TICKET WEST

Ticket West

Ticket West is about two brothers that, in their early years, were listening to blues recordings their dad made from the radio. In 1984 (they were 14 and 11 then), Dutch broadcasting company TROS recorded Jimmy Johnson and Billy Boy Arnold playing live at Nick Vollebregt’s jazz Café in Laren. Dad used this big tape deck with large reels that were spinning in the living room. For dad’s birthday, mom went out to a record store to buy him some blues records. She came home with two records, one by Albert King (King of the blues guitar) and another by Lightnin’ Hopkins. These records fired the interest of the older brother (thank you to whoever advised our late mom to buy these!) who was taking classical guitar lessons at that time. The records were spun over and over again and quickly he could sing all of Alberts solo’s by heart. He knew, there had to be a blues band someday.

The brothers had two friends (also brothers) who played drums and guitar. The older brother took up the bass and convinced his younger brother he could sing. A band was born. But after a few years of practicing and having fun, the band split up. The brothers started separate careers in music that went on for quite some years. However, they always had stuck to that feeling that they, as brothers, would someday reunite. And after more than 30 years, that day came. In the meantime, the older brother had switched to guitar and the younger to bass. Their interest in blues was now with the West coast style (William Clarke, Rod Piazza, James Harman) and they hooked up with singer and harmonica player Gerrit Ekkelenkamp to be replaced later by his mentee Harp Mitch after he moved to Portugal. Their first record “High Class Horse” which features Harp Mitch on vocals and harmonicas and Nathan James on guitar was released in 2020. 

For their second album “Cab driving man”, they went into the studio with a variety of befriended musicians. While the first album was firmly rooted in the West coast style, their second also has a Chicago blues (Magic Sam, Elmore James, Eddy Taylor) touch to it. But still, modern West coast blues (Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Christ fast, Junior Watson) is not far away. In 2020, the first tracks of this new album were released, full release took place in 2021. The album receives positive reviews*.

Its successor, “49 Park St. Blues”, is released in 2022 and is an album with original tracks about old and new love, getting older and death. This record incorporates additional blues influences (The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmy Johnson) compared to their former. Several musicians contributed to this record: Laura Kits and Arjen Veldman added vocals, Bas Kleine played harmonica, Wouter Schueler played saxophones and Roel Spanjers returned on keys. The first single “I did you wrong” was released in January 2022, followed by “Good woman” in March. This album also receives positive reviews**.

In 2022, the brothers also hit the studio with Greg Izor. This American singer/harp player is “That all- too-rare total package – a creative vocalist, harp player, songwriter and showman” (Living Blues Magazine) and played with Anson Funderburgh, Pinetop Perkins, Gary Primich, Mike Keller, Johnny Moeller en Nick Curran. The result is an EP “Chucufu” with songs by Greg, played by Greg with Ticket West and drummer Peter ten Wolde. Again, reviews were positive***.

Their fifth album “All is well” was released in August 2023. On this album, Paul Bond added keys, Bas Kleine harmonica and Kees van Herk drums/percussion. All songs on this album are originals, blending the different styles that were explored on its predecessors. Singles “Head over heels”, “Carry my name” and “Downtime” were released earlier. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered in the Vuurland Studio in Utrecht, the Netherlands by Ernst Grevink (aka Erny Green).****

Recordings for their sixth album “Give me that thrill” were also done in the Vuurland Studio in Utrecht. It was released in 2024. This time, Greg Izor produced the album and also added harmonica and guitar parts. Paolo de Stigter played drums, Bas Kleine harmonica and Roel Spanjers added keys. The album was mixed and mastered by Greg Izor and Javi Suarez at Tape Geeks in Madrid, Spain. One single, “Every day”, was released and the album only had a limited edition of 100 copies. *****

In 2026, Ticket West recorded their seventh album on location in Theater Fazant (Deventer, the Netherlands) with producer Martin van de Vrugt. The album is entitled “Eastward Bound – The Pheasant Sessions.” Peter ten Wolde plays drums, Jeroen Sweers piano, Martijn van Toor saxophone and again Bas Kleine harmonica. The full album will be released in the fall of 2026, a first single in June.

Greg Izor about the album: “I’m impressed!”

Ticket West is about the brothers doing what they like most while not being bothered by the need to become rich and famous. Just composing, recording, and gigging with friends and doing this to the best of their abilities while keeping their blues alive after all these years.

For information and bookings: 
Pascal Wilhelm +31 (0) 651575740 / walter@fortheroad.nl

If you would like to purchase any of our releases, please send an email to the address above.

*Reviews “Cab Driving Man”

“Unbelievable that this fine bluesband is mostly unknown in Belgium. After listening to this album that must urgently change.” (Rootsville, May 2021)

“A boost in these dark [COVID -19] days is “Cab Driving Man” by Ticket West, the new release by brothers Pascal and Walter Wilhelm. An album with great originals and covers. Their blues, shuffle and swing will certainly help you cope with all the pain and constraints.” (Rootstime, May 2021)

“The musical interplay is their strong suit. Ticket West takes its time and that works to their advantage, just like the variation in different blues styles they play.” (Gitarist, May 2021) 

**Reviews “49 Park St. Blues”

“A fine blues record” (Written in Music, 2022)

“If you’re a fan of Albert King’s Stax days and New Orleans music, this is a record for you” (De
Gitarist, 2022)

“With “49 Park St. Blues” the brothers Wilhelm take a next step, deliberately colouring outside the lines” (Rootstime.be, 2022)

***Reviews “Chucufu”

“With the excellent accompaniment of Ticket West, a credible, spontaneous musical evocation is created on this ep.” (Written In Music, May 2023).

“The album introduces a new band and it would be great if this outfit becomes a permanent one. The album with 8 songs is really enjoyable!” (De Muziekplank)

“For me, the collaboration between the Wilhelm brothers and Greg Izor does not have to be a one-off. After “Chucufu” I am already looking forward to a next album by Ticket West & Greg Izor.” (8/10 Concertmonkey) 

**** Reviews “All is Well”

“All is well” is a collection of catchy songs and the next step in the band’s development. This time, they relied on their own skills and the result is a good one.” (Bluestownmusic.nl)

“If I would rate the album, if would give 5/5, most certainly.” (Bluesbreeker.nl).

“Nice work by Ticket West.” (Written in Music, November 2024)

“Kudos for Pascal and Walter Wilhelm who, again, succeed in raising Dutch blues to a higher standard with their version of the blues.” (Blues Magazine.nl)

*****Reviews “Give me that thrill”

“Thanks to the personal lyrics, the relaxed performances, and the craftsmanship of everyone involved, Ticket West delivers a mature, heartfelt, and above all honest blues album.” (Blues Magazine.nl)

“The result is an album that is quite intimate and personal. Pascal’s atypical blues voice is right upfront in the mix telling stories about love, divorce, and family issues. The arrangements are sophisticated and smooth, resulting in a relaxed album typical of Izor’s style of arranging, recording and producing.” (Bluestownmusic.nl)