Graham Whorley: Press

Charleston, South Carolina guitar virtuoso, Graham Whorley, often draws comparisons to Keller Williams, Warren Haynes, and Tim Reynolds for his tireless, family-man work ethic, and jaw-dropping finger stylings.


Raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Graham Whorley packed up his guitar, his dog, Leeroy, and a trash bag full of clothes 15 years ago to make his way onto Folly Beach, SC and into the Charleston music scene. Since then, Graham Whorley has quickly become a household name, drawing comparisons to Keller Williams, Warren Haynes, and Tim Reynolds for his tireless, family-man work ethic, jaw-dropping finger stylings on the guitar and genial Southern charm.


Whether performing solo, or with his three-piece band, The Graham Whorley Band (Will Ames on bass, Karl Anderson on drums,) Graham Whorley is constantly finding new ways to deliver world music that defies categorization under the blanket of rock, jazz, classical, and funk guitar built on seamless layers of harmonies and driven tribal beats. All of it, created live on stage.


Graham’s insightful and thought provoking songwriting touches on universal themes of life, love, and those hard-knock lessons learned along the way, something we all can relate to. Equally comfortable unplugged as with his array of pedals, beat machines, and sound effects. Whorley seems to effortlessly connect with his listeners and leaves a deep and lasting impression, leaving fans waiting for more.


The Graham Whorley Band is currently gathering their gear and is primed for their 2012, “Permission to Think” tour to promote Whorley’s new album throughout the Southeast with scheduled tour dates in North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. Graham Whorley and his band have shared the stage over the last several years with Tim Reynolds, Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root, New Riders of The Purple Sage, Lee Oskar of WAR, Members of The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Colonel Bruce Hampton, Brock Butler, Delbert McClinton, and most recently Whorley opened and closed the evening for Keller Williams at The Charleston Pour House.

“If you follow the music scene, then it is almost impossible not to have heard of Graham Whorley at some point. The Virginia transplant performs more than 250 shows a year, either with a band or as a solo acoustic artist, and his guitar virtuosity is well-known even outside the confines of the Lowcountry.” - Devon Grant of The Post & Courier

“A master with a loop pedal, he's able to blend percussive acoustic rhythms with building, exploratory leads, creating a fusion that's difficult to sit still to” - Stratton Lawrence of The Charleston City Paper

“Whorley creates an impressive range of string, percussion, and vocal affects. At his most ambitious, his layering guitar and vocal parts sound like a full trio at work.” - T. Ballard Lesemann of The Charleston City Paper

“Wherever he goes, he has a following,” - The Georgetown Times


With the December 2011 release of Graham Whorley’s sixth independently produced album, Permission to Think, and a new thirty minute documentary of the same name, produced by MPA Productions, now streaming for fans on YouTube, Graham Whorley is poised to make an indelible mark on the national scene and expand his Lowcountry roots. The new 14-track album features custom artwork from world renowned graffiti artist, Ishmael. Permission to Think challenges us to consider ways that break down walls, perceptions, and illusions that stop us from reaching our true potential. Throughout, Whorley speaks from experience and carries us along for an unforgettable musical ride ranging from the soul searching title track, “Permission to Think” to the experimental and lively, “UFO.” Whorley spent the last two years crafting the album in Virginia with longtime friend and engineer, Roger Reynolds on the mixing board, who recently joined Whorley to set up shop in Charleston. Graham took on the daunting prospect of composing all of the music, writing all the lyrics and playing all of the instruments on this new project while his three-piece band, The Graham Whorley Band, underwent a transformation due to touring conflicts with former GWB members. The result of Whorley’s hard work is a fresh, enticing notion of universal themes and timeless songs that beg to be heard again and again.

Graham Whorley - Permission To Think(Independent)CD Review



Graham Whorley was born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, but 15 years ago he packed his bags and set out for Charleston, SC. He made a beeline for the local music scene, and soon became a live attraction, either solo or with his three-piece band. "Permission To Think" is his third album of original songs.

Whorley sings and plays all the instruments, and although he's working from an indie Southern rock template, he never allows himself to get too close to his influences. The result is a style and sound that's truly difficult to pigeonhole, which is always a good thing. Americana, rock, folk, funk and spoken word are incorporated, and there's even a nod to the Dead's Bill Kreutzmann with a track simply entitled "Drums". He follows it with one called "Words" - I suspect he's not without a sense of humour, though quite possibly it's bone dry.

There are 14 tracks on "Permission To Think" and no shortage of fine songs. "The Gate" provides an early rush with its insistent groove and Whorley's fragile tone. "These Things" lives in a shack between Dr. John's southern mansion and Tom Waits' Sonoma County spread, and "No One Knows" presents great unknowns, as if read from a City Lights book of free verse. "UFO" is just as mysterious, but he saves his best for nearly last; "Devil's Beating His Wife Again", with it's lazy, languid rhythm, addictive vocal hook and psychedelic guitar coda is the one that `repeat' buttons were made for.

A New Film Invades Graham Whorley's Personal Space

WATCH THE FILM HERE!

When it comes time for most local musicians to raise a family, they often seek out a "real job." Playing late night gigs, touring for weeks at a time, and chasing dreams takes a backseat to the need for a steady paycheck.

"For Graham Whorley, it was the opposite," says filmmaker Adam Chase, who worked with MPA Productions co-owner Mandy Philips to produce Permission to Think: The Documentary. The film chronicles the recording of Whorley's new 14-song studio album of the same name. Chase says, "It was his wife and family that challenged and pushed him harder to not have to leave what he loves to do."

Chase and Philips spent eight months following Whorley and his family, compiling over 80 hours of footage that they condensed into the 30-minute film. The couple took on the Whorley project pro bono, seeing it as an avenue to grow their production business (they've since recorded videos for the Heavy Pets and Acoustic Syndicate).

"What really inspired us to want to make it was Graham's ability to support his family as a musician," Chase reiterates. It's an evident theme throughout the movie, as the cameras capture him playing and teaching songs to both his son and daughter or laughing with his wife, Keli, in their kitchen.

Early in the film, Whorley tells the story of his first gig, when at 14 he was forced to hide behind a stack of speakers while the club got raided. After moving to Folly Beach — penniless — he often played for small change and dinner, building his reputation as a strong solo performer.

The filmmakers also speak with a collection of notable locals about Whorley's influence, including artist Ishmael and the City Paper's own Ballard Lesemann.

"Graham Whorley was here when I started, and Graham Whorley will be here when I'm gone," says musician Cary Ann Hearst to the camera. "He's the Rock of Gibraltar of the Charleston music scene. He's deep down in there."

Initially planned as a for-sale DVD, the team eventually decided to release Permission to Think: The Documentary over the holidays for free via YouTube and Whorley's website (see below). They recently released Graham Whorley apps for iPhone and Android as well.

MPA plans to submit the project to film festivals in 2012, and Whorley recently signed on with Leeway's Home Grown Music Network to promote his album. He plans to tour the Southeast in March with his band, which includes bassist Will Ames and drummer Karl Anderson.

"It's a little more about my lifestyle, as opposed to what most people would think the rock 'n' roll lifestyle is," Whorley says of the film. "I wanted people to know me a little better on that level." —Stratton Lawrence

The Graham Whorley Band performs at the Pour House on Sat. March 3. Whorley performs solo at Juanita Greenberg's in Mt. Pleasant every Thursday at 6 p.m. Visit grahamwhorley.com for more.

Graham Whorley Issues New Tunes
The thinking man's music

Charleston singer, guitarist and songwriter Graham Whorley is giving fans an online peek at his forthcoming album Permission to Think. The new disc follows Live Loop Vol. 1, a live collection released earlier this year.

Whorley has also offered a free download of the song "Time" on his website, grahamwhorley.com. You can also download the song to your iPhone or Android with new mobile apps on the site. Whorley recorded the new 14-song album of originals in Lynchburg, Va., with longtime friend Roger Reynolds at the mixing board.

Two Decades of Folly Jams: Graham Whorley has Permission to Think

Graham Whorley loves Folly Beach. He’s a pioneer and a trailblazer of the music scene here on the island. When they write the book about music on Folly, there will be a whole chapter on him — talking to him is an education on where we are and why we are here.

The Graham Whorley Band includes Carl Anderson on drums and Will Ames on bass. The group has included several lineups along the way, with Herb Shirey spending ten years on bass until he retired.

This month will bring the release of Permission to Think, Whorley’s sixth album since moving to Charleston.

“It’s the best stuff I have ever done,” says the songwriter, who composed all of the music and lyrics and plays all the instruments. As he describes the sounds on the album, Whorley beams with pride and joy. He spent two years crafting the album with engineer Roger Reynolds, who recently followed Graham down from his childhood home in Virginia. As the success of the album grows, Whorley is planning an East Coast tour with the full band.

Twenty years ago, Graham found himself stuck in a small town in Virginia, knowing his talent and music deserved a better venue. On a bitterly cold and snowy day, he decided to follow his sister down to Charleston. She’d told stories of the great climate and cool culture. He discovered Folly Beach and fell in love, now considering the area his home.

Later, his sister lost a battle to ALS, which sparked his interest in raising money to fight the disease. A “Band Together” concert was recently held, raising $10,000 for the newly formed SC chapter of the ALS society. Whorley calls it a huge success and says it’ll be an annual event, citing the host of musician friends who donated their talents to the cause.

Graham is a family man, with a wife and two kids, and he does his best to separate music and family. “Music can consume and overwhelm you, and my family is too important for that,” he explains. Whorley encourages his kids to get involved in music, teaching them how to play and inviting them up on stage.

“I believe music is a great tool to help teach you to overcome life’s struggles,” says Whorley, whose children have spent their entire lives on the beach. “Folly is a great place to raise kids. There are plenty of things for the kids and the family to do.”

Sitting and talking to Graham is like hearing the timeline of Folly music. He tells of how Folly Beach was less traveled when he arrived. Hugo had just happened and the beach had a completely different look. There were a few hot spots to play music, but not nearly as many as there are today. A tight knit group of musicians existed, and they would cross Center Street to sit in with each other during breaks in their own shows. It was a very organic environment, which dictated the sound of the music, interesting and laid back.

Whorley began his Folly career by running the open jam night at Robinson Crusoe’s, and playing the Pelican on Monday nights, launching the Graham Whorley Band. “I remember, the crowd was so large, the fire marshal would shut down the Pelican nearly every time we played there,” he recalls. He remembers watching Everett Bigbee play, and his favorite band was Dunzip with Jesse Prichard and Hawke.

Whorley identifies with Jesse in the way the pair have survived for so long on Folly. “Folly has taken a slow gradual climb, which means it has deep, strong roots,” he says. “When I moved here, we were struggling to make a scene — now Folly bands are going national.”

He remembers the Sand Dollar always having great blues and rock music,
telling about a show where the “Sauce Boss” would perform while cooking Gumbo on stage, later serving it up to the crowd along with some tasty blues jams. The Chill & Grill gets credit for contributing to building the scene, and now Loggerhead’s is a great music venue, so “The future is bright.” “Whether you are born here or came here, this is a community with an interest in art and music and diversity, and it wants to keep growing in good ways,” says Whorley.

Whorley’s side projects include Stone Silicon, Gypsy Jazz with Will Austin, and a solo loop show. Stone Silicon is a ‘super-band’ consisting of Whorley, Louis D, Carl Anderson, and Jaime Crisp. It is a fun time when they all get together, which is rare considering they all have to juggle the schedule of their own bands to get a gig together. When it happens, it’s a special occasion, so clear the schedule and bring your boogie shoes.

You can see Graham Whorley on October 14th at the Brick House Kitchen, October 22 at Follypalooza, and October 26th at the locals party at the Blu. Make sure to get a copy of the new album Permission to Think.

Local songwriter Graham Whorley just released a feisty live disc titled Live Loop Vol 1. The 13-song collection is Whorley’s first professionally produced, entirely live album.

Live Loop Vol. 1 compiles some of the classics and new original songs from shows at various local venues, including the Pour House, Coast, the Glass Eye, Awendaw Green, Finz, Boone Hall, and Quigley’s (in Pawley’s Island). Copies are available online at grahamwhorley.com.

"Guitarist Graham Whorley is a long-time favorite on the Charleston jam scene. A master with a loop pedal, he's able to blend percussive acoustic rhythms with building, exploratory leads, creating a fusion that's difficult to sit still to."

"Wherever he goes, he has a following, and he constantly explores new ways to achieve his desired sound with his original experimental/funk/rock music."

"You just can't get that around here. The quality of the music and the capability of one person to produce anything from classical to rock and everything in between is amazing." -

Dave Nash- Pawley's Island,SC

"When you see someone that talented, you want people to enjoy it with you...Graham is one of the most talented musicians I've ever seen."
- Josh Quigley (owner of Quigley's Pint and Plate)

GRAHAM WHORLEY
"State Of Affairs"
(Independent)
(B+)

If you live in Charleston and follow the music scene, then it is almost impossible not to have heard of Graham Whorley at some point.

The Virginia transplant performs more than 250 shows a year, either with a band or as a solo acoustic artist, and his guitar virtuosity is well-known even outside the confines of the Lowcountry.

In much the same manner that Keller Williams made famous, Whorley uses looping pedals to create layer after layer of music when playing live.

On "State of Affairs," Whorley's new CD, the musician gives plenty of examples as to why he is so respected locally. From the Dave Matthews-esque "Lonesome Child," to a live version of "Cue" recorded at the Pour House, this CD will appeal to jam-band aficionados looking for some great guitar playing, or even casual-music listeners looking for something that gets their attention, yet at the same time doesn't beat them over the head with its intricacy.

Other choice tracks include "Sway" and the lengthy yet great instrumental "Diablo Senorita."

Grab the CD, but also make sure you get out to see Whorley live.

The Charleston City Paper
By Stratton Lawrence


Graham Whorley
"State of Affairs"
(independent)

There must be something in the air up in Virginia. Listen to nearly any 10-second clip from Cavalier-state export Graham Whorley's solo debut, and the comparisons to Va.-based loop guitarist Keller Williams are immediate. Despite his very similar sound, Whorley is able to hold his own, fortunately, placing staccato acoustic riffs over groovable, rhythmic layers to create a diverse album of jams and ballads. Opening track "Sway" repeatedly asks, "Tell me what it is to make you act that way?" as Whorley loops his vocals, effectively harmonizing with himself. Insightful, pressing lyrics like, "Do you hear the cries and fears?/God has been missing for years," (on "God's Playpen") give credence to Whorley's sometimes strained and distant-sounding voice. He places the ballads early on the album, then breaks out the slide on "CC My Playmate" to get the blood flowing. "Cue" is a live recording from the Pour House, beginning with an almost haunting, anticipatory bass walk that he complements with steel drum-like layered solos higher on his guitar's neck. By "Diablo Senorita," a song with a riff reminiscent of Phish's "First Tube," the album has picked up enough to get people off the couch and dancing. Title track "State of Affairs" closes the disc, utilizing audio clips from President Bush defending his disregard of the Geneva Convention ("Outrages upon human dignity? That's very vague."), with heavy drums and bass giving emphasis to the implications of those words. Whorley's done a good job here, utilizing samples and showing off his guitar and loop expertise to put together a polished, solid presentation of his solo capabilities. See www.grahamwhorley.com for more. —Stratton Lawrence

"For years, Charleston-based singer and electric/acoustic blues-rock guitarist
Graham Whorley has worked with various groups of musicians who understand his
soulful vibe and complex rock stylings. On the side, he's established himself as
a versatile solo live performer, too (his "loop shows" are a hoot)."

"Unbelievable solo! What a great guitarist. Some of these rifts are off the wall!"

"...one of Charleston's best, really good music and a great sound. Great original song writing and a must listen..."

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure taught us that anyone can have a successful garage band. But what does it take to cultivate staying power in the music scene?
Graham Whorley, who is part of the very definition of the Charleston music scene, shares some sage advice for Bill and ted's everywhere.
1. Be true to yourself. "It's so important for success in life. Don't go with the flow. Once you start doing what you want to do, then you can actually start playing music.
2. Take things in the music biz with a grain of salt.
3. Do what you can to make a difference. To do his part, Whorley has played a myriad of benefit shows and has also been registering people to vote at his shows.
4. Be prepared to be exposed to a world of weird and wacky. In his decade on the music scene, Whorley has seen cars drive through bars, police raids on bars during his set, and recently a buck naked patron used the bar as a slip and slide.
5. Never succomb to the wishes of drunken rednecks.