Will Hobbs has been writing and singing original songs since the late 1960s, both as a solo artist and as one of the founding members of the popular Northwest band, Wheatfield. He has performed in most of the states of the US and in 16 countries around the world, in venues ranging from ‘60’s Beatnik coffee houses and outdoor love-ins to present-day taverns, colleges, county fairs, television specials, festivals and rallies. His four-decade musical career has had many highlights. As a soloist, Will played at the Newport Folk Festival in 1967, harmonizing on stage with Judy Collins and rubbing elbows with many folk legends. He was a cash prize winner in the American Songwriting Festival in 1978. More recently, Will has won prizes for his songs and lyrics in local songwriting contests and had his songs recorded by other artists. He plays a number of instruments, including guitar, mandolin, harmonica and hammer dulcimer, which are showcased on his new CD.
Will’s first solo release, titled "Madrona Lodge," contains 14 original songs and features a number of fine musicians, including current and former Wheatfield members and some other great players from the Portland area such as Pete Moss, Bobby Torres and Lex Browning, among others. The collection centers on Americana/Folk, with elements of Cajun, Dixieland, Reggae, Country and Rock thrown in.
