Brian Wagner’s newest project, Brian Thomas & The Strikes, held their EP Release Show at Funk ‘n Waffles Sunday with opener Jon Lunden. Local music archivist, Chris Fisher, shared an audio to the EP Release show. Wagner referred to his long running monthly Funk ‘n Waffles residency as Folk ‘n Waffles. The next is scheduled for November 26.
Wild Mountain Honey is a four song EP recorded at Greywood Studios and produced by Wagner, Dave Hurwitz, and Mike Sloan.
“Sea Moss & Foam” is a strong opener. Kayla Lunden (Nashville) adds vocals on the album as back up and harmony. I pick this as my favorite with it’s moody lyrics and ethereal harmonies.
“Wild Mountain Honey” is very catchy. This is the chorus everyone gets stuck in their head. I can imagine people singing along to it in a large venue someday. It’s the radio hit on this one. I can really see this one going places.
There is something especially sweet about a steel guitar. Jeff Ingersoll adds a unique layer lifting these songs up to the next level. Brendan Gosson not only plays fiddle but serenades us with mandolin. Local favorites Blake Propst, Will Fuegel, and Tyler Dattmore also contributed to the album. Wagner put together an allstar team. Mike Sloan, Alec Iwanski and Liz “Fiddle” Simchik can be found playing gigs with the project too. Wagner’s impressive guitar skills and smooth vocals are highlighted perfectly. He has played in Nashville, Dublin and many local shows. He can hold his own whether it’s solo, duo or band. This EP showcases his song writing and sets him up as a strong competitor to open for big name acts in the folk/country genre. He was even looking a little like a young Kenny Rogers on stage.
Wild Mountain Honey will be available on all streaming platforms Friday, November 3. Check it out here.
Track credits
Sea Moss & Foam
Blake Propst- Upright Bass
Brian Thomas- Guitar & Vocals
Kayla Lunden – Vocals
Will Fuegel – Keys
Slow Dancing
Blake Propst- Upright Bass
Brendan Gosson – Fiddle & Mandolin
Brian Thomas- Guitar & Vocals
Jeff Ingersoll – Steel Guitar
Tyler Dattmore – Drums & Vocals
Wild Mountain Honey
Blake Propst- Upright Bass
Brendan Gosson – Fiddle & Mandolin
Brian Thomas- Guitar & Vocals
Jeff Ingersoll – Steel Guitar
Kayla Lunden – Vocals
Tyler Dattmore – Drums
Roses
Blake Propst- Upright Bass
Brendan Gosson – Fiddle & Mandolin
Brian Thomas- Guitar & Vocals
Kayla Lunden – Vocals