummer, bassist and guitarist. The full line-up is bassist Marc Murray, keys and fiddle player Lorna Veverka, drummer Lewis Park, singer Andy MacGregor, guitarist Rab McMillan and saxophonist Heather Campbell.

However, what sets them apart from others on the circuit is addition of instruments like the fiddle and several brass pieces – giving them a very versatile, soulful sound.

Andy, an ex-Wishaw High pupil, said: “ Wilburnsilver aren’t your usual six-piece indie band because the members are all individual performers in their own right.”

He continued: “As well as having an indie, acoustic feel about our music, there is a major influence from jazzy soul-based music to folk. I think this makes something a bit different for our fans.”

The band’s musical influences range from the likes of soul legends Ray Charles and James Brown to modern rock groups Oasis and The Coral.

l For more information on the band, their up and coming gigs and to listen to the album visit www.myspace.com/wilburnsilver

WILBURNSILVER:the band are looking forward to their high-profile gigs in Glasgow.