Lead Guitarist Clarence “Chet” Willis from The Ohio Players Releases “The C-Dub Project”
Clarence “Chet” Willis
Lead Guitarist for
The Legendary Ohio Players
Steps to the Forefront
with New CD Release
“The C-Dub Project”
Musicians Clarence “Chet” Willis and
Harry “HarryO” McLoud
Fuse Old School Sound for New School Appeal
Atlanta – As the lead guitarist for the Ohio Players, one of funk’s legendary bands, there is no argument that Clarence ‘Chet’ Willis
understands the technology of rhythm. Willis’ history spans over 30
years either playing, singing, writing and/or producing on gold and
platinum mega-hits like “Funky Worm,” “Rollercoaster,” “Honey,” “Skin Tight,” and “Fire!” The Ohio Players have long been lauded for laying the foundation for funk served sweet, sticky and soul-satisfying.
So when the notion hit him to join forces with his songwriting partner Harry “HarryO” McLoud and step out to create a sound of his own, “The C-Dub Project”
was born! Adding a new dimension to a legacy of musical mastery, “The
C-Dub Project” is an eclectic collection of refined funk that is
hypnotic, haunting and toe-tapping. Mesmerizing and tantalizing, Willis
and McLoud rock us to the next level with 12 ear-bending tracks that
wind rhythm around the spectrum of possibilities.
Clarence
originally started playing the guitar at an early age, being mainly
influenced by the sounds of late night radio broadcasts, attending
church with his family and the music he heard in his neighborhood by
aspiring musical talents like himself. Early on in his musical journey,
he started playing guitar for a local gospel group called The
Gospelteers. He remained with them for over a decade. While in high
school, he joined a band known as The Majestics. They recorded one
single as The Majestics and later changed their name to The Overnite Low
Show Band later evolving into the group SUN. In 1975, Clarence was
recruited to join The Ohio Players and was nicknamed “Chet.” He remains
with the Ohio Players to this day and still tours with the band.
As a young teenager in Dayton, Ohio, Harry saw The Beatles
perform on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and became smitten with the electric
guitar. He sought out his close friend Clarence Willis to teach him to
play. This began Harry’s career in the music business in a variety of
roles including, but not limited to guitarist/songwriter, road manager,
personal manager, local concert promoter and public relations
representative. Together Willis and McLoud have spent decades together
on the road and in the studio via the incarnations of several bands.
With
the “The C-Dub Project” they enchantingly blend elements of jazz, funk
and old school creating a dreamy laidback soundscape. The opening track
finds Willis on acoustic guitar and percussion teasing with a melodic
Latin-tinged rift entitled “Peek-A-Boo” before breaking out and breaking
down into “Someday Sundai,” a bass-heavy jam that hearkens the best of
the ’80’s old school funk sensibility. “Is There Something on Your
Mind?,” with its wistful refrain, washes over us like a warm summer
breeze offering promises of unrequited love with “Anything” flowing like
an ode to the ’70s with its comforting folksy appeal. “You Make Me
Feel Like Woo!” tilts and turns the beat while “BluLyte” recalls the
ambiance of blue light basement parties.
“This
is new music for the old school audience,” expresses Willis. “Cool,
smooth and groovin’ is how the music makes you feel. Whether you want to
get your dance on, chill out and relax, or go for a ride, we feel ‘The
C-Dub Project’ is right for all that and much more. And even though we
had the old school audience in mind, our music appeals to everyone
regardless of age.”
To get your “C-Dub” on, take a ride at http://www.thec-dubproject.com. “The C-Dub Project” may be for an old school audience, but it’s a new generation of sound!