Monday, Oct. 29, 2007

Wine Wayman and Song

Drink up, Tri-City residents, and soak in the jazzy sounds of worldly traveler Wayman Chapman.

The talented guitarist is no stranger to the music scene. At the ripe ol' age of 55, Chapman has been around the block and then some, with an extensive musical career.

Growing up in Yakima, Chapman began playing the guitar at the age of nine and the rest is a history worth mentioning. In 1971 he moved to California where he performed recording sessions at Ike & Tina Turner's studio as well as the Jackson family studio. He was also a part of the group "The Bus Boys" who had a part in Eddie Murphy's movie "48 Hours."

Between 1986-88 his group "Pressure Point" were finalists on Star Search, opening The Las Vegas Hilton. Afterwards, he joined "Mojo Six" who were selected to perform at Hong Kong's Grand Hyatt. After three years and a massive case of homesickness, he decided to come back to Yakima.

"I've never been to New York, but I have a feeling that being in Hong Kong is the closest you could get," Chapman said. "I missed driving. You can't drive anywhere over there!"

In 2006, he was again hired to put together a 6-piece band to perform at the Grand Hyatt. While there, he composed music for the famous Hong Kong singer Alex To. After one year, Chapman returned to Yakima once more and plans on staying put for a while. But that doesn't mean he's stopping his musical milestones. In fact, he's getting closer to a Grammy.

Grammy winner Larry Knechtel, that is. Meeting Knechtel a couple years back, they have been doing gigs together ever since. Knechtel won a Grammy for his composition on the keyboard in Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water. Settling down in Yakima, he met Chapman and the two just clicked.

Knechtel is currently on tour with the Dixie Chicks who are opening for the Eagles, but will come back afterwards to perform with Chapman. Meanwhile, you can catch Chapman at Bookwalter Winery every other Thursday this winter from 6-9 p.m. Chapman also plays at other various wineries and private parties.

In 2000, Chapman released his first CD "Thought Crimes" that consisted of original work except "Mustang Sally" and "Pink Cadillac." Before he left for Hong Kong he released his second album "Wine Wayman and Song" with all of his new material.

Wine Wayman and Song is a sensual album full of soulful riffs. With nimble fingers, Chapman executes each song with ease. His voluptuous voice is captivating, able to fluctuate from deep, to even deeper. Watching him perform live is a real treat. His renditions of classics by the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and ZZ Top, have a certain blues twist, giving the songs a sophisticated twist.

Whatever Chapman chooses to do, he never seems to be without a friend. Polite, gracious, and unbelievably humble, the jazzy blues musician has almost come full-circle in his career. Or maybe he is just getting started...

For more information, check out www.waymanchapman.com. To see listings of upcoming shows at Bookwalter, go to http://www.bookwalterwines.com/bookwalter.