The Wills Fargo story began in early 2007 when vocalist/guitarist Ian Slater and bassist Dave Bronze decided it was time to act on a long discussed idea to put together a band with a difference. The brief was simple; it had to be rootsy, it had to be musically interesting, but most of all - it had to be fun! A mutual interest in Western Swing seemed to point the way.
The natural choice of co-vocalist was Heather Simmons, whose early 20th century jazz influences were a perfect compliment to the mix. After a period of time compiling and rehearsing songs, drummer Andy Peek was invited along and immediately accepted an invitation to join. After a long search violinist Mike Piggott and multi-instrumentalist Martin Wheatley were added to the line-up, followed soon after by guitarist Marty Donald.
In December 2007 the band performed it's first gig in a small Essex pub before a few dozen people to a rapturous response. The Wills Fargo story has just begun.................
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