Rock singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Willie Nile has been releasing albums since 1980, but he has been particularly prolific over the last two decades when he has issued the lion’s share of his notable CDs. Live at Daryl’s House Club, his fifth live album, released on April 12, 2024, preserves an impassioned 2022 performance at a venue in Pawling, N.Y., about 70 miles north of New York City.
Nile’s instantly recognizable voice conveys urgency throughout the set, which features his guitar and piano work and a tightly knit backup trio that includes a lead guitarist, a drummer and a bassist. Nile’s self-penned and co-written material includes a fair number of socio-political tunes, among them “Black Magic and White Lies,” which suggests that “the world is in an uproar, and it’s headed for a fall.” Other topical tracks include “Earth Blues,” which references climate change, and “Wake Up, America,” which previously appeared as a studio-recorded single with guest vocalist Steve Earle.
The show features songs from throughout Nile’s career, among them such relatively recent compositions as “New York at Night” and “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” Also in the setlist are 2009’s “House of a Thousand Guitars” (not the Springsteen song, and Nile had the title first); “Places I Have Never Been,” the rousing title track from a 1991 LP; and 1981’s “Shoulders,” the only ballad in a program that’s otherwise as hard-rocking as the Ramones, a group whose work Nile has covered.
Related: Our review of a 2024 Bruce Springsteen show with the E Street Band
You’ll find Nile’s new live album—and many of his other releases—available in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here.
A top editor at leading consumer and trade magazines for more than 40 years, Jeff has interviewed dozens of musical luminaries, including Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt, Roger McGuinn, John Sebastian, Wolfman Jack, Tommy James, Tom Waits, the Righteous Brothers, and the members of Steely Dan.
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Jump into a conversationWillie Nile Deserves to be heard by alot more folks. A man who plays from the heart
I came to know Willie Nile 1st from album called ARCHIVE ALIVE w/ great songs [Sing Me a Song/Hide your Love/It’s All Over/Dear Lord] and then Positively Bob: Willie sings Dylan [5 faves on that one!], then American Ride [2 songs] and House of 1k Guitars..recommend folks seek out his music, esp his live rockin’ intense stuff! He rocks out & writes good songs!