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Blackout
“On June 24, 2004, at The Baked Potato in Los Angeles, CA, we played the first show for my solo project. Though I was a bass player, there were instances where I needed to play keyboards, or have another bassist play behind me while I did something else. When I put the band together, I never thought for a second that the band’s other bassist could be anyone but Wes.
“On this tune, which is a cover of a John Scofield tune called ‘Blackout,’ Wes doesn’t solo or play lead. He just plays bass, and plays his ass off. The lineup was as follows: Rick Musallam on guitar, Joe Travers on drums, Wes on bass, and me on ‘lead’ bass. Plus there was someone in the audience who took it upon himself to play cowbell (was it Will Ferrell??), but try and ignore it and you’ll be happier.
“Bottom line – all you have to do is hear him play this one tune and you’d know what a genius he was on the instrument.”
— Bryan Beller
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I Miss You
“This is a live recording that Wes and I did of my song ‘I Miss You,’ at Tom Langford’s studio. I loved the energy of this session so much that I decided to record my next album with just myself, Wes, and our friend David Leach on percussion.
“I absolutely fell in love with Wes’s bass part from this session, and when we went to record this song for my album, I begged him to reproduce his part note-for-note. Wes really didn’t want to try to copy something that had originally happened so spontaneously, so, after I finally let go of my attachment to what he did on this live recording, he recorded a haunting new bass part for the studio version of this song.
“I miss you, Wes…”
–Ali Handal
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Thank you Wes
Performed March 15, 2006 at Berklee’s David Friend Recital Hall, Boston MA.
Featuring Danny Morris on piano and Wes Wehmiller 2006 scholarship recipient Will Snyder on Wes’ Tyler 5 string bass.
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No Answers
“Wes seemed to be quietly involved in so many interesting projects. This is one that many may not know about, but was by no means quiet. Dan Rockett and myself have been assembling a band and were lucky enough to have Wes play with us for about a year. It was during that time that we gradually learned of the amazing projects, activities, and stories of Wes. At every meeting or rehearsal there was always a new ‘Wes Gem’ unearthed. I’d like to unearth a demo from our project that has an unbelievable bass performance. We have decided that when we make our record, we are going to keep this bassline from the demo and track everything to it. Miss you buddy.”
–Dorian Heartsong (Tuesday, March 4th, 2008)
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Bite
“Wes wrote the music, Colin Keenan wrote the words – together, they defined I, Claudius. I liked their tune ‘Bite’ so much that I asked Wes and Colin if I could record a version of it for my album, and they agreed.
“On this version, Wes plays distorted rhythm bass guitar, while I play bass and execute his original bassline just about note for note, because it was so cool. Other players include Joe Travers on drums, Griff Peters on guitar, and Wes, Mike Keneally, Rick Musallam and Nick D’Virgilio on background vocals that were arranged by Wes.”
— Bryan Beller
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Bite Demo
Behold, the almighty original demo for the I, Claudius classic, “Bite.” Wes did the drum programming, bass, and extra distorted bass tracks, as well as layers of background vocals. Griff Peters played guitar, and Colin Keenan sang the lead.
Even the demo was heavy. You wouldn’t think of Wes as a songwriter, but he wrote over 30 songs for this band he considered little more than a fun joke on the audience and an opportunity to hang with friends.
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Wehmiller / Beller Duet
“Once I met Wes at Berklee College Of Music, I knew I wanted to do something musical with him, because he wasn’t just a special bassist, he was a special musician. But being a fellow bassist made it a challenge.
“So when it came time for my Senior Recital, I thought of what we could do together that would be unusual but still exciting, and we both settled on this except from Telemann’s Sonata #1, a classical duet played in “round” form – which, for the non-musicians reading this page, means we played the same exact part, but he just started after I did, which created a series of harmonies and counter-melodies that made the composition what it was. I started and then Wes comes in two bars later (Wes is the slightly darker tone). And, of course, he nailed it.
“This was recorded on November 6, 1992, in room 1A at Berklee College Of Music in Boston, MA. It’s one of many, many fond musical memories I have of him…”
— Bryan Beller
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Fly
“Hello friends and loved ones of Wes ~
“This is a song I wrote and recorded for Wes soon after his departure. Much love and guidance to his spirit.
“Peace,”
–Yogi
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Head in the Clouds
In a moment… in a daydream…
I’m amazed how far I can see…
From the top of the highest mountain
Twice as high as I’ve ever been
I really wanna stay there
Gonna find a way there
And keep my head in the clouds
I really wanna be thereI really really mean it…
I’m gonna keep my head in the clouds
Well this world gets so confusin’
Everything gets turned upside down
Seems you just can’t win for losin’
Because you keep getting smacked to the ground
I’m tired of being fed up
Gonna get the lead out
And keep my head in the clouds
I really wanna be there
I really really mean it
I’m gonna keep my head in the clouds
If I don’t get to know them
I guess I’ll have to show them
I’m gonna keep my head in the clouds
Don’t get fed up, get the lead out
It weighs you down… it weighs you down
Don’t get fed up… keep your head it…
It weighs you down
Don’t sweat… you can’t lose what you never had…
I’m gonna keep my head in the clouds…
–Keith England (10/19/02)
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Sugar Sugar
– from Danny Mo’s Family Reunion, 2009
“When preparing for my annual March show in Boston formerly titled “Danny Mo’s Jam”, and this past year renamed by Bass Department Chairman Rich Appleman as “Danny Mo’s Family Reunion” I was impressed with Justin’s skills as an arranger, his leadership while rehearsing, and ultimately performing. Along with his large ensemble, Justin energized the capacity crowd with some of the heaviest Gospel infused grooves I have ever experienced around Berklee. Justin displays tremendous musicianship on both the bass and piano. As the fourth recipient of this distinguished scholarship, I am honored and pleased to welcome Justin into this growing family of talented musicians.
“We will be performing together in Los Angles at Wesfest 5 in February 2010. On March 10, 2010 we will be at David Friend Recital Hall in Boston for “Danny Mo’s Family Reunion”. Hope to see many of you there as you are already on the guest list!
“Peace and groove,”
–Danny Mo (Thursday, August 6th, 2009)
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Answering Machine
“The Answering Machine for Apt. SJ8 at the Greenhouse Apartments in Boston, MA. circa 1991-92? Chris Tarry, Shawn Pierce and Wes ‘Whale-o-Rama’ Wehmiller. Hehe.. look what I found digging through my tapes.” : )
“Geez that was swingin’!.. Aww that was so much fun we gotta do another TAKE!”
— Chip Vayenas