Bob Wagner has been one of the Northeast’s most sought-after guitar slingers for over fifteen years, lending his leads to the likes of Josh Panda and Kat Wright’s retro soul unit. Now he steps forward under his own name with the announcement of his debut solo album ‘I’ve Been Down,’ due June 12 via RPF Records/Royal Potato Family, and the release of opening track and first single “Sad and Lonesome” today.
Wagner explains the moment plainly: “A pretty regular thing that happens at shows is I end up doing a song or two on lead during the night. After the gigs, people were always coming up to me asking where they could see my band.” ‘I’ve Been Down’ is the answer to that question, a ten-track collection recorded at The Studio Nashville, home to sessions by The Wood Brothers, Seth Walker, and Steve Poltz.
The album carries serious company. Laur Joamets, Sturgill Simpson’s Telecaster-playing fireball, dropped by to add guitar to three tracks, including a swaggering solo on “Sad and Lonesome.” Oliver Wood and Jano Rix of The Wood Brothers were also enlisted, bringing Nashville magic to sessions that reflect Wagner’s storytelling roots while drawing on the spirit of his heroes.
“Sad and Lonesome” opens the record with Wagner crooning like a broken-hearted cowboy over a dose of psychedelicized country funk, more Memphis than Bakersfield. It is a confident and fully realized introduction from a musician who has earned every note on stages across the world. Wagner is currently on the road as one of two guitarists with Phish bassist Mike Gordon’s solo band throughout March.
‘I’ve Been Down’ Track Listing:
- “Sad and Lonesome”
- “Good Night and Good Luck”
- “Richest Man On Earth”
- “Universe Is Calling”
- “I’ve Been Down” (featuring Oliver Wood)
- “Jesus, Coffee Etc.”
- “Dear Depression”
- “Daniel”
- “Duende”
- “Fly Away”
Bob Wagner On Tour With Mike Gordon:
Mar 13 – Woodstock, NY @ Bearsville Theater
Mar 14 – Asbury Park, NJ @ The Stone Pony
Mar 15 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
Mar 17 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
Mar 19 – Charlotte, NC @ Neighbourhood Theatre
Mar 20 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl
Mar 21 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
Mar 22 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Music Hall
Mar 24 – Washington, DC @ Lincoln Theatre
Mar 26 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
Mar 27 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
Mar 28 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre
Mar 29 – Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
Mar 30 – Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground